In the absence of superstar Tadej Pogacar another Slovenian announced himself to the cycling world with a stunning win on one of the toughest stages of this Vuelta a Espana: 20-year-old Jakob Omrzel.
The Bahrain-Victorious prodigy was part of a 30-strong breakaway on the 166.6km stage 12, a dramatic up-and-down day after two flatter stages for the sprinters.
Fireworks were always expected on the back-to-back category-one climbs at the end of the day and Omrzel duly provided them, taking his first WorldTour victory on the biggest stage - and on his debut grand tour.
The youngster - a former winner of the Giro d'Italia Next Gen, a prestigious stage race for under-23 riders - went solo with 12km to go on the final climb, the Calar Alto, a 17km behemoth averaging 5.6%.
The breakaway splintered apart in his wake and he held on to win by 1 minute 56 seconds from Urko Berrade, covering his face in delight and punching the air as he crossed the line.
#stage #breakaway #back #tadej
The Bahrain-Victorious prodigy was part of a 30-strong breakaway on the 166.6km stage 12, a dramatic up-and-down day after two flatter stages for the sprinters.
Fireworks were always expected on the back-to-back category-one climbs at the end of the day and Omrzel duly provided them, taking his first WorldTour victory on the biggest stage - and on his debut grand tour.
The youngster - a former winner of the Giro d'Italia Next Gen, a prestigious stage race for under-23 riders - went solo with 12km to go on the final climb, the Calar Alto, a 17km behemoth averaging 5.6%.
The breakaway splintered apart in his wake and he held on to win by 1 minute 56 seconds from Urko Berrade, covering his face in delight and punching the air as he crossed the line.
#stage #breakaway #back #tadej
1 day ago
