In a very explosive finish, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) was intractable and categorically won the opening day of the Vuelta a Andalucía – Ruta del Sol 2023, after traveling 179 kilometers between Puente de Génave and Santiago de la Espada.
The Slovenian runner took the victory alone. In the second position came Mikel Landa (Bahrain-Victorious) and third was Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers). In an outstanding performance, the Colombian Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious) came in fourth position and was the best for America on this opening day.
The protagonists of the break of the day were Aaron Van Poucke (Flanders Baloise), Alex Martin (Eolo-Kometa), Gotzon Martin (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Clément Alleno (Burgos-BH), a quartet that led the actions in the first part the day, however, they were hunted halfway through the route.
On the ascent to Despiernacaballos, Pogacar showed his good feelings and responded to the work of his teammates, attacking with 12 kilometers to go together with Santiago Buitrago, but the young man from Bogotá was not able to keep up with him.
In the first category mountain prize, the Slovenian passed first. Mikel Landa, Santiago Buitrago and Carlos Rodríguez followed them after a few seconds, while Enric Mas (Movistar) gave up his chances after a mechanical problem.
On the seven kilometer descent towards the finish line, Pogacar had no problems. The winner of the Clásica Jaén Paraíso Interior last Monday crossed the finish line with a great advantage to become the first leader of the Ruta del Sol.
This Thursday, February 16, the second stage of the Spanish race will take place, starting in Diezma and ending in Alcalá la Real, over a 156.1-kilometre route on undulating terrain and with a first-category hilltop finish. The successor to the Dutchman Wout Poel, last year’s champion, will be announced on Sunday, February 19, in Alhaurín de la Torre.
Source: Revista Mundo Ciclístico