Primož Roglič (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) was just 5″ behind race leader Ben O’Connor before the start in Logroño and is now 1’54” ahead after the finish on the Alto de Moncalvillo. Primož Roglič won the 19th stage of the Vuelta and rode confidently into the red jersey.
After winning stages 4 and 8, Primož Roglič celebrates his third stage win in this year’s Vuelta with today’s success. Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe left no doubt about their ambitions throughout the day. Patrick Gamper and Nico Denz spent much of the day at the front of the peloton, controlling the breakaway. Just in time for the final climb the peloton was complete again and Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe entered the Alto de Moncalvillo with five riders in front. The team dictated the pace from the start of the climb and the group quickly shrank to less than 20 riders.
With six kilometres to go, the race came to a decisive moment: Dani Martinez and Aleks Vlasov accelerated ahead of Roglič – behind Roglič Florian Lipowitz left a gap that the other favourites could not immediately close. The train around Martinez, Vlasov and Roglič pulled away at high speed. In the style of a team time trial, the trio opened up a 30-second gap. By the 5km mark, the team had worked so well that Roglič was able to complete ‘Mission Red’ solo. Just in time for the final weekend, he took the red leader’s jersey – for the 40th time in his career.
Primož Roglič said, I’m happy, I’m happy with the way I’m working and I’m definitely happy with the guys. It’s nice to be leading now, but we’re not done yet. Tomorrow is the queen stage and it will definitely be super hard, and the final day in Madrid will also be decisive with the time trial.
Watch Stage 19 of La Vuelta a Espana
Photo – © SprintCycling
