La Vuelta
Meeus sprints to third on Stage 8 of La Vuelta
Jordi Meeus takes his second sprint podium of this year’s Vuelta
Stage 8 of La Vuelta offered another opportunity for the fast men, with 171 kilometres from Puçol to Xeraco and a largely flat route leading towards the expected sprint finish.
After a largely controlled opening part of the stage, the race changed dramatically with just over 30 kilometres remaining when race leader Tadej Pogačar unfortunately crashed on the approach to the final climb. The Slovenian was unable to continue and was forced to abandon the race.
The peloton stayed together over the Puerto de Barx, with Jordi safely in the group as the sprinters turned their attention to the finish in Xeraco. A late attack was brought back in the closing kilometres, setting up the expected bunch sprint.
The finale was disrupted by a large crash inside the final 300 metres, which held up much of the peloton. Jordi was safely ahead of the incident and well positioned in the fight for the stage victory. Mads Pedersen opened the sprint, before Bryan Coquard came through in the closing metres to take the win, with Jordi crossing the line in third place.
It is Jordi’s second podium of this year’s Vuelta after his second place on Stage 5 in Roquetes.
Jordi Meeus in the peloton on Stage 8 of La Vuelta
© Getty Sport
Pogačar’s abandon also reshapes the general classification, with Enric Mas taking over the red jersey. Primož now sits third overall, 1:33 behind the new race leader.
Tomorrow brings the race back into the mountains for a demanding Stage 9 from La Vila Joiosa to Alto de Aitana. The 187.4-kilometre stage features more than 5,000 metres of climbing and six categorised ascents before the summit finish.
