The Belgian sits in the top 20 overall going into the first rest day.
Estacion de Esqui de Valdezcaray returned for the first time since 2012, when our team came close to victory with Tony Martin, who finished second after an impressive day in the break. This time, the outcome was completely different, as the GC men set their eyes on the prize, and as consequence, their teams made sure of catching the small breakaway that animated the stage.
The race came to life with around 11 kilometers to go, on the steepest part of the climb, where a ferocious pace pushed at the front of the peloton split it into small groups, all fighting to gain time or limit the losses. At the front, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma – Lease a Bike) soloed to victory, Behind, Junior Lecerf dug deep to remain in the first chasing group, and once again impressed with his determination and effort, unfazed by the heavy rain on the last climb. For the second day in a row, the 22-year-old Czech Tour winner was the first T-Rex Quick-Step rider home, and gained another place on the general classification.
On Monday, the bunch will enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Pamplona, the former capital of the Kingdom of Navarre, before resuming the race with a stage to Larra Belagua, where this edition’s sixth uphill finish awaits.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
