Vuelta 2016 Stage 7: Van Genechten wins chaotic sprint, Atapuma still in red

At 158.5 kilometres, the 7th stage in La Vuelta is peppered with a multitude of climbs. Nevertheless, the race boils down to a bunch sprint with Jonas Van Genechten taking the win, ahead of Daniele Bennati and Alejandro Valverde. Contador hits the tarmac in the chaotic sprint, Atapuma retains in the overall lead. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 7th stage Vuelta

1. Jonas Van Genechten (bel)
2. Daniele Benatti (ita) s.t.
3. Alejandro Valverde (spa) s.t.
4. Philippe Gilbert (bel) s.t.
5. Kevin Reza (fra) s.t.
6. Gediminas Bagdonas (lit) s.t.
7. Gianni Meersman (bel) s.t.
8. Kristian Sbaragli (ita) s.t.
9. Romain Hardy (fra) s.t.
10. Tosh Van der Sande (bel) s.t.

GC after 7th stage
1. Darwin Atapuma (col)
2. Alejandro Valverde (spa) + 0.24
3. Chris Froome (gbr) + 0.32
4. Nairo Quintana (col) + 0.38
5. Esteban Chaves (col) s.t.
6. Samuel Sánchez (spa) + 1.07
7. Leopold König (cze) + 1.12
8. Peter Kennaugh (gbr) + 1.14
9. Gianluca Brambilla (ita) + 1.22
10. Simon Yates (gbr) + 1.28

12. Alberto Contador (spa) + 1.52
15. Andrew Talansky (usa) + 2.13
24. Louis Meintjes (rsa) + 3.10

Race report
After a string of in vain attacks, Victor Campenaerts, Johan Le Bon, Sander Armée, Davide Villella, Vegard Laengen and Luis Angel Maté hit the jackpot with 12 kms done. They race to a maximum lead at almost 4 minutes, reached after 1 hour in the saddle.

The six are reeled in with around 40 kms left.

With 30 kms remaining Dario Cataldo jumps of the front. Four riders hook up: Luis León Sánchez, Simon Clarke, Luis Angel Maté en Gianluca Brambilla.

At 8 kms the break is almost reeled in when Clarke and Sánchez give it a go. They almost make it, yet at the false flat arrival they are brought back. Jonas Van Genechten is fastest, ahead of Daniele Bennati and Alejandro Valverde. Darwin Atapuma retains in the lead, but Valverde comes closer thanks to a time bonus at 4 seconds.