Barbero 6th at Ruta del Sol’s opening stage
14 February 2018

Vuelta a Andalucía (st. 1)

Good sprint from Spaniard of Movistar Team in Granada after Blues' support into late stages; Landa makes debut ahead of Thursday's first mountain-top finish in Las Allanadas.

Frenchman Thomas Boudat (TDE) took over the first leader’s jersey in the 64th Vuelta a Andalucía -one of two fronts for the Movistar Team this week, together with the Volta ao Algarve-, after a milimeter sprint against Sacha Modolo (EFD) awarded him victory in Granada, end of a lumpy 197km stage one route starting in Mijas.

Mikel Landa’s debut in Movistar Team colours was really calm, well supported by his Blue team-mates over a route comprising six rated climbs. The Blues later on went to protect Carlos Barbero’s chances in the finale, the Burgos native taking 6th at a very chaotic bunch kick.

The Ruta del Sol, which doesn’t offer any time bonuses during the week, will tackle Thursday the first of two mountain-top finishes: Las Allanadas (La Guardia de Jaén), a sharp, grueling 2.5km with average slopes exceeding 13%, following a short (140km), intense stage two which includes Vuelta a España climbs Locubín and Valdepeñas de Jaén.

Picture (c): Luis Ángel Gómez / Photo Gomez Sport