Volta a Catalunya 2017: Valverde solos to mountain victory and leaders jersey

Volta a Catalunya 2017: Valverde solos to mountain victory and leader’s jersey

At 182 kilometres, the 5th stage Volta a Catalunya is a monster ride with a 8.4 kilometres closing climb at 9%, while the steepest ramps are 20%. Valverde powers to victory and takes the leaders jersey. Froome finishes in second, Contador in third. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 5th stage Volta a Catalunya 2017

1. Alejandro Valverde (spa)
2. Chris Froome (gbr) + 0.13
3. Alberto Contador (spa) s.t.
4. Marc Soler (spa) + 0.25
5. Adam Yates (gbr) + 0.32
6. Daniel Martin (irl)
7. David Gaudu (fra) + 0.58
8. Hugh Carty (gbr) + 1.04
9. Jakob Fuglsang (den) + 1.11
10. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) s.t.

11. Romain Bardet (fra) s.t.
14. Geraint Thomas (gbr) + 1.25
22. Tejay van Garderen (usa) + 1.53

GC after 5th stage
1. Alejandro Valverde (spa)
2. Chris Froome (gbr) + 0.21
3. Alberto Contador (spa) + 0.47
4. Marc Soler (spa) + 1.00
5. Adam Yates (gbr) + 1.15
6. Tejay van Garderen (usa) + 1.18
7. Geraint Thomas (gbr) + 1.34
8. Samuel Sánchez (spa) + 1.59
9. Daniel Martin (irl) + 2.13
10. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) + 2.40

Race report
While climbing Coll de Fatxes – some 75 kilometres into the race – fifteen riders manage to force a gap. Gesink, Rolland, Valls, Cataldo, Gautier, Conti, Grmay, De Plus, Nibali (Antonio), Howson, Kiserlovski, Navarro, Reyes, Sáez and Van der Lijke race to a maximum lead of almost 6 minutes.

Cross-winds tear the peloton apart in the Ebro-valley. Consequently the tempo goes up and before hitting the closing climb the front group is reeled in by 40 chasers.

Sky, Trek and Movistar set the pace on the climb and when leader Van Garderen is dropped with 3 kms remaining Contador goes on the attack. Valverde, Soler and Froome jump to his wheel and Adam Yates bridges over.

Under the flamme rouge the big three are left and Valverde attacks. Froome is dropped first and when Contador can’t follow the pace either the Movistar leader surges on to take the win and the leaders jersey.

Read about the route of the 5th stage of the Volta a Catalunya 2017.