Cycling: Actually, everyone expected a mass sprint today. But it was to be very different. This is how things got down to business on the more than 200-kilometre-long flat section, also in the overall standings. Finally, Philippe Gilbert (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) won his second stage at this year's Vuelta a Espana at an incredible 50,63 km/h.
Not a flat stage like any other
One day after the second and last rest day of the Vuelta a Espana 2019, the drivers could have held back on the 17th stage. But the 219,6-kilometer course from Aranda de Duero to Guadalajara was used for a tough elimination race. The longest stage of the tour was made for a mass sprint without a single climb – but it turned out very differently. Early in the race, a breakaway group of 35 managed to pull away on a wind crest. There were also some top sprinters Nairo Quintana (Movistar). So the group also got a certain explosiveness in terms of overall ranking. While Jumbo - Visma was initially able to do the tracking work behind them, the leaders left Primois Roglic gradually the helpers out.
Gilbert cheers again, Quintana advances
With a lead of more than five minutes, the fragmented escape group reached the finish line in front of the peloton. But even the peloton was no longer really recognizable as such. Only a few drivers remained. Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) came along with me Alejandro Valverde (movistar), Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) and Tadej pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) at the destination. So could himself Nairo Quintana improve from sixth to second place in the overall standings. The again strong team Deceuninck - Quick-Step did not let the day's win be taken away. After an attack by Zdenek Stybar tried it Sam Bennett (Bora – hansgrohe), but finally sprinted Philip Gilbert passed him and celebrated his second stage win at this year's Vuelta a Espana. Third was teammate Remi Cavagna.