Stage 20 of the Vuelta a Espana was won by Richard Carapaz of Ineos Grenadiers, his third stage win of the race. The Ecuadorian bagged the King of the Mountains jersey on his way to victory. Remco Evenepoel of QuickStep came through the day unscathed to all but seal the overall victory.
Mads Pedersen took his triptych of victories on Stage 19 of The Vuelta a Espana and there was nothing anyone could do do about it. Trek-Segafredo announced their plan to take the stage at the start of the day, and boy did they deliver. They controlled the breakaway, ensured their man in the green jersey survived the two climbs and then delivered him perfectly with a glorious lead out. From the minute he swung out of the slipstream of Miles Scotson (Groupama-FDJ), there was never a doubt who would cross the line first. Bahrain Victorious’ Fred Wright rode superbly but just could not get past the Dane, he pipped fast finishing Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to second on the day. There was no change in the GC, but Primoz Roglic had plenty to say in a Jumbo-Visma press release.
Stage 18 of the Vuelta a Espana has been rather overshadowed by far more significant events, especially here in the UK, but today in Spain, the show did go on. Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) won his second stage win on the final summit finish of the final Grand Tour of the year. You’d think bar accident this all but consolidates his overall victory of this year’s race. There was heartbreak for Robert Gesink (Jumbo-Visma) who came within 500m of the line only to be pipped to the post by ruthless Remco. Enric Mas (Movistar), who attacked everywhere he could, took second place on the day, with Gesink deservedly rounding out the podium.