
07 Nov 2020
Attacking Carapaz goes close in GC finale
Related riders
Vuelta a Espana stage 17: Sequeros - Alto de la Covatilla, 178.2km.
Richard Carapaz moved agonisingly close to the overall lead at La Vuelta a Espana following an exhilarating attack on the final climb of the race.
Carapaz's exciting move on the Alto de La Covatilla saw him attack a reduced group of GC riders with two kilometres remaining and stay clear, as he aimed to make up a 45 second deficit to race leader Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).
The Ecuadorian pushed to gain every second and fought tenaciously to the line on the fearsome climb and was able to finish eighth as David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) won the stage.
The clock started for Roglic's arrival as Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling) attacked the race leader in the closing kilometre.
In the end, Carapaz crossed the line 21 seconds before Roglic, who was able to finish in a chase group behind to ensure he will wear the red jersey to Madrid.
Carapaz's exciting move on the Alto de La Covatilla saw him attack a reduced group of GC riders with two kilometres remaining and stay clear, as he aimed to make up a 45 second deficit to race leader Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).
The Ecuadorian pushed to gain every second and fought tenaciously to the line on the fearsome climb and was able to finish eighth as David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) won the stage.
The clock started for Roglic's arrival as Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling) attacked the race leader in the closing kilometre.
In the end, Carapaz crossed the line 21 seconds before Roglic, who was able to finish in a chase group behind to ensure he will wear the red jersey to Madrid.

Richard Carapaz
I am very satisfied with second place at the Vuelta, super happy with my season and I think the team can be very happy with the season as well.”
Reaction
Richard Carapaz
“I really enjoyed the stage today and it is a great pleasure to finish second at the Vuelta.
Richard Carapaz
“I really enjoyed the stage today and it is a great pleasure to finish second at the Vuelta.
“The team did a lot of work for me, they always tried to stay in the front for me. They showed some grit and some courage and we tried everything we possibly could.
"Personally, I am very satisfied with second place at the Vuelta, super happy with my season and I think the team can be very happy with the season as well.”

Carapaz fought all the way to the line
Highlights
Stage 17 result
1. David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) 4:54:32
2. Gino Mäder (NTT) +28''
3. Ion Izagirre (Astana) +1'05''
4. David de la Cruz (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.
5. Mark Donovan (Team Sunweb) +1'53'
8. Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers) +2'35"
2. Gino Mäder (NTT) +28''
3. Ion Izagirre (Astana) +1'05''
4. David de la Cruz (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.
5. Mark Donovan (Team Sunweb) +1'53'
8. Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers) +2'35"
Overall standings
1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 60:20:31
2. Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers) +24’’
3. Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling) +47’’
4. Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) +2'43’’
5. Enric Mas (Movistar) +3'36’’