And Remco Evenepoel delivered on his promise. The Belgian stated that he would attack right from the beginning of the stage, and indeed, he did just that. In his attack, the Belgian brought along several strong cyclists, which could have characterized another successful breakaway in the stage, as seen in the 14th stage.
The breakaway group included: Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious), Lennard Kämna (BORA-hansgrohe), Nico Denz (BORA-hansgrohe), Rui Costa (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty), Christian Rodriguez (Arkéa-Samsic), Jonathan Caicedo (EF Education-EasyPost), Chris Hamilton (dsm-firmenich), Kenny Elissonde (Lidl-Trek), Jimmy Janssens (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Andreas Kron (Lotto Dstny), and Einer Rubio (Movistar).
In the peloton, thanks to the efforts of Jumbo-Visma, the time gap with the leading group fluctuated between 2:45 minutes and 3:00 minutes. Alpecin-Deceuninck was also leading on behalf of the sprint leader, Kaden Groves, who was still holding out hope for the bonus points at the Lekunberri finish.
Santiago Buitrago launched an attack in the breakaway group and was joined only by the Portuguese rider Rui Costa and Lennard Kamna.
And Rui Costa (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) wins!!!!!! After 10 years since his world championship title, the Portuguese rider, nearing his 37th birthday, from Póvoa de Varzim, triumphs once again!!!
In the second position, we have Lennard Kamna (BORA-hansgrohe), and Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious) secured the third spot on the podium.
Watch the finish, with Rui Costa’s victory:
In the peloton, there were no attacks from any riders, and the group arrived at the finish of the stage compact.
Results of the 15th stage of the Vuelta a España 2023:
Coming up shortly, the General Classification of the Vuelta a España 2023.