American Andrew August wins after a nail-biting breakaway in Sant Vicent del Raspeig
Sometimes cyclists’ dreams come true. That was the case for Andrew August (Ineos Grenadiers), who claimed a truly agonising victory, crossing the line just ahead of the main peloton led by the general classification leader, Biniam Girmay. The 158-kilometre stage from Orihuela to Sant Vicent del Raspeig was expected to end in a sprint — but not like this.
The riders were determined to wear down the leader, with constant attacks throughout the day. A breakaway allowed Raúl García Pierna, Axel van der Tuuk and Mattia Bais to score points over the Alto de Tibi. Once the break was caught, the pace in the peloton remained relentless, with Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe among the most active teams, aiming to distance the overall leader.
During one of these accelerations, Andrew August (Ineos Grenadiers), Ådne Holter (Uno-X Mobility) and the Belgians Arne Marit (Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe) and Florian Vermeersch (UAE Emirates-XRG) went clear. With around 20 kilometres remaining before reaching Sant Vicent del Raspeig, it seemed unlikely that the move would succeed. However, strong cooperation among the four riders — although the American clearly conserved energy — and the possibility of the Norwegian Ådne Holter taking the yellow jersey thanks to time bonuses kept the outcome of the stage in suspense.
The peloton’s chase turned into a desperate fight to defend the overall lead, with the NSN team working hard to protect Girmay’s points for another day. On the streets of Sant Vicent del Raspeig, it looked as though the escapees would be caught, but a final surge saw the miracle completed. August, Holter, Vermeersch and Jonathan Vervenne crossed the line ahead of Girmay. Time-bonus calculations mean that the Eritrean and Holter are now tied on time overall, but Girmay retains the yellow jersey.
August said: “I didn’t expect it at all. With 50 kilometres to go, the team told me, ‘OK AJ, it’s time to move to the front and chase back the break.’ I stayed in the peloton on the climb and followed Vermeersch’s attack. I had no reason to go because we had Ben [Turner] behind for the sprint. I took the opportunity and managed to get the win today.”
It was a great day for Ineos Grenadiers, celebrating August’s first professional victory and an extremely tight general classification. Elsewhere, Iván Romeo suffered a crash but recovered, while Cian Uijtdebroeks finished injured after hitting the deck, with the severity of his injuries still to be confirmed.
