Published on : 09/11/2026
After 120 kilometres of intense racing before the breakaway finally formed, Sergio Samitier managed to make it into the 16-rider group that went clear on Stage 19 of La Vuelta. The Spaniard then fought all the way up the final climb to Peñas Blancas to secure 10th place.
It was a hard-fought battle for much of the 210-kilometre stage. From the first climbs, the Cofidis riders were on the offensive, with Sergio Samitier, Sylvain Moniquet and then Paul Ourselin all trying to get away, but each move was brought back. After nearly 120 kilometres at a very high pace, a group of 16 riders finally managed to open a gap, with Sergio Samitier among them. The group built a lead of up to 7’15’’ over the peloton before reaching the foot of the final climb to Peñas Blancas (18.8 km at 6.5%). Attacks came from the very first slopes, but Sergio Samitier dug deep to secure 10th place at the summit.
A Top 10 that rewards all the hard work Sergio has done for the team since the start of this Vuelta. Well deserved.
Reaction:
Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Sports Director:
“Our goal today was to get a rider into the breakaway, and the whole team tried. There was a huge battle for almost 120 kilometres and the pace was really high. You needed very good legs to make it into that group of 16 riders. Sergio was there and eventually finished 10th. Maybe he lacked a little confidence in the finale to go for an even better result, but we are happy with the way the whole team raced and with this Top 10. Tomorrow, another very difficult mountain stage awaits us. It will be harder to find an opportunity, but we will still give it a try.”
Sylvain Moniquet:
“As expected, there was a very long battle to make the breakaway. We all tried within the team and we were very active. Sergio was feeling really good and managed to make it into the breakaway, so we achieved our goal as a team. Personally, my goal was also to be up front, so I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t manage to make it. In the end, it all came down to the legs. It was a very difficult stage, with the first two hours raced at a really high pace. Tomorrow will be every man for himself. I don’t even know if there will be a breakaway. Everyone will find their place with more than 5,000 metres of climbing.”