Cycling: Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) won the start of the Ruta del Sol. The Dane was able to pull away together with Mikel Landa (Bahrain - McLaren) and finally beat the Spaniard clearly in the uphill sprint. This means that last year's winner takes over the role of leader again.
Strong second division officers on the offensive
At the start of the 66th Ruta del Sol, the puncheurs fought at the foot of the Sierra del Pinar mountains. After 173,8 kilometers from Alhaurín de la Torre to Grazalema, the favorites should be able to prevail. Although the breakaways kept things exciting across five climbs, in the end it was the big teams that took over the race. Movistar and Astana in particular tried to catch the fugitives and enable their professionals to win a stage. This project was not so easy, however, since the second division officers in particular knew how to stage new attacks again and again.
Fuglsang and Landa ensure a preliminary decision
Around eleven kilometers before the finish, the decisive attack came – for this stage and maybe even for the entire tour. An attack by Mikel Landa (Bahrain – Merida) followed last year's winner Jakob Fuglsang (Astana). Together they were able to extend their lead over the Puerto de las Palomas and finally decided to win the day among themselves. In the last climb up to Grazalema - after all, 8,6 percent steep and over 800 meters long - the Spaniard finally had to let the Dane go. Thus, the triumphant from the previous year immediately takes over the leading position at the Ruta del Sol.
¡Fuglsang! ¡Fuglsang! Qué final, qué remate, el campeon actual defiende su título y le ganó a Landa ¡FELICITACIONES! Revive su triunfo.
EN VIVO 🖥 👉 https://t.co/CEQhFlSUo1#ElMundoRuedaXSeñal pic.twitter.com/dHlmyJjfCP
— Senal Deportes (@SenalDeportes) February 19, 2020
Fuglsang wants to defend his title
The Ruta del Sol has a long and exciting history. The Spanish stage race - also known as the Tour of Andalusia - was launched in 1925. However, after the victory of the Spaniard Ricardo Montero, it was necessary to wait until 1955 before the second edition was organised. In 1964, Rudi Altig was the first foreign professional to win the Ruta del Sol. In the decades that followed, his compatriots Dietrich Thurau, Rolf Gölz and Erik Zabel were also allowed to enter the list of winners. In addition, Freddy Maertens, Óscar Freire and Chris Froome, among others, were successful. The record winner is Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) with five titles. Last year won Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) the Ruta del Sol. With the number 1 on his back, the Dane will try to come out on top again this season.