Vuelta (Stage 12), Elie Gesbert 6th and offensive
Arrival at the top of the Penas Blancas Etaponas, with Elie Gesbert on the attack in the final stage, taking 6th place in this 12th stage of the Vuelta Ciclista a España.
Photo Gettyimages
On the line
“I was on the offensive on the climb of the last pass. My luck was to have Lukasz Owsian at my side in front. He rode and maintained the breakaway so that we could take time and play for the win. I thank him for his work. This stage was played out on a dry climb, which I appreciate. There were a lot of “big clients” and I decided to attack in order to anticipate the big accelerations like the one of Carapaz that we saw in the final. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I have no regrets. I was a bit unwell a few days ago and I am happy to have my legs back, especially because there are still a lot of nice stages to ride in this Vuelta Ciclista a España”.
“I rode in favour of Elie so that our breakaway could take some time and be able to play for the victory at the top of the Peñas Blancas. I then accompanied Elie as far as possible on this final climb”.
The Debrief’
“I am happy to see Elie Gesbert back on his feet. He was in a bad way six days ago. We thought we had lost him, but the rest day, the time trial and yesterday allowed him to recover. Not much was missing for Elie to realize the stage that we expect from him in this Vuelta Ciclista a España. Nice teamwork, nice stage, but it’s only a postponement. Team Arkea-Samsic will be back tomorrow with a possible sprint finish for Dan McLay”.