Vuelta a Espana 2016: Results, Highlights, Standings After Saturday's Stage 14
Robert Gesink prevailed after a brutal day in the saddle during Stage 14 of the 2016 Vuelta a Espana on Saturday.
The Netherlands rider made a dramatic dart for the line, proving his incredible energy levels after a manic day in the mountains.
The stage was arguably the most entertaining of the tour so far, as the top riders pushed hard for position in the final kilometres.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Nairo Quintana holds the overall lead in the general classifications, with Chris Froome in second place, only 54 seconds in arrears.
The victory was Gesink's first during a Grand Tour stage on a magnificent day of racing. Tour de France winner Froome pushed hard at the end of the race after a difficult day for Team Sky in the peloton, finishing just behind Quintana.
Sky Cycling provided the stage result and latest GC standings:
Stage 14 Recap
Saturday's racing split the field during the Queen Stage of the Tour of Spain, as a day of gruesome climbing punished the field of world-class cyclists.
Tinkoff's official Twitter feed provided the stage profile for Saturday's racing:
Omar Fraile and Luis Leon Sanchez were quickest away after the neutral zone, as a number intended to attack before the first of four huge mountain climbs of the day.
The peloton soon formed a long train as the top riders paced themselves in the knowledge of the brutality that lay ahead of them.
Movistar and Team Sky positioned themselves to take full advantage of the slower pace, conserving energy as their tactical approaches became evident.
The main group of riders spilt after 30 kilometres, as 41 men pushed forward to claim a two-minute advantage.
The gap was soon three minutes after Team Sky lagged, keeping Tour de France champion Froome further behind than he wanted.
The main breakaway group covered 48 kilometres after the first hour of fast racing as they attempted to ruin the peloton's chances in their wake. The climbing soon followed, and a number of riders were clearly struggling with the rapid pace of the leaders.
Spanish star Omar Fraile made a strong burst as he attempted to shatter the GC order, and no one could match the initial push by the Team Dimension Data man.
Tinkoff provided footage of Alberto Contador's work rate as the kilometres evaporated during the final set of climbing:
Contador attacked, but Froome climbed out of his seat and made a concerted effort to gain ground. The British superstar controlled the pace as the leaders slowed on the final climb, and the Team Sky kingpin appeared comfortable and motivated.
Quintana maintained his position with the leaders, and his rhythm and cadence were perfect as he stuck to Froome like glue.
The racing was frenetic in the final five minutes of the stage as Quintana and Froome dug deep, panting as they sprinted uphill. Contador was beaten in the final moments as he lost touch with the men ahead of him.
It was left to Gesink and Egor Silin to make the final push for victory, and it was the Team LottoNl-Jumbo athlete who nudged ahead in the final moments.
The Dutchman stole the win at the line, with the GC riders quickly following in a tough battle for position.
Froome and Quintana provided an epic battle on Saturday, revisiting their Grand Tour rivalry of the past seasons. Both riders put in a magnificent shift in the saddle and remain in contention at the top as the GC standings begin to mature.
Froome will be desperate to add the Tour of Spain to his list of achievements, but Quintana has the slight edge as the stages run out.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
