Primoz Roglic of Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe was crowned as the winner of the Vuelta a Espana in Madrid following the 21st stage of the race.
Roglic finished the three-week race, two minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Ben O’Connor of Decathlon AG2R-La Mondiale in the overall standings to win the Vuelta for the fourth time in his career, equaling the record held by Spanish climber Roberto Heras.
“I feel very happy, I have been able to do it and I’m grateful for all the support. It’s madness that I have been able to win the race four times,” said the Slovenian rider.
O’Connor had started the day just nine seconds ahead of Enric Mas of Movistar, but was able to defend that, ending the race 40 seconds ahead of the Spanish rider, who completes the race in third place.
“I’m shattered, it’s been 21 days of massive efforts and I think this is maybe the hardest race I’ve been in,” said Mas.
“I think today is the worst I have felt all race, from the start from the finish, I really suffered,” he added.
O’Connor led the
race for almost two weeks after winning the sixth stage with a valiant breakaway and only surrendered his lead to Roglic on Friday, although this is his best ever finish in a ‘Grand Tour’.
The last stage, which was a 24.6-kilometer time-trial into the center of Madrid, was won by the Swiss rider Stefan Kung of Groupama-FDJ, who completed the course through the streets of the Spanish capital in 26 minutes and 28 seconds.
Roglic finished second on the stage, 30 seconds behind Kung, but didn’t take excessive risks on the day, with the overall win in his sights.
While Roglic was the overall winner, Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) won the blue and white jersey for the best climber in the race, while Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Decuninick) claimed the green points jersey that is awarded to the best sprinter in the race. Enditem
Source: The Namibia News Agency