Cycling: Tim Wellens (Lotto – Soudal) repeated his stage win in Alcalá de Los Gazules. As in the previous year, the Belgian was fastest up the ramp to Alcalá de Los Gazules. He also takes the overall lead at the Ruta del Sol.
Wellens leaves everyone standing with ease
Tim Wellens (Lotto – Soudal) has won the opening stage of the Ruta del Sol. The sprinters had nothing to gain at the start of the Tour of Andalusia. And even the escapees ultimately had no chance. It is true that the lower-class Spanish teams shaped the race, but above all Astana and Mitchelton - Scott left no doubt that the stage win would be decided in a showdown. In the end, however, these two teams were not allowed to celebrate either. Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) and Ion Izaguirre (Astana) were beaten by five seconds as well as Jack Haig (Mitchelton-Scott). Tim Wellens ignited the turbo on the 1.200-meter-long final ramp just before the last left-hand bend - and was unstoppable.
Can Wellens repeat his overall victory?
Already won the year before Tim Wellens not only the overall ranking of the Ruta del Sol, but also the stage to Alcalá de Los Gazules. The ramp in front of the gates of the cork oak nature park Los Alcornocales seems to suit the Belgian. But of course he is not yet sure of the overall victory. Over the next four days, the pros will continue to travel through southern Spain before reaching their destination in Alhaurín de la Torre on Sunday. The individual time trial on Friday could be decisive, but the mountain stage to Granada on Saturday will also have an impact on the outcome.
hat, @Tim_Wellens
What a finish 💪 #65RdS pic.twitter.com/b2rm88JHWe
- Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 20. February 2019