Sam Bennett fails to start time trial, seven others exit La Vuelta as Covid-19 rips through peloton

30.08.2022 - 17:37 eurosport.com

Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) was one of eight riders to abandon La Vuelta ahead of Stage 10's individual time trial as Covid continues to rip through the peloton.

The Irishman — as confirmed by his team on social media — was a late withdrawal after returning a positive antigen test prior to Tuesday’s 30.9km dash from Elche to Alicante.

He is the 12th rider to leave the race due to Covid. Ad Bennett wore the green jersey throughout the opening week after his double triumph on Stages 2 and 3.

And although he was subsequently usurped in the standings by Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo), he was only five points back. Vuelta a EspañaLa Vuelta: How to watch Stage 6 as first summit finish awaits25/08/2022 AT 07:40 He has won stages at all three Grand Tours, with his triumphs in Spain ending a two-year drought in cycling’s biggest stage races.

as Sam Bennett Mads Pedersen Spain county Young

Winning my first World Tour stage as a professional cyclist is something I have dreamed of since I can remember. It’s what dragged me out of bed every morning, motivated me to train to my maximum every day, and stay disciplined throughout my life to continually strive towards that first victory.

Remco Evenepoel claims first Grand Tour victory with Vuelta a Espana

Belgian Remco Evenepoel claimed the Vuelta a Espana title on Sunday for his first Grand Tour triumph, capping a dominant three weeks with one last push on the final stage from Las Rozas to Madrid that was won by Juan Sebastian Molano.

Remco Evenepoel wins La Vuelta as Juan Sebastian Molano springs surprise on final stage in Madrid

Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) cruised through Sunday’s procession into Madrid to confirm his maiden Grand Tour title at La Vuelta, with UAE Team Emirates lead-out man Juan Sebastian Molano unusually winning the bunch sprint on Stage 21. The Belgian was all but guaranteed to keep the red jersey after surviving the final mountains test on Saturday’s penultimate stage, with the 22-year-old enjoying some celebratory photos with his Quick-Step team-mates on the slow run to the Spanish capital.

Remco Evenepoel cruises to Vuelta a España victory in final stage

Remco Evenepoel has claimed the Vuelta a España title for his first Grand Tour triumph, capping a dominant three weeks with one last push on the final stage from Las Rozas to Madrid that was won by Juan Sebastián Molano in a thrilling sprint finale.

Evenepoel wins Vuelta a Espana for first Grand Tour title

Evenepoel wins Vuelta a Espana for maiden Grand Tour title

:Belgian Remco Evenepoel claimed the Vuelta a Espana title on Sunday for his first Grand Tour triumph, capping a dominant three weeks with one last push on the final stage from Las Rozas to Madrid that was won by Juan Sebastian Molano.