Pablo Castrillo (Spain, Equipo Cologne Farma) won his first professional victory with a breakaway the day after the death of the team’s former president. We introduce comments from the riders who have just finished the 12th day of the Vuelta, including Carapaz, who fell off his bike due to obstruction on the previous day’s stage, and O’Connor, who has spoken out against the decision.
Stage winner: Pablo Castrillo (Spain, Equipo Kölnfarma)
It’s an incredible victory. This victory belongs to my team and my staff. To be honest, I still can’t believe it. It’s my first pro win at the Vuelta. I want to dedicate this victory to my team, my family and to (former team principal and founder) Manolo (Azcona), who passed away last night. I was thinking about him as I was riding today.
We were saddened to hear of Manolo’s death, but we used it as motivation to get in the breakaway and try to win. It’s great to have won and I’m emotional to be able to dedicate it to him.
Stage 2: Max Pool (UK, DSM Firmenich Post NL)
Max Pool (UK, DSM Firmenich Post NL) missed out on victory after finishing third the previous day. Photo: CorVos
I went for the win again today. There were two Ineos riders in the breakaway and I thought they would close the gap on Castrillo. But Castrillo was strong and kept his lead until the end. I pushed hard with 800m to go but just couldn’t get to the front. There’s always a feeling of disappointment after a race, but maybe I can be satisfied with being on the podium for the second day in a row (after third place the previous day).
Juan Jose Oros, manager of Ekipo Kernefarma
Players pay tribute to Manolo Azcona, founder of Equipo Kernefarma, who passed away the previous day. Photo: CorVos
We have been taught by Manolo to be good people and keep fighting. We believed in ourselves and kept fighting. I’m proud of what we’ve done as a team and what we’ll continue to do in the future.
“We came to the Vuelta with a strong sense of unity, trust and focus as a team, and we were able to show that today. I dedicate this victory to Manolo.
Maillot d’Or winner: Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma-Leather Bike)
Wout van Aert (Belgium, Visma Leased Bike) misses the breakaway Photo: CorVos
Ekipo Kernfahr will be attacking every day and looking to be in the breakaway, so this stage win is a well-deserved result for them, especially on such a special day for them after hearing this morning that someone from their team has passed away.
I tried to join the breakaway but just missed out. I have no regrets and felt relaxed in the peloton. If I have the chance this weekend I’ll go for it.
Maillot rojo: Ben O’Connor (Australia, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)
The peloton was led by Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with Ben O’Connor (Australia) Photo: CorVos
It was a tricky and hard start, after which the team set the pace and we went fast on the final mountain.
– Were you able to regain the confidence you lost the day before?
No, I haven’t lost confidence (laughs). It was a frustrating race, though. Tomorrow will be a very tough final stretch and a crucial stage (for the Mayo Rojo).
Regarding the yellow cards given to Bouchard and three other riders for obstructing the path of the other rider, which led to Richard Carapaz (Ecuador, EF Education Easypost) crashing on Stage 11
I haven’t done anything wrong, I spoke to EF and there is no animosity between us. Jofre (Bouchard) hasn’t done anything wrong. So I don’t understand the meaning of the sanction (yellow card). I was at the front of the pack at the time, and Wout van Aert was next to me, but he didn’t get a yellow card. I don’t really understand it.
Richard Carapaz (Ecuador, EF Education EasyPost)
There are many ways to protect the jersey, but they (Decathlon) chose a very sad way that shows no respect. I’m not in a position to make a judgment, but everyone will make the same judgment (penalty). There has also been no apology from them. There have been no physical consequences (from the fall).
text:Sotaro.Arakawa
photo:CorVos