Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step) consolidated his red jersey as leader of the Tour of Spain by winning the 18th stage, which ended at the top of the Alto de Piornal. The Belgian now has a 2’07” lead over his overall runner-up Enric Mas, 2nd on the line at 2”, with another 3 stages on the menu.
The two men towed the group of favorites on the final climb, at the end of a crazy stage marked by numerous attacks, whether in the breakaway or in the group of candidates for the general classification. They swallowed the Dutch veteran Robert Gesink (3rd on the stage) a few hectometres from the finish.
Two Swiss at the forefront
Remco Evenepoel (22) easily made the difference in the sprint to clinch his 2nd stage success in this Vuelta and rush towards his 1st coronation in a Grand Tour. He took 6 more seconds from Enric Mas, who has not yet given up with a big mountain stage remaining on Saturday.
On the Swiss side, Gino Mäder and Sébastien Reichenbach were both present at the forefront on Thursday. The Bernese, 11th in Wednesday’s stage, finished 12th 26” from Remco Evenepoel. He gains 4 ranks overall to find himself 20th. The Valaisan meanwhile finished 19th in the stage at 2’14”.
ats/alt
