Vuelta a Espana: Woods finds perfect timing to edge stage seven tussle

Written by Sports Desk. Posted in Cycling. | 27 October 2020 | 480 Views
Tags: Cycling, Vuelta Tour Of Spain

Michael Woods won stage seven of the Vuelta a Espana after a thrilling tussle over the closing kilometres in Villanueva de Valdegovia.

The Canadian, who was second in Monday's sixth stage, timed his kick superbly to open a gap to Omar Fraile with just 1,000 metres left of a gripping finish.

Astana rider Fraile had pulled clear late on as part of a cat-and-mouse chase for the line that also involved Alejandro Valverde, who finished third, and Nans Peters.

It was Woods who emerged triumphant after proving too strong for his rivals, as he claimed a second stage win at the Vuelta at the end of a somewhat messy race from Vitoria-Gasteiz in which he led a decisive breakaway approaching the summit of the final climb.

"That was a special day," said Woods, who won stage 17 two years ago. "I got away with those four guys, they ride super strong. I was able to sit in a bit, had a bit of luck, had the legs and managed to get the win.

"Initially, I wasn't supposed to get in the breakaway, however, the race just got so crazy. I'm going to savour this one."

Woods' EF Pro Cycling team-mate Hugh Carthy remains second in the General Classification, behind Richard Carapaz, who is also second in the points standings.

STAGE RESULT

1. Michael Woods (EF Pro Cycling) 03:48:16
2. Omar Fraile (Astana) +00:04
3. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) same time
4. Nans Peters (AG2R La Mondiale) +00:08
5. Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) same time

CLASSIFICATION STANDINGS

General Classification

1. Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers) 28:23:51
2. Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling) +00:18
3. Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) +00:20

Points Classification

1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 79
2. Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers) 61
3. Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) 57

King of the Mountains

1. Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) 27
2. Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) 24
3. Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) 19

What's next?

Wednesday sees the riders depart Logrono, the Rioja region's capital, and set out on a 164km route through the mountains towards a gruelling final climb up to Alto de Moncalvillo.