Gilbert claims Vuelta stage

I think it’s the kind of stage that will stay in history because of the way we rode.

GUADALAJARA, Spain (AFP) — Belgian veteran Philippe Gilbert claimed a second win in this year’s Vuelta a Espana on while Slovenian Primoz Roglic remains in the lead, but with a new challenger.

Deceuninck-Quick Step’s Gilbert backed up his victory on Day 12 in Bilbao with a powerful finish on the flat in Guadalajara to pip Irish rider Sam Bennett.

Former winner Nairo Quintana, who started the day sixth overall, jumped to second.

The trio was part of a breakaway group of more than 40 riders to escape in windy conditions just after the start of the 17th stage. After aggressive riding on the longest day of this year’s Vuelta, 14 survivors finished more than five minutes ahead of the pack.

“It was a very special one. I think it’s the kind of stage that will stay in history because of the way we rode. It was crazy from the gun,” Gilbert said.

“Sometimes on the flat we even went at 75 kph. Throughout my career I have never done this. And that after 17 years,” he added.

Race leader Roglic, who signed a new contract with his Jumbo Visma team, finished in the main pack with most of the other general standings rivals, including Alejandro Valverde and fellow countryman Tadej Pogacar but was unhappy the his team had to spend the day chasing.

“I shouldn’t have been in the position I was — I should have been totally in front. Maybe we lost the battle today, but not the war.

“It’s still looking really good,” he added.

Quintana rocketed to second, two minutes and 48 seconds behind Roglic and 56 seconds ahead of Valverde.

Quick-Step placed seven of its eight riders in the breakaway which escaped in cross-tail winds. The team was rewarded with Gilbert’s 11th Grand Tour stage victory and with Briton James Knox breaking into the top 10 of the overall leaderboard.