The 7th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, taking the riders on a 180 km journey from Archidona to Córdoba. Archidona, a picturesque town nestled in the Andalusian hills, served as the starting point for this slightly hilly stage, which tested the peloton with a mix of rolling terrain. The race culminated in the historic city of Córdoba, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. With just one significant challenge, a Category 2 climb positioned 30 km from the finish line, the stage was set for a dynamic finale as the riders approached the bustling streets of Córdoba.
The Belgian unrolls
Wout Van Aert (TVL) secured his second victory in this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Córdoba with a time of 04h 15′ 39″. He was closely followed by Mathias Vacek (LTK) and Pau Miquel Delgado (EKP), both finishing with the same time but unable to outmatch Van Aert’s sprint to the line.
Van Aert’s triumph today reinforces his dominant form in this Vuelta, as he has consistently placed in the top three of every sprinting stage so far. His power and versatility make him a formidable contender, and with two stage wins under his belt already, he is proving to be one of the most reliable and strongest riders in the peloton this year.
The green jersey already decided
Van Aert’s victory today has given him a small but significant lead in the battle for the sprinter’s jersey. He now sits at 203 points, with Kaden Groves in second place at 162 points. While nothing is decided yet, Van Aert’s consistent performances and his ability to finish strongly in every sprint suggest that he could be unstoppable if he continues at this pace. His dominance is becoming increasingly apparent, and with each stage, he moves closer to securing the coveted sprinter’s jersey.
The battle for the overall classification resumes tomorrow
Tomorrow’s stage between Úbeda and Cazorla presents a challenging medium-mountain course that could significantly impact the general classification. It will be a crucial opportunity for contenders like João Almeida or Primož Roglič to close the gap on Ben O’Connor, or perhaps for O’Connor to extend his lead even further. With the demanding terrain ahead, the battle among the GC favorites is set to intensify, making it a pivotal day in the race.
