Third position in Ézaro

The first summit finish of the Tour of Spain ended with the triumph of the french Alexandre Geniez (FDJ), who escaped with other six riders from the initial part of the stage. Geniez resisted the push of the main group, who was led on the steepest ramps of the port by Movistar Team riders, especially by Rubén Fernández, the new race leader. In addition, Alejandro Valverde and Nairo Quintana showed their good legs in the explosive ascent to Ézaro.

Valverde finished third, just behind the winner and Fernández, and is now second in the overall. The race is facing this Tuesday its second summit finish, arriving in San Andres de Teixido, a longer and stretched climb but very important for the favorites.

Quotes: “We knew Rubén was in great form leading up to this race, and he proved it today. I’m so happy to see him taking over the lead. He’s a young man, but we all know what he’s made of. The work he did at the front to take us closer to Geniez was excellent; we couldn’t have battled for the stage either if he hadn’t worked, and that’s why I feel he rode perfectly. He dropped all of our rivals but Chaves when we three went ahead, and later on, we could keep a steady pace to keep the gaps and avoid the late push by Froome taking us out of his wheel. Alberto lost a bit of time, but there’s a lot to happen yet in this Vuelta. About me? Well, I didn’t feel bad at all – let’s hope I can keep it up through the next stages”.

Photo: Movistar Team