Vuelta a Espana - Cobo wins as Gesink cracks

Eurosport - Sat, 19 Sep 07:51:00 2009

Spaniard Juan Jose Cobo dashed away in the final three kilometres to take Stage 19 of the Vuelta a Espana for Fuji-Servetto in La Granja.

CYCLING 2009 - Juan Jose Cobo win stage 19 of the Vuelta a Espana - 0

Race leader Alejandro Valverde came in second on the 179km trek, with Cadel Evans third.

It had been a frustrating tour for Fuji to this point, but Cobo latched on to the leading riders on the descent from the Navacerrada and had enough in his legs to secure victory by two seconds.

Valverde cemented his place in the Gold Jersey with second place, but the big loser on the day was Robert Gesink who trailed in over four minutes behind to slip from second to sixth on General Classification.

It was never likely to be an easy day, with three Category 1 climbs - two of which were up the Navacerrada - and Christophe Riblon, Eduard Vorganov and Daniel Martin broke away early in the day.

They were allowed to stretch their lead to almost seven minutes, but the Caisse d'Epargne, Euskaltel and Liquigas teams stepped up the pace when it was clear that Gesink was in trouble.

Gesink was dropped on the first two Category 1 climbs, but was paced back up by his Rabobank team.

However, they could do nothing when he cracked on the Navacerrada for the second time, as his place in second on GC slipped away.

Samuel Sanchez put pressure on Valverde on the final descent but the race leader covered every move and was content to come in second as Cobo raced to a stage victory.

STAGE 20 LIVE at 3pm on Friday on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521); Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe.

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Comment 1 - 9 of 9

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  1. Some very petty/childish comments here. Valverde has­ clearly worked out that the best way to win a grand­ tour is to rider conservatively. In the past he's­ been to eager to win stages and has suffered bad days­ as a result. Here, no stage wins, but the overall­ never really looked in doubt. Can't understand­ whey it's taking CAS so long to make a judgement. ­ In the interim, Valverde (and cycling) are in a bizarre­ state of limbo........sort it out and either ban him or­ clear him.

    From pedro118118, on Mon 21 Sep 11:05AM

  2. Hey, mikolaj_falkowski, your mate Contador is taking a­ bit of a holiday at a nearby resort...run by Dr­ Fuentes...I am sure he will come back suitably­ refreshed.....he always has in the past.

    From sarah, on Sat 19 Sep 3:54AM

  3. Note the very average in comparison to pre 2006 Puerto­ affair form of Basso in the two grand tours he has­ ridden this year. Probably seeing his real value now,­ although even then i wouldnt discount something­ untoward on his part.

    From demi162, on Sat 19 Sep 12:36AM

  4. Note the very average in comparison to pre 2006 Puerto­ affair form of Basso in the two grand tours he has­ ridden this year. Probably seeing his real value now,­ although even then i wouldnt discount something­ untoward on his part.

    From demi162, on Sat 19 Sep 12:36AM

  5. Well you saw what Andy Schleck did at this vuelta. I­ doubt that even Contador is capable of 2 winning 2­ grand tours in a row, it is really hard to protect your­ shape for so long. Anyway you have to give credit to­ Valverde, he has done an excellent race so far, and is­ most likely to win it if he doenst crack tomorrow.­ Gesing was also great and only the injury did not let­ him finish on podium, Evans was OK but out of luck,­ Mosquera and Sanchez both riding very well in the­ mountains

    From Jordan, on Fri 18 Sep 11:38PM

  6. Well you saw what Andy Schleck did at this vuelta. I­ doubt that even Contador is capable of 2 winning 2­ grand tours in a row, it is really hard to protect your­ shape for so long. Anyway you have to give credit to­ Valverde, he has done an excellent race so far, and is­ most likely to win it if he doenst crack tomorrow.­ Gesing was also great and only the injury did not let­ him finish on podium, Evans was OK but out of luck,­ Mosquera and Sanchez both riding very well in the­ mountains

    From Jordan, on Fri 18 Sep 11:38PM

  7. Stupid question. You can only race those who entered.

    From terrytrudgian, on Fri 18 Sep 11:21PM

  8. Where are real men? Valverde could you do it if there­ was Contador......?

    From mikolaj_falkowski, on Fri 18 Sep 11:14PM

  9. Good Work Gesink you ride a great Vuelta! And he­ cracked because he had a big injury he schowed alot of­ charakter.We all are proud of you and i am sure one day­ you will win the TDF

    From dido22610, on Fri 18 Sep 6:14PM
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