(Reuters) – A strategic breakaway on the final gruelling ascent in the mountains of northern Spain secured Slovenian Primoz Roglic victory in stage 19 of the Vuelta a Espana, as well as the leader’s red jersey, on Friday.
While a leading group maintained a narrow lead over the peloton for most of the race, none attempted a breakaway before the 11 km climb leading up to the finish line at Alto de Moncalvillo.
Roglic saw an opportunity halfway through the demanding ascent and seized it, never looking back. He crossed the finish line alone, 46 seconds ahead of Frenchman David Gaudu, who took second place. Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose finished third.
Australian Ben O’Connor, knowing his lead was in danger, tried to keep up but finished 12th. Roglic now has a one minute and 54 second overall lead over O’Connor.
(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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