Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España unfolded today with a thrilling 179-kilometer mid-mountain race from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Maeztu, traversing the scenic Parque Natural de Izki. The peloton faced two key climbs, the most daunting of which was the Category 1 Puerto Herrera, a grueling ascent that promised to shake up the standings. Beginning in the vibrant city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, renowned for its cultural heritage, the riders navigated through rugged terrain before reaching the tranquil and picturesque setting of Maeztu, set amid the natural beauty of the Izki reserve. This challenging stage was designed to test both the climbers and the overall contenders.
Urko Berrade Fernandez Shocks with First Major Tour Win
In a surprising turn of events, Urko Berrade Fernandez (EKP) claimed victory in Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España, crossing the finish line in 04h 00′ 52″. The Spanish rider, born in 1997, defied the odds to secure his first-ever stage win in a major tour, edging out Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid (JAY) and Australia’s Michael Poole (DFP), who both finished just four seconds behind, clocking identical times of 04h 00′ 56″. Berrade, a relatively unknown contender, had not been on many radars, especially after finishing 66th in his first Grand Tour appearance at the 2022 Vuelta. His triumph today was a stunning upset, marking a significant breakthrough for the young Spaniard on his second outing in a major tour.
Jersey Shuffle: Soler Takes Climber’s Lead from Vine
The climber’s jersey will see a change in wearer tomorrow, as Marc Soler reclaimed it after a strong performance on today’s stage. Soler, who picked up crucial points on the Puerto Herrera climb, now leads the classification by just one point over his UAE Team Emirates teammate, Jay Vine. Though the jersey changes shoulders, it remains within the same team, setting up a thrilling internal battle for the remaining mountain stages. Meanwhile, Ben O’Connor successfully defended his red leader’s jersey, sticking close to Primož Roglič’s wheel throughout the day to secure his overall lead for at least another stage.
Thrilling Mountain Stage Ahead
Tomorrow’s stage promises to be another thrilling battle on rough terrain, culminating in a challenging mountain finish. With its grueling profile, it is expected to spark several breakaways and provide spectacular racing action. All eyes will be on Primož Roglič, who could seize this opportunity to reclaim the red jersey he lost early in the competition. The demanding climbs will be the perfect stage for the Slovenian champion to showcase his strength, making it a key moment in the race for the overall victory. Spectators can expect high drama as the contenders push their limits once again.
