Third victory for Pedersen on the 19th stage of the Vuelta, Evenepoel remains leader – L’Équipe

Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) claimed his third Vuelta victory in a week thanks to his success on the 19th stage on Friday. The Dane sprinted ahead of Briton Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorius) and Belgian Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin Deceuninck). Trek-Segafredo unspectacular but terribly effective The scenario was a foregone conclusion. Kenny Elissonde (Trek-Segafredo) had announced it two days ago: “Friday, we have a plan, Mads (Pedersen) is in great shape,” said the pocket climber. Leaving a breakaway of only three riders (McNulty, Caicedo, Okamina) easy to control, the American team had already done a good part of the work. Picking up the fugitives in the second and last pass of the day 45 kilometers from the finish, they saw the Bahrain Victorius team up with them to win a maximum of pure sprinters. The last 35 kilometers looked like a long procession of the peloton descending quietly towards Talavera de la Reina, place of arrival of this 19th stage. If the Australian Miles Scotson (Groupama-FDJ) tried to surprise 700 meters from the line, Mads Pedersen settled with a half-bike Fred Wright in the sprint, justifying the collective effort of his team. “I thank my team who did an incredible job, this victory is for them,” said the man who has won three of the last seven stages. Saturday’s verdict for the general In the general classification, no change after this less lively day, Remco Evenepoel (Quick Step Alpha Vinyl) maintains a 2’07” lead over Enric Mas (Movistar) and 5’14” over Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates). It remains to resist on Saturday’s formidable stage (182 km and five passes including three of the 1st category) for the Belgian before being able to savor his potential first victory on a Grand Tour.