2022 season, Grand Tours, Vuelta a España

Vuelta a Espana 2022 : Stage 13 – Mads finally takes his stage

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I have ALL THE LOVE for stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espana for three very good reasons. One: my favourite Dane Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) finally took his stage win in  magnificent stomping classics style. Two: Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) showed up at a sprint finish, reminded me how good he is to claim the second step. Three: that rolling finale produced some superb tactical racing. There was no change in the general classification with Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) still in red. However, UAE Team-Emirates’ Juan Ayuso tested positive for Covid, but with a low enough viral load to remain in the race

The ramp to Montilla

If todays stage to Montilla came down to who could survive the rollercoaster leg-breaking route in the last 10km, the key to victory was positioning into the ramp to the line.

Here’s the official highlights…

At this point I should just leave the Dannebrog bunting up

Here’s mine ;p HELL TO THE YES!!!!!

The Jumbo Bees surged to front to gain position on a tricky left hander at 800m and for a minute I thought the GC guys would go for it. But NO! Suddenly Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) surged away.  My heart rate increased tenfold as I scanned the pedal pushing peloton for the green jersey. Mads however, remained cool, calm and collected. Let Ackermann lead the way, then when the German tired, pounced away with that fearsome kick he possesses. A quick look over his shoulder to check he was clear and then straight into a victory salute.

It was textbook Mads stomping, it was brilliant – as was his post race interview.

We came here for a stage win and now we have one, and we will keep fighting for one more. It would have been nice to have Sam [Bennett] here to keep fighting for the jersey, but we will keep fighting for the stages and see how it goes.

Koen de Kort is correct, Alex Kirsch has been on song working with Mads all season long. Indeed they go back a long way back having been teammates at Cult Energy (2015) and Stolting Service Group (2016) before reuniting at Trek in 2019. If anyone knows how Mads races, it will be Alex.

That smile! Top step of the podium at last and he now heads the green jersey competition with 246 points to Marc Soler and Fred Wright in 2nd and 3rd respectively, each on 96 points. I understand why he has chosen not to race the Worlds this year, but how I’d love to have seen him there.

Embed from Getty Images

Stage wins at the Tour and now the Vuelta… Mads at the Giro 2023?- you heard it here first

 

Le Coq love

Le Coq strutted out of nowhere to zoom past a tiring Ackermann and take second… SECOND!!! Full disclosure, this morning I was shocked to learn to learn he was at the Vuelta at all!! SHAME ON ME!! I have a huge soft spot Bryan Coquard and I’m properly thrilled he came out and put me firmly in my place.

It might not come at the Vuelta though, it seems likely he will depart the race this evening to ply his trade – and chase valuable UCI points – at other races.

Oh Pascal

Timing was crucial today

GC notes for the day

The day started with a covid contretemps as news broke that 4th placed Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) had tested positive for covid, but with a low enough viral load that he was able to stay in the race. You may remember we had the same at Le Tour with Rafal Majka and Bob Jungels. You may also remember Juan complaining of feeling unwell at the time trial.

The confusion comes from the opaqueness surrounding who is able to test or receive results for the exact viral load. Do all teams have access to that technology in a timely fashion?

Race leader Remco Evenepoel had no problems after his fall yesterday and informed the press he will take his gloves off for the stages ahead. Watch out!

The Last Word

Love to here your suggestions on twitter !

Results

Stage 12 results

1 Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) 3:46:01

2 Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) same time

3 Pascal Ackermann  (UAE Team Emirates) s/t

4 Fred Wright (Bahrain-Victorious) s/t

5 Danny Van Poppel (BORA-hansgrohe) s/t

GC Top 10

1 Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl ) 48:11:10

2 Primož Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) +2:41

3 Enric Mas (Movistar) +3:03

4 Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers) +4:06

5 Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) +4:53

6 Wilco Kelderman (BORA Hansgrohe) +6:28

7 Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana Qazaqstan) +6:56

8 João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +7:18

9 Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) +8.00

10 Tao Geoghegan Hart (INEOS Grenadiers) +8:05

All the Jerseys

Leader’s jersey : Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl)

Points jersey : Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo)

King of the Mountains jersey : Jay Vine (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

Young Rider Jersey : Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl)

Team competition : UAE Team Emirates

For the full stage review, go to cyclingnews

Go here for the official La Vuelta website

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