Soler 4th in Vuelta summit finish as Almeida attacks

Catalan rider Marc Soler continued to show his strong form in this Vuelta España by catching the winning break and riding to a 4th place on the summit finish on Stage 17 of La Vuelta España from Aracena to Monasterio de Tentudía (162.3km) won by Colombian Rigoberto Urán (EF Education First).

Joao Almeida stole some seconds in the race for the General Classification, attacking from the main group at -3km and holding on until the line.

Race leader Remco Evenepoel (QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl) continues to lead with 19-year old Juan Ayuso up to 3rd overall following the withdrawal of Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) due to a crash.

The Emirati team continues to lead the teams classification heading into stage 18 from Trujillo to Alto del Piornal (192km).

Ayuso: “I had a bit of a crash in the early part with scrapes on my knee and my ankle but I’m ok, nothing serious. In the end I went well. It’s amazing to be in this position but with the manner in which Roglic sadly withdrew I don’t feel like it’s something to rejoice in just now. There is still a few important days to come and anything can happen but to be in a podium position is quite incredible right now.”

Results 17th stage:

1.Rigoberto Uran (EF Education First) 3:42:48
2.Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) s.t
3.Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) +2’’
4.Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates) +15’’

General classification after the 17th stage:

1.Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quickstep) 65h14’05“
2.Enric Mas (Movistar) + 2’01“
3.Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) +4 ’51 “
6.Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) + 6’51″