Stage 12: Carapaz Breaks Away
Richard Carapaz (Ineos-Grenadiers) flashed his Grand Tour-winning form with a fierce attack out of the breakaway to win the uphill finish on Stage 12 of La Vuelta 2022. The Ecuadorian rider also picks up a massive gain in the standings, rocketing up the rankings from 24th to 16th overall.
Stage 12The 21-stage route of La Vuelta is in a bit of a flat stage lull at present. Stage 12 offered the riders a long, flat buildup to a pair of climbs, including a category-1 uphill finish. The peloton allowed a large breakaway to get up the road, ceding around ten minutes by the time the breakaway hit the uncategorized climb after the midway point. The big name GC contenders stayed in the peloton, likely resting themselves for a duel on the final climb.
Lawson CraddockMeanwhile, a number of talented riders made it into the breakaway, including Grand Tour-winner Richard Carapaz (IGD), 21st-ranked overall Wilco Kelderman (BOH), stage-win threat American Lawson Craddock (BEX) and Jay Vine (ADC), who has already collected two stage wins at this year’s La Vuelta.
Craddock got distanced from the lead group at around 11km to go. Jay Vine suddenly looked human and got dropped with 3km to go. Wilco Kelderman (BOH) rode a strong race, and gained back a huge chunk of time in the overall standings, but ultimately watched Carapaz power ahead solo with about 2km to go.
Red jersey wearer Remco Evenepoel (QST) took a spill rounding a corner with about 40km to go. He did not seem too shaken up, but expended effort to catch up with the peloton. Rohan Dennnis (JV) put pressure on Evenepoel at the head of the peloton in the final climb. In hastening the pace, Jumbo Visma and other teams continue to search for cracks in Evenepoel’s armor. But the Belgian would not crack on Stage 12, keeping abreast of rivals.
Mads Pedersen (TSF) and Jay Vine retain the green and polka dot jerseys, respectively.
Lawson Craddock remains the highest-ranked American in the overall standings.
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