Following a strong day in the mountains, the Belgian is now in contention for the prestigious KOM jersey.
Louis Vervaeke did a great race Thursday afternoon, as the peloton visited Andorra for a stage that culminated atop Pal, a 9.6km climb averaging 6.3% which returned at the race for the first time in 15 years.
T-Rex Quick-Step was on a mission on this demanding stage six, which came just twenty-four hours after the team time trial that reshuffled the general classification, sending both Gianmarco Garofoli and Louis Vervaeke in the twelve-man breakaway that formed after just twenty kilometers. Not bothered by the nagging rain, the group went on to build a comfortable six-minute advantage over the peloton, a big contribution to this coming from our riders, who did a great effort on the climbs.
At the same time, Vervaeke began picking up points on the climbs, including the first-category Collada de Toses, over whose top he led the group, and this ended up bringing him in the fight for the KOM jersey. On the last ascent, where Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) rode to victory, the 31-year-old Belgian began paying for his efforts, but didn’t give up and continued pushing all the way to the line, where he finished seventh. It was Louis’ best ever result at the Vuelta, one that elevated him to fourth place overall and also helped the T-Rex Quick-Step climber move to second in the mountain classification.
“We were really committed to working together and opening a gap, and this helped us stay away. I was lucky to have Gianmarco there, who was of great help. My main goal was the climber’s jersey and I gave everything out there for this, taking points wherever possible. I had a good day, but I began suffering on the last ascent, and in the end, I missed out on taking it for just one point. It’s a bit frustrating, but despite this, I am content with my effort and I am determined to try again, as the Vuelta is still long”, Louis said after the stage.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
