Egan Bernal sits 11th overall at the Vuelta a Espana as the race reaches its opening rest day.
The Colombian put in a solid climbing performance on stage nine, limiting his losses well and finishing as part of the chasing GC group into the Valdezcaray ski resort.
Key attacks fired early on the steep initial sections of the first-category summit, with Bernal riding his way into the first group behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike). The Grenadier would slip back as the counter attacks fired, eventually crossing the line in 15th place, 1:46 back on Vingegaard.
The result saw him drop two spots to 11th overall, with plenty of riding and climbing stages to come in the next phase of the race.
Michal Kwiatkowski worked hard to infiltrate the day’s early breakaway, but his five-man move was never afforded a strong advantage by the persistent peloton. Victor Langellotti also produced a strong climbing performance, finishing just off Bernal’s group at the finish, which also included continued race leader Torstein Traeen (Bahrain – Victorious).
Reaction
- Egan Bernal
"It has been a pretty hard stage, with very fast opening kilometres. The climb was well suited to be ridden at a very fast pace. When Jonas took off, I tried to follow him, yet I realised I didn’t have the legs and it was better to find my own rhythm. A chasing group was established, yet we didn’t keep a steady pace and we all know how strong Jonas is."
Elsewhere on Sunday the team were also in action at the Bretagne Classic.
On home roads Axel Laurance led the team home in 24th as part of a big bunch finish - won by Arnaud De Lie (Lotto). Oscar Rodriguez was part of the race's early break, but was reeled in with 95km to go as counter-attacks began.