The 14th stage began with various expectations, especially regarding Remco Evenepoel, the big loser of the previous stage. And Remco initially showed his determination to erase the memory of the previous day’s defeat.
The Belgian rider, along with more than 20 cyclists, initiated the breakaway of the day, aiming for success in the stage.
In the peloton, UAE Team Emirates started the stage by setting a strong pace, attempting to position Juan Ayuso in a way that could trouble Jumbo-Visma.
João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates), already on the first mountain of the day, was showing difficulty in staying with the peloton, likely still weakened from the previous day’s illnesses. However, João managed to remain in the main group.
During the descent of the first mountain, the Col de Hourcère, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quickstep) launched an attack, only being followed by Romain Bardet (Team DSM-firmenich). Remco was clearly going for mountain classification points, a consolation prize for the Belgian after the previous day.
The duo couldn’t be caught by the main group. The victory for Remco Evenepoel was a matter of honor. In the end, in a decisive attack, Remco Evenepoel left Bardet behind.
And so, Evenepoel crossed the finish line alone and won the 14th stage of the Vuelta a España, with Romain Bardet (Team DSM Firmenich) finishing in 2nd place. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Dstny), who was in the initial breakaway, rounded out the podium in 3rd place. After the finish, Evenepoel couldn’t hold back his tears.
Watch the finish, with Remco Evenepoel’s victory:
The main peloton finished compact, with no time differences among the top finishers. João Almeida, despite the initial difficulty, finished with the main group.
Results of the 14th stage of the Vuelta a España 2023:
Em breve, a Classificação Geral da Vuelta a España 2023.