There was nowhere to hide from the elements for the day’s five-man breakaway, but it was worth it in the end for Cannondale’s Daniele Ratto (left), who took only his second professional victory.
Image: Vuelta website
On a day when heavy rain and cold made an already torturous stage even more unbearable, and forcing the withdrawal of his team leader Ivan Basso, Daniele Ratto shrugged off everything and everyone to ride alone, undaunted and unchallenged to the summit of the Collada de la Gallina and claim a maiden grand tour stage, his first win of the season and only the second of career. Meanwhile Vincenzo Nibali again displayed his ability in poor conditions, consolidating his overall lead.
The Vuelta a Espana is dipping its toe into Andorra, home to Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) who originally hails from Catalonia (Barcelona). I understand Andorran cooking is similar to Catalan but with influences from both France and, surprisingly, Italy. Continue reading