2019 Vuelta a España Stage 21 Results & Recap
Stage 21 of the 2019 Vuelta a España is in the books. The final results and standings are below, followed by our recap of how the race unfolded.
Race Recap
Jakobsen wins final stage
Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quick Step) won the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana after a tight finish in Madrid. The Dutch champion out-kicked Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) to celebrate his second stage victory at this year’s edition of the Vuelta.
“I didn’t expect to make it to Madrid, to be honest,” Jakobsen said. “It’s my first Grand Tour and it was very hard, I suffered a lot. My first win was a relief, but this one is overwhelming. To make it to Madrid and win here, it takes me over the Moon. It’s like a dream come true. I wasn’t part of the elite before but now I think we can say I’m part of the top 10 sprinters in the World. It started when we entered the last 50 kilometres, to keep the break under control. We had to fight for position in the last kilometres to keep the break under control. We had to fight for position in the last kilometres.
Max [Richeze] took a bit of slipstream when Trek passed us. With 700 metres to go, I looked behind and I saw Sam Bennett was in my wheel, and we all know he has a very good last kick so I waited for the last moment and I gave everything I had, I even threw my bike just to make sure. Next year, La Vuelta will start in the Netherlands, so I’d be happy to come back, even though it’s a very hard race. That’s our sport and that’s why we love it.”
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) officially became the first Slovenian rider to win a Grand Tour after crossing the line in Madrid, ahead of the World champion Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team). His countryman, the 20-year-old Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), finished third and the best young rider of the Vuelta. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana Pro Team) was awarded the aggressive rider of the race.
“It’s a great feeling to win this race, and to be accompanied by another Slovenian is even better,” Roglic said. “It’s really nice for our cycling. I just tried to finish today again. We’re writing a bit of history. I’ll only know once I finish my career [if it’s the beginning before more successes]. But to win one Grand Tour is already a nice achievement.”
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