Cycling: Winner Anacona (Movistar) has won the queen stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. The Colombian was able to get ahead of his two compatriots César Paredes (Medellín) and Cristian Montoya (Medellín) up the Alto Colorado and take the overall lead. The Austrian Felix Großschartner (Bora – hansgrohe) improved to fifth place.
Winner Anacona wins battle between Movistar and Medellín
The Alto Colorado should bring the decision at the Vuelta a San Juan. Not only on the fifth stage, but also in the overall standings. But one after the other: First, a 14-strong group was able to break away from the peloton and save a few minutes' lead up to the final climb. But the Movistar team had their eye on the stage win and made sure they caught up in a controlled manner. Finally, the Colombian continued Winner Anacona (Movistar) in the field of favorites the first attack, which should be the decisive one. Only his two compatriots Cesar Paredes (Medellin) and Christian Montoya (Medellín) could follow. Together, the trio took the lead in the race with five kilometers to go and were supposed to decide the stage win among themselves. After a double attack by his companions, Winner Anscona prevailed in the sprint for the day's victory - and at the same time took the lead in the overall standings.
Alaphilippe loses overall lead to Winner Anacona
No other jerseys were initially visible behind the trio either. Richard Carapaz (Movistar) secured for himself Oscar Seville (Medellín) Fourth place. The previous overall leader and two-time stage winner should be very disappointed with the result Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick Step). The Frenchman was unable to keep up with the attacks and is now in second place. The Austrian improved to fifth place Felix Grossschartner (Bora – hansgrohe).
Winner Anacona:
"I hadn't celebrated for four years. That was a very important moment for me today. One of my big goals in 2019 was to win a stage. I like working for my teammates but it was a big challenge for me and now it gives me the morale to keep developing. It was the day we had to seize. The only mountain finish at high altitude also offered us our last chance. I felt very good, although it was very hard in the last kilometers. The climb isn't that steep, but the wind was a crucial factor. Luckily I had the best legs.”
EN VIDEO: 1-2-3 Colombian in the stage reina de la Vuelta in San Juan. 1° Winner Anacona, 2° Cesar Paredes 3° Cristhian Montoya. Anacona es nuevo líder de la carrera 🇨🇴🚴♂️ pic.twitter.com/mt7yBTgMRo
- Colombian Cycling (@ColCiclismo) February 1rd 2019