Cycling: Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) has struck again. The Belgian was the strongest of a larger group. In the sprint, he beat Jarlinson Pantano (Trek-Segafredo) and ahead of local hero Ivan Garcia Cortina (Bahrain-Merida). The favorites crossed the finish line together, a long way behind.
Fear of the Alto de l'Angliru
The fear of the Alto de l'Angliru could already be felt today. Except for Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo), none of the favorites wanted to come out of cover. Chris Froome (Sky), Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) and co. saved their grains for the difficult mountain stage tomorrow. Alberto Contador's attack was thwarted in the last flat kilometers by Team Sunweb in particular. Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) didn't want to give up a second of his lead over the Spaniard.
The Spaniards must remain patient
Otherwise, the favorites stayed calm throughout the day. So it happened as it had to happen: A large breakaway group arrived first at the finish in Gijón with a lead of more than 12 minutes. Ivan Garcia Cortina (Bahrain-Merida) was born there almost 22 years ago. But he just missed the domestic stage win today. Since a Belgian, Thomas De Gendt, was able to prevail, the Spaniards are still waiting for their first success at the Vuelta a España 2017. Will that happen tomorrow? Up to the Alto de l'Angliru that would have to be a climber à la Contador ...
