Junior Lecerf remains the highest-ranked Belgian rider.
Gianmarco Garofoli spent a strong day at the front of the race, after joining the breakaway for the fourth time since the start of the year’s final Grand Tour. One of the most combative riders of La Vuelta, the 22-year-old Italian forged clear in the opening kilometers of this leg-sapping stage that featured three ranked ascents and over 4000 kilometers of climbing, and together with his 24 breakaway companions ensured a five-minute advantage over the peloton.
On Puerto de San Llaurenziu, a lung-busting 10km climb where the average gradient reached 8.6%, T-Rex Quick-Step’s rider rolled the dice and attacked five kilometers from the top, gaining some ground before the others reacted. Seven men then joined him before the top and this newly-formed group remained as one until the early slopes of La Farrapona, the decisive ascent of the day.
An attack of Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates) splintered the move and left the Spaniard alone in the lead, while behind Garofoli gave his best to keep a healthy margin over the bunch, but the excruciating gradients of the climb didn’t play into his favour and he was eventually reeled in.
The Italian – who racked up a total of 500 breakaway kilometers in the two weeks that have passed since the start of the race – still concluded the day as the best-placed T-Rex Quick-Step rider, while teammate Junior Lecerf cemented his position in the top 15 with one stage to go before the second rest day.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
