27th of August – 2014
A quick look at the profile of today’s 180 kilometer long fifth stage of Vuelta a Espana from Priego de Córdoba to Ronda suggests that would be an obvious opportunity for the sprinters. However, a small categorized climb with 12 kilometers should not be underestimated.
Tony Martin (Omega-Pharma Quick Step) and Pim Lighthart created a gap to the field but apparently, they posed a threat to the sprinter teams as they were never allowed a gap bigger than it could be shut down quickly. But with 70 kilometers to go, Martin had a mechanical and was instantly inhaled by the sneaking peloton leaving Lighthart alone in the limelight.
But it naturally didn’t last and on the climb entering the finale, the peloton split up as Tinkoff-Saxo moved to the front and the group of favorites kept the pace high towards the finish line where John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) won his second consecutive stage win ahead of Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ).
Tinkoff-Saxo’s Alberto Contador was brought safely to the finish line by his loyal teammates and of them is Michael Valgren. Being a neo pro, this is the first Grand Tour for the Danish national champion, Michael Valgren:
“This is a huge deal for me and to do my first GT here with Alberto is an honor and a great experience. Like everyone else here, I’m suffering in the heat and right now, I’m taking the race one stage at a time. I’m aiming to support Alberto and if he could take a stage win in the mountains, it would be fantastic to be of any assistance. My personal goal is to get through the race and gain as much experience as possible,” says Michael Valgren.
Alberto Contador is still 9th overall.
