The Vuelta a España’s stage 17 did not turn out to be what everyone was expecting. All eyes were set on Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team) to see how the leader performs. With Primoz Rogilic (Jumbo-Visma) out of the game, Enric Mas provided new hope of a chance to collect more race points for the team Movistar.
Nobody had anticipated all the things that went down on the road of Aracena. Rigoberto Urán was patiently waiting for his moment throughout the tour. The EF Education-EasyPost rider took the opportunity as soon as he saw it and seized the day. He took the stage win on Wednesday, 7th September.
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Although he scored on the podium yet, still he has some regrets. As one can judge his feelings from when he said:
This had to be the day. I had to win, although I won’t have that photo I wanted of me with my arms aloft as I crossed the line
Rigoberto jokingly continued to shed a light on some unforgettable events from the past:
But it’s also true that my wife told me I should never raise my arms, in case somebody else comes past me and beats me. So despite that, I’m very happy
It was not easy for Rigoberto Urán to score this win. He was engaged in a battle and it was one man against two. Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) and Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) continued to give him some tough time all the way until the finish line. This is why Rigoberto did not get to fulfill his dream of a perfect picture, and it was wise of him to not do so.
In the final 300 meters of the race, Rigoberto launched his winning attack. He kept telling himself, “Don’t be a wuss, either attack now or you lose,” which pushed him to do what he did. Apart from scoring the podium win, Rigoberto was content that he managed to score extra race points for his team. He said:
Blooming points, We’ve got so much pressure there, but yes, this will be good for us in that aspect, too
Scoring points has been a major concern for the teams now. The sport has turned into a cut-throat battle to avoid relegation and it is every man for himself. So far the team EF Education-EasyPost is in the 16th spot, with a total of 14457 points on 2020-2022 Team World Ranking. In the end, every point counts.
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Rigoberto Urán is a top-tier rider. At 35 years of age, he has achieved many wins. His most notable win was when he stood first at the 6thGrand Prix Cycliste de Québec in 2015. He finished second overall at the Tour de France in 2017. He scored 100 points at his latest stage win at the Vuelta a España. Rigoberto’s UCI world ranking is 306 while his PCS ranking is 156.
Also Read: Did Remco Evenepoel Really Faked It To Make It?
Featured Image Via YouTube/ Revista Semana
