TEAM Bahrain Victorious’s Santiago Buitrago put on an impressive display from the breakaway, finishing second to Oier Lazkano (Movistar) in a sprint to the finish atop Pradoluengo on stage 4.
Buitrago, who won the opening stage at last year’s Vuelta a Burgos came into this year’s race looking at getting a podium place in the GC. However, after suffering in the extreme heat conditions on stage 3, Buitrago lost time and was able to get into the 9-rider break.
The break were given a gap of close to four minutes, and as they got to the foot of the final climb it was down to just two, but it was clear the winner would come from the 9-man group. In the final few kilometres Gianluca Brambilla (Q36.5) attacked first with Buitrago responding along with Lazkano, who closed down the following attempt of Joan Bou (Euskaltel-Euskadi). In the final run to the finish Buitrago was in a difficult position on the last bend and narrowly missed out on victory.
A frustrated Buitrago said, “I’m disappointed as I really thought I would be able to win today and I got unlucky on the last bend to the line. Congratulations to Lazkano, I think everyone in the break did good work.
“After a hard day yesterday, I’m pleased with how I responded and the legs felt good which is important going into the Vuelta.”
Primoz Roglic finished safely in the main peloton to retain his commanding overall lead ahead of today’s finale at Lagunas de Neila, and his Jumbo-Visma team policed the day’s break to ensure dangerman Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) – 9th on the stage – wasn’t given too much leeway.
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