Stage 7 of the 2017 Vuelta a Espana saw UAE Team Emirates’ Slovenian rider Matej Mohoric take first place in a strong performance that saw him lead the breakaway before making a final attack in which he successfully held off the chasers, descending to the finish line and to victory with great form. Chris Froome continues to hold on to the Red Jersey.
Commenting on his impressive win Mohoric said: “It’s incredible! It’s been a long time since my last big win. I’ve always worked hard and tried my best, but it is great to have a victory again. I was in the breakaway the other day, I felt very good then and although the stage wasn’t suited to my characteristics I managed to get fourth place. I’m in pretty good shape so today the team wanted me to go into the breakaway, I tried to save as much energy as possible and then just waited until the final which was well suited to my skills. I’m very happy for myself and also for the team who has given me the opportunity to compete in the Vuelta.”
Another Second for Pawel Poljanski
BORA-hansgrohe’s Pawel Poljanski again took the runner up position.
“I wanted to go in the group again, because I knew it was another chance,” said Poljanski. “The group worked well and everybody waited for the final ascent. When Mohoric was in front, I felt good on the climb, but I didn’t want to bring Rojas with me, so I hesitated a little. In the downhill the other two guys did not pull 100%, but also Mohoric was strong, so the sprint between us was about the remaining podium spots. This time I was ahead on the line, but it was second place again. My form is good, the Vuelta is still long and a lot more opportunities are about to come. We want to take a win for the team and as I said yesterday, we’ll keep on trying. But the next two stages will be different I think, and I have to take a little rest now.”
Merhawi Kudus Crashes Out
Misfortune has followed Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka around all week at the Vuelta and today it claimed Merhawi Kudus. Unfortunately, Kudus crashed 100km into today’s 200km stage. Kudus tried to get up and continue but was unable to. He was sent to hospital for further examination. This puts Team Dimension Data down to just 5 riders, after Nic Dougall (stage 6), Youcef Reguigui (stage 5) and Ben King (stage 3) fell ill.
Froome Safe
After the stage, race leader Chris Froome admitted he was happy to come through what had proved to be a more straightforward day, with all eyes now turning to Saturday’s tough test.
He said: “I think we were always in control – a relatively in control day for us – not as crazy as yesterday that’s for sure.
“I think today there should be a special mention for Ian Stannard and Christian Knees and how much work they did on the front, and it’s definitely thanks to them I’m still in red.
“It was another good day to tick off now and start thinking about tomorrow.
“Tomorrow has a really tough final, there will be ramps of over 18% on the climb before we descend to the finish, its definitely going to be a GC battle tomorrow.”
Stage 7 Brief Results:
- Matej Mohoric (Slovenia / UAE Team Emirates) 4:43:35″
- Pawel Poljanski (Poland / BORA-hansgrohe) +16″
- Jose Joaquin Rojas (Spain / Movistar Team)
- Thomas De Gendt (Belgium / Lotto-Soudal)
- Alessandro De Marchi (Italy / BMC Racing Team) +27″
- Floris De Tier (Belgium / LottoNL-Jumbo)
- Jetse Bol (Netherlands / Manzana Postobon Team) +29″
- Luis Angel Mate (Spain / Cofidis, Solutions Credits) +1:21″
- Anthony Perez (France / Cofidis, Solutions Credits) +1:32″
- Arnaud Courteille (France / FDJ)
General Classification After Stage 7:
- Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 27:46:51″
- Esteban Chaves (Colombia / Orica-Scott) +11″
- Nicolas Roche (Ireland / BMC Racing Team) +13″
- Tejay van Garderen (U.S. / BMC Racing Team) +30″
- Vincenzo Nibali (Italy / Bahrain-Merida) +36″
- David De La Cruz (Spain / Quick-Step Floors) +40″
- Jetse Bol (Netherlands / Manzana Postobon Team) +46″
- Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) +49″
- Adam Yates (Britain / Orica-Scott) +50″
- Michael Woods (Canada / Cannondale-Drapac) +1:13″
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