01 Nov 2020

Carapaz rides back into red on Angliru

Related riders

Richard Carapaz

Vuelta a Espana - Stage 12 » Pola de Laviana › Alto de l'Angliru, 109.4km

Richard Carapaz put in a strong and spirited performance to regain the red leader’s jersey as the contenders battled it out on the Alto de l’Angliru.

The Ecuadorian crossed the line fourth on the infamous climb, edging out 10 key seconds on chief rival Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) on the steep gradients.

That elevated Carapaz back into red, taking a 10-second advantage into the second rest day in Spain.

Chris Froome was the final rider in support of his teammate, helping to raise the pace on the penultimate climb of the Alto del Cordal.

With 2km to go on the Angliru, Carapaz put in an acceleration but was unable to put significant time into Roglic, who held firm. Brit Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling) was able to push clear ahead of the final kilometre to take an impressive solo victory.

Earlier, after a fast start to the day, Cameron Wurf was able to help the team by placing himself in a large breakaway group. Andrey Amador had less luck on Sunday, crashing on a slippy corner on the descent off the over Alto de la Mozqueta.

Reaction

- Richard Carapaz

"This climb made a natural selection. We already spent a lot of energy yesterday and it was a very hard stage today. I remembered it from 2017 but it’s been incredible. I tried in the end, Mas and Carthy also went for it and I continued with my pace and that gave me a 10-second advantage. That’s great for us, we’re going towards the time trial with the idea to give our best and defend the leadership.

"Im very happy to wear [La Roja] again. It’s a good thing for me, for the team, and for everything we’ve been doing."

Overall standings:

1. Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers) 48:29:27
2. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) +10"

3. Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling) +32''
4. Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) +35"

5. Enric Mas (Movistar) +1'50''