cycling: Vuelta a Espana stage #9: David De La Cruz with a double strike

Cycling: David De La Cruz (Etixx-Quick Step) celebrated the biggest success of his career today. Not only did he win stage 9, but he also captured the overall leader's red jersey. De La Cruz belonged to a group of twelve, from which he and Dries Devenyns (IAM) broke away and prevailed on the final climb. Nothing happened under the favorites.

Thomas De Gendt grabs the mountain jersey

The 9th stage of the Vuelta a Espana led from Cistierna to Oviedo over 164,5 km. First of all, four mountain classifications have to be overcome before the final ascent Alto del Naranco should go up. Twelve drivers were able to break away early on: Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana), Dylan Teuns (BMC), Alexandre Geniez (FDJ), Jan Bakelants and François Bidard (both Ag2r), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal), David De La Cruz ( Etixx-Quick Step), Moreno Moser (Cannondale), Bartosz Huzarski (Bora-Argon 18), Pello Bilbao (Caja Rural), Mathias Frank and Dries Devenyns (both IAM). Just 2:46 behind overall leader Nairo Quintana (Movistar), De La Cruz was the most dangerous man overall. That didn't seem to bother the Movistar team too much, however, because the group was left out for several minutes and therefore went into the final climb with a fairly large lead. Before that, however, Alexandre Geniez and Thomas De Gendt dueled for the points for the mountain jersey. The Belgian proved to be the stronger driver of the two. He takes the lead in the mountain classification.

David De La Cruz celebrates his greatest success

On the last uphill kilometers, Dries Devenyns and David De La Cruz pulled away from their competitors. Although they tried to catch up again, they were neither in agreement nor did they seem to be stronger than the two leaders. While De La Cruz mainly fought for the red jersey, Devenyns actually wanted to snatch the stage win. But when De La Cruz finally attacked in the last 700 meters, Devenyns could no longer follow. It was difficult for the spectators to tell whether the Belgian misfired at that very moment, or whether he simply couldn't go on and the tank was simply empty. Either way - De La Cruz finally secured the stage victory in a sovereign manner and waited anxiously for Nairo Quintana at the finish. Since the Colombian finished 2:56 minutes behind, David De La Cruz was able to celebrate twice: stage win and red jersey. There were no attacks among the favorites.

Vuelta a Espana Stage #9 – The daily standings:

Vuelta a Espana Stage #9 – Overall standings: