Despite a short course and a double passage on the Puerto del Piélago, the nineteenth stage of the Tour of Spain ended in a bunch sprint with around 60 riders in the streets of Talavera de la Reina No changes in the general classification can be reported and Louis Meintjes, who finished alongside Jan Bakelants, will start the last mountain stage before Madrid in the eleventh position in the provisional classification.
« On paper, the course looked quite difficult. But actually the Puerto del Piélago wasn’t steep enough to dynamite the race and also the long downhill and flat part in the final race hour didn’t inspire attackers. However, many riders have been distanced which shows the presence of fatigue stage towards the Puerto de Navacerrada. The hierarchy in the top ten of the general classification is quite clear, even though everything can happen in this last mountain stage before Madrid. Louis said that he’s feeling good, he’s motivated to go all out one last time. »
