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| Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España delivered all the excitement that fans of the race have come to expect PHOTO: REUTERS |
A Challenging Day in the Northern Hills of Spain
The Vuelta a España has always been a race full of surprises, and Stage 18 was no exception. The demanding terrain in northern Spain, spanning from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Maeztu, posed a significant challenge for the peloton. With 13 riders forming a leading group by the time the race reached its final climb, the stage was set for a tense showdown in the last 40km.
As the cyclists approached the final serious ascent, all eyes were on who would dare to break away. Despite numerous attempts throughout the stage, most of the leading group stayed together, waiting for the right moment to strike. For many, that moment came on the final climb, with just 5 kilometers remaining. It was here that Urko Berrade made his bold move, surging ahead to distance himself from the pack.
Urko Berrade’s Victory: A Dream Come True
For the 26-year-old Spaniard, winning this stage was not only a career highlight but also a deeply personal triumph. Born in Pamplona, not far from the stage’s route, Berrade’s victory was witnessed by family and friends, making it a dream come true.
"It's a dream. The stage closer to home, with all my family watching me, friends, in the last stages of La Vuelta," Berrade reflected after his victory. "I didn't see myself as the winner until I crossed the finish line. No doubt it comes from a great previous work that we (Kern-Pharma) have done."
Berrade’s powerful attack on the final climb was perfectly timed, giving him a decisive advantage over the competition. By the time he crossed the finish line just outside the village of Maeztu, his victory was secure. Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid took second place, while fellow Spaniard Pau Miquel Delgado rounded out the podium in third.
Ben O'Connor Defends Red Jersey, Maintains Overall Lead
While Berrade celebrated his stage win, another battle was being fought in the general classification. Ben O'Connor, the leader of the race and wearing the prestigious red jersey, once again held off fierce competition from Primoz Roglic to maintain his slim five-second lead. The pair crossed the line together, both surrounded by a large group, ensuring no major changes at the top of the standings.
O'Connor, known for his calm and tactical approach, acknowledged the stage’s difficulty but expressed confidence that the day’s efforts wouldn’t affect his performance in the upcoming stages.
“Probably not, because we raced every single day, and everyone is just tired. But somehow, I’m still managing to crack out some pretty good numbers, so I don’t think it makes any difference now," said O'Connor after the race. "And I’m still in the lead! It’s nice to have it for another day. I don’t know if it’s 13 or 14 days, a long time. I’ve loved it and I enjoyed it a lot."
Mikel Landa’s Disappointment: A Setback in the Overall Standings
For Spain’s Mikel Landa, Stage 18 brought a major setback. Once a serious contender for the general classification, Landa struggled to keep pace with the leading group, ultimately losing over three minutes to O'Connor. As a result, he dropped five spots in the standings, slipping to 10th place overall. Landa now trails the leader by 5 minutes and 38 seconds, a significant gap that could jeopardize his race ambitions.
Landa’s performance on the stage was a tough blow for the Spanish rider, whose hopes of securing a top finish in the Vuelta now seem increasingly distant.
What's Next: Key Stages Still Ahead
With only a few stages remaining in the 2024 Vuelta a España, the race for the red jersey remains wide open. Ben O'Connor’s narrow lead over Primoz Roglic guarantees that the upcoming stages will be full of drama and fierce competition. While O'Connor has shown remarkable consistency throughout the race, the Slovenian is known for his late surges in Grand Tours, making every kilometer crucial as the race nears its conclusion.
Riders like Mauro Schmid and Pau Miquel Delgado will also be looking to make a mark in the final stages, potentially setting up thrilling breakaways as the Vuelta heads towards its climax.
Conclusion: A Day of Triumph and Tension in the Basque Hills
Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España delivered all the excitement that fans of the race have come to expect. Urko Berrade’s sensational victory, secured by a well-timed breakaway on home soil, was the highlight of the day. Meanwhile, Ben O'Connor continued to defend his red jersey, but with Primoz Roglic lurking just seconds behind, the race for overall victory remains tense.
As the Vuelta enters its final stages, the drama is far from over. The unpredictable nature of the race, combined with the challenging Spanish terrain, ensures that every rider will need to dig deep to achieve their goals. Whether it’s Berrade celebrating a career-defining win or O'Connor fighting to maintain his lead, the 2024 Vuelta continues to deliver unforgettable moments.(alert-success)
