MONFORTE DE LEMOS (Spain) - Danish rider Mads Pedersen dominated Sunday's 15th stage of the Vuelta, confirming his role as the fastest man of the day in the final spurt of the leading group. It was the first victory for the former world champion at this year's 80th edition of the famous race.
The stage from Lugo to Monforte de Lemos was over 180 kilometres long and offered a profile suitable for a breakaway. It formed relatively early and featured several riders who had no ambitions in the overall standings. Therefore, the favourites for the red jersey stayed behind and did not push the pace in the main field. The escapees thus built up a decisive lead, which they maintained to the finish.
Pedersen, known for his speed and resilience in the difficult stages, handled the competition without much trouble in the end. He left his rivals behind in the home straight and was able to celebrate another great success for his career collection. "It was a tough day, but I like stages like this. The team did a great job and I'm happy to finish with a win," said the Dane after the finish.
Nothing major has changed at the top of the overall standings. The favourites, including Slovenia's Primoz Roglic and Spain's Enrico Mas, arrived more than ten minutes behind and used the day to save their strength. Another Dane, two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard, safely retained the leader's red jersey and looks in great shape ahead of Monday's day off.
The Vuelta will now offer riders a well-deserved rest before the peloton heads into the final week, where decisive mountain stages await. These will most likely determine whether Vingegaard will confirm his dominance or whether the competition will return to the battle for the overall lead.
gnews.cz - GH
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