De La Cruz attacks on Vuelta Queen stage

David De La Cruz put in a brave performance to take 6th place on stage 18 of the Vuelta España.
The 162.6 km ‘Queen’ stage from Salas to Altu d’El Gamoniteiru took in climbs of the Puertu de San Laurienzu (1st category GPM), the Altu de la Cobertoria (1st category) of the Altu la Segà o del Cordal (2nd category) and the ascent to the finish (Hors Categories), where De La Cruz put in a storming attack.

With 11km to go, De La Cruz stretched out of the group of leaders of the GC, going solo to catch up with Michael Storer (Team DSM) who, at the time of the UAE Team Emirates rider’s attack, had an advantage of over 2’.

De La Cruz, who went clear solo, managed to forge a gap of about 40 ”of margin on his pursuers, but was caught at -2800 meters by Miguel Angel Lopez (Movistar), who went on to win the stage.

The Spaniard from UAE Team Emirates crossed the line in 6th position, 58“ behind the Colombian, a performance that jumps him to 11th place in the general classification, 9’24” from Primoz Roglic (Jumbo -Visma) and only 22 ”from 10th spot.

De La Cruz: “The plan was to attack today and go for the stage win. I had good legs and gave everything I had on the last climb, but I knew they would be chasing hard from behind. I’m a bit disappointed not to have won the stage but no regrets today, I left it all out on the road.”

Tomorrow the riders will head from Tapia to Monforte de Lemos (191.2 km), a stage suitable for long-range escapes.

 
Results 18th stage – Vuelta España
1. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) 4h41’21 ”
2. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) + 14 ”
3. Enric Mas (Movistar) + 20 ”
6. David De La Cruz (UAE Team Emirates) +58 “

General classification after the 18th stage – Vuelta España
1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 73h24’25 ”
2. Enric Mas (Movistar) + 2’30 ”
3. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) + 2’53 ”
11. David De La Cruz (UAE Team Emirates) + 9’24 “

Meanwhile at the Benelux Tour, the flat 166.1 km from Aalter to Ardooie ended in a sprint finish.
The race was controlled throughout the day by the sprinters teams with Gaviria coming home in 7th place behind stage winner Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Fenix).

The sprint was launched at -200 meters by Danny Van Poppel (Intermarché-Wanty), with Fernando Gaviria being led out by Max Richeze in the closing metres. Gaviria had to settle for 7th place, remaining 20th in the overall standings (+ 1’09 “from Stefan Bissegger, Ef-Nippo).

The 5th stage, starting from Riemst and arriving in Bilzen after 192 km, will see cobbled sections.

Stage 4 results Benelux Tour

1. Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Fenix) 3h36’29 ”
2. Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) s.t.
3. Danny Van Poppel (Intermarché-Wanty) s.t.
7. Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.

General classification after the 4th stage – Benelux Tour

1. Stefan Bissegger (EF-Nippo) 11h01’24 ”
2. Kasper Asgren (Deceuninck-Quickstep) +13 ”
3. Luke Durbridge (BikeExchange) +20 ”
20. Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) + 1’09 “