Vuelta a España - Tim Wellens: This was not at all an easy victory
Nov 05 2020 04:30 am CET
Image: Lotto Soudal logo
Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) has taken the win of the 14th stage in the Vuelta a España, his second victory in the race.
The Belgian was part of the breakaway of the day and with them, he tackled the three third category climbs that were featured in the stage's route. "I was looking forward to this stage for a long time," said Wellens. "One thing is to look forward to a stage, but another thing is to be in the right breakaway and have the legs to finish it off. Today everything went according to plan.
"This was not at all an easy victory. There was a big fight to get into the breakaway. When I succeeded to be in the right break, all of my companions were really strong guys. We rode a strong pace for the whole day. In the descent of the final climb we accelerated with three riders. I thought we were gonna stay in front till the finish, but the three others were able to return in our wheels."
Michael Woods (EF Pro Cycling) launched several attacks in the last kilometres, including in the very last stretch, but Wellens still had the legs to catch him and crossed the finish line in the first position. "On the final climb I knew I had to take the final corner in first position", explained the Belgian. "I felt Michael Woods coming in my wheel but suddenly the finish appeared and I crossed the line first.
"The whole day I had the impression that Dylan Van Baarle was the strongest in the break. He is such a good rouleur. But when we speeded up on the climbs I noticed that also Woods and Soler had strong legs. I was a little afraid of Woods in the uphill sprint. That is why I wanted to start the sprint first to be able to take the final corner on the inside."
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