Plataforma de Gredos (Spain), September 14th – It was the final showdown on the mountains of this year’s edition of La Vuelta a España and Team Bahrain Merida riders were part of the show. After a strong ride, both Hermann Pernsteiner and Dylan Teuns could take a top ten result on Plataforma de Gredos, finishing respectively 4th and 7th.
Today’s stage was a much-anticipated day for the general classification’s battle, with 6 categorised climbs on the 190.4km route from Arenas de San Pedro to Plataforma de Gredos. It was another TBM rider to start the action, jumping in the break of the day: Mark Padun tried once again to attack from the beginning with a small group of riders. Behind them, on the first climb of the day, some riders began to attack in the bunch his teammate Pernsteiner: “I tried to go in the breakaway and I stayed in front of the peloton. It was a very high tempo and I was dropped, but I could get back and remained with Dylan. Then on the last climb, I had very good legs and I even don’t know why I was there fighting with the best”.
In fact, the stage was decided on the final climb, when Pogacar attacked and it was impossible for everybody to catch him. The young Slovenian took a solo win, his third one in this Vuelta. Our Austrian rider was amongst the best guys finishing behind him in 4th place with Valverde in 2nd and Majka in 3rd (+1’32”).
“It was such a hard day, incredible. I suffered, but I managed to take such a good result. It was a great Vuelta for me. I’m so happy. I’ve only a regret, to drop out from the top ten overall on that windy stage, but that’s cycling. Now I’m thinking about the future because I’m aware that I can reach the top ten”.
Dylan Teuns was also in the top ten of the day, finishing a handful of seconds behind his teammate: “I’m satisfied and in general, I’m happy with my Vuelta. I had two goals: a stage win and the red jersey. I could achieve one and of course, I need to be happy. In the end, I made a good result in the GC”.
Team Bahrain Merida will end this Vuelta tomorrow in Madrid with two riders in the top 15 overall: Teuns 12th and Pernsteiner 15th.
(All pictures can be used for editorial and non commercial usages only and are copyright @Bettiniphoto @Team Bahrain Merida)
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