Marc Soler has remained true to his tradition of winning stages in even-numbered years at the Vuelta a España adding in Asturias the third of his sporting career. The Catalan raised his arms in a magnificent summit as Lakes of Covadonga after being the strongest in a 17-member escape attack 4 kilometers from the finish and don’t look back to win in the fog. Wout van Aertmountain and consistency leader, had to abandon after a chilling fall while he was leading the race.
Ben O’Connor saved the lead by six seconds after a final climb in which the favourites rode in the fog. The most active was Enric Mas who launched several insults in ‘La Huesera’ proving that he is perhaps the strongest climber in the race, even if that doesn’t translate into a seconds advantage.
Roglic raced very intelligently, avoiding the Majorcan’s changes of pacebut without letting go for a second. Previously, Mikel Landa had moved eight kilometres away from the finish line in an attempt to surprise the rest of the exceptional riders. Alavés took a few seconds ahead, but it was Mas himself in the first person who neutralized him on a climb that continued towards the lakes of Covadonga.
Pass, Marc Soler let slip a start that managed to recover his companions, Max Poole and Filippo Zanna, in a show of tenacity after coming close to victory in several stages in this round. The Emirati cyclist thus adds his third victory after those of 2020, 2022 and now 2024, even if a summit like this could have been the most important victory of his professional career.
Behind, O’Connor managed to save the red jersey in another exercise of determination and endurance. The Australian found himself isolated again against the attacks of the favourites, but he did not despair and kept his distinctive garment for another day. Of course, of the six-minute lead he had, he only has 6 seconds left and several mountain stages ahead of him.
