The 2018 Vuelta a España was a three-week Grand Tour cycling stage race that took place in Spain between 25 August and 16 September 2018.[1] The race was the 73rd edition of the Vuelta a España and was the final Grand Tour of the 2018 cycling season. The race started in Málaga and finished in Madrid.

2018 Vuelta a España
2018 UCI World Tour, race 31 of 37
Race details
Dates25 August – 16 September
Stages21
Distance3,271.4 km (2,033 mi)
Winning time82h 05' 58"
Results
Winner  Simon Yates (GBR) (Mitchelton–Scott)
  Second  Enric Mas (ESP) (Quick-Step Floors)
  Third  Miguel Ángel López (COL) (Astana)

Points  Alejandro Valverde (ESP) (Movistar Team)
Mountains  Thomas De Gendt (BEL) (Lotto–Soudal)
Youth  Enric Mas (ESP) (Quick-Step Floors)
Combination  Simon Yates (GBR) (Mitchelton–Scott)
Combativity  Bauke Mollema (NED) (Trek–Segafredo)
  Team Spain Movistar Team
← 2017
2019 →

The race was won by British rider Simon Yates from the team Mitchelton–Scott.

Teams

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The starting teams include:[2]

UCI WorldTeams

Professional Continental teams

Pre-race favourites

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Four former winners started the race; Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Valverde (both from Movistar Team), Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain–Merida) and Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates).[3] The other riders considered contenders for the general classification were Richie Porte (BMC Racing Team), Simon Yates (Mitchelton–Scott), Miguel Ángel López (Astana), Michał Kwiatkowski (Team Sky), Wilco Kelderman (Team Sunweb), Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL–Jumbo), Thibaut Pinot (Groupama–FDJ) and Rigoberto Urán (EF Education First–Drapac p/b Cannondale).[4]

Route and stages

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List of stages[5][6][7]
Stage Date Course Distance Type Winner
1 25 August Málaga 8 km (5 mi)   Individual time trial   Rohan Dennis (AUS)
2 26 August Marbella to Caminito del Rey 163.9 km (102 mi)   Hilly stage   Alejandro Valverde (ESP)
3 27 August Mijas to Alhaurín de la Torre 182.5 km (113 mi)   Hilly stage   Elia Viviani (ITA)
4 28 August Vélez-Málaga to Alfacar 162 km (101 mi)   Mountain stage   Ben King (USA)
5 29 August Granada to Roquetas de Mar 188 km (117 mi)   Intermediate stage   Simon Clarke (AUS)
6 30 August Huércal-Overa to San Javier 153 km (95 mi)   Flat stage   Nacer Bouhanni (FRA)
7 31 August Puerto Lumbreras to Pozo Alcón 182 km (113 mi)   Hilly stage   Tony Gallopin (FRA)
8 1 September Linares to Almadén 195.5 km (121 mi)   Hilly stage   Alejandro Valverde (ESP)
9 2 September Talavera de la Reina to La Covatilla 195 km (121 mi)   Mountain stage   Ben King (USA)
3 September Salamanca Rest day
10 4 September Salamanca to Fermoselle 172.5 km (107 mi)   Flat stage   Elia Viviani (ITA)
11 5 September Mombuey to Ribeira Sacra/Luíntra 208.8 km (130 mi)   Intermediate stage   Alessandro De Marchi (ITA)
12 6 September Mondoñedo to Punta de Estaca de Bares 177.5 km (110 mi)   Hilly stage   Alexandre Geniez (FRA)
13 7 September Candás to La Camperona 175.5 km (109 mi)   Mountain stage   Óscar Rodríguez (ESP)
14 8 September Cistierna to Les Praeres de Nava 167 km (104 mi)   Mountain stage   Simon Yates (GBR)
15 9 September Ribera de Arriba to Lakes of Covadonga 185.5 km (115 mi)   Mountain stage   Thibaut Pinot (FRA)
10 September Santander Rest day
16 11 September Santillana del Mar to Torrelavega 32.7 km (20 mi)   Individual time trial   Rohan Dennis (AUS)
17 12 September Getxo to Oiz 166.4 km (103 mi)   Intermediate stage   Michael Woods (CAN)
18 13 September Ejea de los Caballeros to Lleida 180.5 km (112 mi)   Flat stage   Jelle Wallays (BEL)
19 14 September Lleida to Naturlandia (Andorra) 157 km (98 mi)   Mountain stage   Thibaut Pinot (FRA)
20 15 September Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra) to Coll de la Gallina (Andorra) 105.8 km (66 mi)   Mountain stage   Enric Mas (ESP)
21 16 September Alcorcón to Madrid 112.3 km (70 mi)   Flat stage   Elia Viviani (ITA)
Total 3,271.4 km (2,033 mi)

Classification leadership

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The Vuelta a España had four individual classifications, for which jerseys were awarded daily to the leading rider, as well as a team competition. The primary classification was the general classification, which was calculated by adding each rider's finishing times on each stage.[8] Time bonuses were awarded at the end of every stage apart from the two individual time trials.[9] The rider with the lowest cumulative time was the leader of the general classification,[8] and wears the red jersey.[10] The leader of the general classification at the end of the race was considered the overall winner of the Vuelta a España.[8]

The second classification was the points classification. Riders received points for finishing among the highest placed in a stage finish, or in intermediate sprints during the stage. The points available for each stage finish were determined by the stage's type.[8] The leader was identified by a green jersey.[10]

Mountains classification points[8]
Category 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Cima Alberto Fernández 20 15 10 6 4 2
Special-category 15 10 6 4 2
First-category 10 6 4 2 1
Second-category 5 3 1
Third-category 3 2 1

The next classification was the mountains classification. Points were awarded to the riders that reached the summit of the most difficult climbs first. The climbs were categorized, in order of increasing difficulty, third-, second-, and first- and special-category.[11] The leader wore a white jersey with blue polka dots.[10]

The final of the individual classifications was the combination classification. A rider's ranking in the combination classification was determined by tallying up his positions in the general, points, and mountains classifications. The leader wore a white jersey. If no rider was classified in all three classifications, riders classified in two would have been considered, and if that was tied the general classification will decide the winner.[10]

There was also the team classification. After each stage, the times of the three highest finishers of each team are added together. The victory was awarded to the team with the lowest cumulative time at the end of the event.[10]

In addition, there were two individual awards: the combativity award and the young rider award. The combativity award was given after each stage to the rider "who displayed the most generous effort and best sporting spirit." The daily winner wore a green number bib the following stage. At the end of the Vuelta, a jury decides the top three riders for the "Most Combative Rider of La Vuelta", with a public vote deciding the victor. The young rider award is calculated the same way as the general classification, but the classification was restricted to riders who were born on or after 1 January 1993. The leader wore a red number bib.[10]

A total of €1,120,000 will be awarded in cash prizes in the race. The overall winner of the general classification will receive €150,335, with the second and third placed riders getting €57,000 and €30,000 respectively. All finishers in the top 20 were awarded with money. The holders of the four individual classifications benefited on each stage they led. The final winners of the points and combined were given €11,000, while the mountains classification got €23,100 and the most combative rider got €3,000. The team classification winners were given €12,500. €11,000 was given to the winners of each stage of the race, with smaller amounts given to places 2–20.[12] There was also a special award with a prize of €1,000, the Cima Alberto Fernández, given to first rider to reach the summit of the highest mountain of the race.[8][12][13]

Classification leadership by stage
Stage Winner General classification
 
Points classification
 
Mountains classification
 
Combination classification
 
Team classification

Combativity award
 
Young rider award
 
1 Rohan Dennis Rohan Dennis Rohan Dennis[a] not awarded[a] Rohan Dennis[a] BMC Racing Team not awarded Benjamin Thomas
2 Alejandro Valverde Michał Kwiatkowski Michał Kwiatkowski[b] Luis Ángel Maté Michał Kwiatkowski[b] Team Sky Luis Ángel Maté Laurens De Plus
3 Elia Viviani Jordi Simón
4 Ben King Astana Luis Ángel Maté Enric Mas
5 Simon Clarke Rudy Molard Alejandro Valverde Bauke Mollema
6 Nacer Bouhanni Michał Kwiatkowski[c] Jorge Cubero[21]
7 Tony Gallopin Alejandro Valverde Alejandro Valverde[d] Alex Aranburu
8 Alejandro Valverde Jorge Cubero
9 Ben King Simon Yates LottoNL–Jumbo Lluís Mas Miguel Ángel López
10 Elia Viviani Peter Sagan Jesús Ezquerra
11 Alessandro De Marchi Alejandro Valverde Bauke Mollema
12 Alexandre Geniez Jesús Herrada Bahrain–Merida Thomas De Gendt
13 Óscar Rodríguez Gorka Izagirre
14 Simon Yates Simon Yates Michał Kwiatkowski
15 Thibaut Pinot Bauke Mollema
16 Rohan Dennis Movistar Team not awarded Enric Mas
17 Michael Woods Thomas De Gendt Omar Fraile
18 Jelle Wallays Jetse Bol
19 Thibaut Pinot Simon Yates[e] Jonathan Castroviejo
20 Enric Mas Jesús Herrada
21 Elia Viviani not awarded
Final Simon Yates Alejandro Valverde Thomas De Gendt Simon Yates Movistar Team Bauke Mollema Enric Mas

Final classification standings

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Legend
  Denotes the leader of the general classification[10]   Denotes the leader of the points classification[10]
  Denotes the leader of the mountains classification[10]   Denotes the leader of the combination classification[10]
  Denotes the winner of the combativity award[10]   Denotes the winner of the young rider award[10]

General classification

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Final general classification (1–10)[26]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Simon Yates (GBR)     Mitchelton–Scott 82h 05' 58"
2   Enric Mas (ESP)   Quick-Step Floors + 1' 46"
3   Miguel Ángel López (COL) Astana + 2' 04"
4   Steven Kruijswijk (NED) LottoNL–Jumbo + 2' 54"
5   Alejandro Valverde (ESP)   Movistar Team + 4' 28"
6   Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama–FDJ + 5' 57"
7   Rigoberto Urán (COL) EF Education First–Drapac + 6' 07"
8   Nairo Quintana (COL) Movistar Team + 6' 51"
9   Ion Izagirre (ESP) Bahrain–Merida + 11' 09"
10   Wilco Kelderman (NED) Team Sunweb + 11' 11"

Points classification

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Final points classification (1–10)[26]
Rank Rider Team Points
1   Alejandro Valverde (ESP)   Movistar Team 131
2   Peter Sagan (SVK) Bora–Hansgrohe 119
3   Elia Viviani (ITA) Quick-Step Floors 105
4   Simon Yates (GBR)     Mitchelton–Scott 104
5   Miguel Ángel López (COL) Astana 103
6   Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama–FDJ 95
7   Dylan Teuns (BEL) BMC Racing Team 93
8   Steven Kruijswijk (NED) LottoNL–Jumbo 80
9   Danny van Poppel (NED) LottoNL–Jumbo 80
10   Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA) Trek–Segafredo 76

Mountains classification

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Final mountains classification (1–10)[26]
Rank Rider Team Points
1   Thomas De Gendt (BEL)   Lotto–Soudal 95
2   Bauke Mollema (NED)   Trek–Segafredo 83
3   Luis Ángel Maté (ESP) Cofidis 64
4   Ben King (USA) Team Dimension Data 56
5   Miguel Ángel López (COL) Astana 45
6   Simon Yates (GBR)     Mitchelton–Scott 38
7   Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama–FDJ 36
8   Pierre Rolland (FRA) EF Education First–Drapac 31
9   Michael Woods (CAN) EF Education First–Drapac 21
10   Michał Kwiatkowski (POL) Team Sky 20

Combination classification

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Final combination classification (1–10)[26]
Rank Rider Team Points
1   Simon Yates (GBR)     Mitchelton–Scott 11
2   Miguel Ángel López (COL) Astana 13
3   Alejandro Valverde (ESP)   Movistar Team 18
4   Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama–FDJ 19
5   Enric Mas (ESP) Quick-Step Floors 24
6   Steven Kruijswijk (NED) LottoNL–Jumbo 29
7   Ben King (USA) Team Dimension Data 41
8   Rigoberto Urán (COL) EF Education First–Drapac 45
9   Nairo Quintana (COL) Movistar Team 47
10   Rafał Majka (POL) Bora–Hansgrohe 47

Team classification

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Final team classification (1–10)[26]
Rank Team Time
1   Movistar Team 246h 50' 04"
2   Bahrain–Merida + 45' 36"
3   Bora–Hansgrohe + 47' 57"
4   Astana + 48' 10"
5   EF Education First–Drapac + 58' 49"
6   Mitchelton–Scott + 1h 27' 43"
7   Team Dimension Data + 1h 31' 01"
8   AG2R La Mondiale + 1h 37' 13"
9   Team Sky + 1h 47' 43"
10   Euskadi–Murias + 1h 47' 50"

Notes and references

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Footnotes

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  1. ^ a b c In stage 2, Victor Campenaerts, who was third in the points and general classifications, wore the green jersey, because first-placed Rohan Dennis wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification; Michał Kwiatkowski, who was second in the general and points classifications, elected to wear his Polish national champion's jersey.[14] Nelson Oliveira, who was fourth in the general and points classifications, wore the white with blue polka-dot jersey in stage 2, although no points were awarded during the opening individual time trial stage.[15] Dylan van Baarle, who was fifth in the general and points classifications, therefore wore the white combination classification jersey.[16]
  2. ^ a b In stages 3 to 5, Alejandro Valverde, who was second in the points classification, wore the green jersey, because first-placed Michał Kwiatkowski wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification.[17] As a result, the white jersey was worn by the third-placed rider in the combination classification; in stages 3 and 4, this was worn by Laurens De Plus,[18] while Ben King wore the jersey on stage 5.[19]
  3. ^ In stage 7, Alejandro Valverde, who was second in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because first-placed Michał Kwiatkowski wore the green jersey as leader of the points classification.[20]
  4. ^ In stages 8 and 9, Ben King, who was third in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because first-placed Alejandro Valverde wore the green jersey as leader of the points classification; Michał Kwiatkowski, who was second in the combination classification, elected to wear his Polish national champion's jersey.[22] King also wore the jersey on stages 10,[23] and 12 to 14, having moved up to second in the combination classification after his stage 9 victory. In stages 15 and 17, Miguel Ángel López, who was third in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because first-placed Alejandro Valverde wore the green jersey as leader of the points classification; Simon Yates, who was second in the combination classification, wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification.[24] López also wore the jersey on stages 16, 18 and 19, having moved up to second in the combination classification behind Valverde.
  5. ^ In stage 20, Miguel Ángel López, who was third in the combination classification, wore the white jersey, because first-placed Simon Yates wore the red jersey as leader of the general classification; Alejandro Valverde, who was second in the combination classification, wore the green jersey as leader of the points classification.[25] López also wore the jersey on stage 21, having moved up to second in the combination classification behind Yates.

References

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  1. ^ "The official route of la Vuelta 2018 is revealed in Estepona". La Vuelta. 13 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  2. ^ "Vuelta a España 2018 start list: Nibali, Aru and Porte seek redemption in Spain". Cycling Weekly. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Vuelta a Espana 2018: Preview - Cyclingnews.com". 20 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Vuelta a España 2018 odds: Who are the bookmakers backing for victory? - Cycling Weekly". 21 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  5. ^ Fotheringham, Alasdair (13 January 2018). "2018 Vuelta a Espana route revealed". Cycling News. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  6. ^ Brown, Gregor (13 January 2018). "Vuelta a España 2018 route features nine summit finishes and two time trials". Cycling Weekly. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  7. ^ Snowball, Ben (24 August 2018). "La Vuelta 2018: Route, stage profiles, TV details, favourites, Chris Froome, odds and more". Eurosport. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Race regulations 2017, p. 49.
  9. ^ Race regulations 2017, p. 47.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Race regulations 2017, p. 50.
  11. ^ Race regulations 2017, p. 49–50.
  12. ^ a b Race regulations 2017, p. 51.
  13. ^ Westemeyer, Susan (3 September 2017). "Vuelta a Espana: Lopez climbs to victory on stage 15". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  14. ^ @Lotto_Soudal (26 August 2018). "#LaVuelta18 @VCampenaerts, 3rd on yesterday's time trial, is wearing the green jersey today. He's 3rd in the points classification, but Rohan Dennis wears the red leader's jersey and Michal Kwiatkowski the Polish national jersey" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ Movistar Team [@Movistar_Team] (26 August 2018). "#LaVuelta18 @Nelsoliveira89 luce este domingo en Marbella el maillot de la montaña de @lavuelta antes del arranque de la 2ª etapa" [#LaVuelta18 @Nelsoliveira89 is wearing the mountains jersey @lavuelta on Sunday in Marbella before the start of the 2nd stage.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ @TeamSky (26 August 2018). "It's time for stage two at #LaVuelta18. @DylanvanBaarle is looking after the white combined jersey for today's test. The peloton has just rolled out of Marbella" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Movistar Team [@Movistar_Team] (27 August 2018). "Ya en marcha la 3ª etapa de #LaVuelta18, en la que @alejanvalverde lucirá por asignación el maillot verde de la Regularidad en poder del líder de la prueba, Kwiatkowski (SKY). Sol y calor en la salida de Mijas. 📸 @PhotoGomezSport" [The 3rd stage of #LaVuelta18 is already underway, in which @alejanvalverde will wear the green points jersey on behalf of the leader of the race, Kwiatkowski (SKY). Sun and heat at the exit of Mijas. 📸 @PhotoGomezSport] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 27 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ @QuickStepTeam (27 August 2018). "For today, @LaurensDePlus has borrowed the white jersey, which recognizes the leader of #LaVuelta18 combination classification" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 27 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ @LaVuelta (29 August 2018). "❤ @kwiato 💚 @alejanvalverde 💙 @luisangelmate ⬜ @BenKing89 #LaVuelta18" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Grupo Fertiberia, S.A. [@GrupoFertiberia] (31 August 2018). "7ª etapa #LaVuelta18: @alejanvalverde @Movistar_Team rodará un día mas con el #maillotblanco de @lavuelta en un escenario natural impresionante, con recorrido de @PtoLumbreras a @ayuntpozoalcon. @kwiato @TeamSky vuelve a liderar la combinada" [7th stage #LaVuelta18: @alejanvalverde @Movistar_Team will roll one more day with #maillotblanco of @lavuelta in a stunning natural setting, travelling from @PtoLumbreras to @ayuntpozoalcon. @kwiato @TeamSky returns to lead the combined.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2018 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "Cubero, corredor más combativo de la sexta etapa" [Cubero, most combative rider of the sixth stage]. Burgos BH (in Spanish). Burgos BH Pro Cycling Team. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ Grupo Fertiberia, S.A. [@GrupoFertiberia] (1 September 2018). "⚪️@alejanvalverde @Movistar_Team se viste hoy de verde y cede el #maillotblanco #LaVuelta18 a @BenKing89 @TeamDiData en una 8ª etapa, previa a la montaña, con 195 km entre @aytolinares y Almadén, muy propicia para nuevas escapadas" [⚪️@alejanvalverde @Movistar_Team is wearing green today and gives #maillotblanco #LaVuelta18 to @BenKing89 @TeamDiData in the 8th stage, prior to the mountains, with 195km between @aytolinares and Almadén, very conducive to new escapees.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 1 September 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2018 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Grupo Fertiberia, S.A. [@GrupoFertiberia] (3 September 2018). "⚪️😴@alejanvalverde llega hoy a la jornada de descanso como dueño del #maillotblanco. @BenKing89 lo defendió como un jabato 🐗⛰️en la Covatilla y seguro que lo hará de nuevo mañana en @aytoSalamanca #LaVuelta18" [⚪️😴 @alejanvalverde arrives today at the rest day as owner of #maillotblanco. @BenKing89 defended like a boar 🐗⛰️ in La Covatilla and he will surely do it again tomorrow in @aytoSalamanca #LaVuelta18] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 4 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ Grupo Fertiberia, S.A. [@GrupoFertiberia] (9 September 2018). "⚪️El que siempre está delante, @alejanvalverde @Movistar_Team, sigue un día más #maillotblanco de #LaVuelta18. Que carrerón se está marcando el murciano 🇪🇸!!!👏. @SupermanlopezN lo viste hoy en la mítica de Lagos de Covadonga🏁🏔️, el broche "a un finde trepando"" [⚪️The one that is always in front, @alejanvalverde @Movistar_Team, carries on for one more day in #maillotblanco at #LaVuelta18. What a race the Murcian is having 🇪🇸!!!👏. @SupermanlopezN is who you will see today at the mystical Lagos de Covadonga🏁🏔️, the key to the mountain stage.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Grupo Fertiberia, S.A. [@GrupoFertiberia] (15 September 2018). "Hoy, montaña a destajo!!!🤪. Un puerto de 3ª⛰️, uno de 2ª🏔️, tres de 1ª categoría🗻🗻🗻 y una meta en categoría especial🌋🏁, agárrense los machos!!!😱. Etapón de despedida en el que @SimonYatess, nuevo líder del #maillotblanco, cederá el honor de vestirlo a @SupermanlopezN" [Today, mountain stini! 🤪. A 3rd ⛰️, one of 2nd 🏔️, three of 1st category🗻🗻🗻 and a finish at special category🌋🏁, hold on guys!!! 😱. Farewell stage in which @SimonYatess, new leader of #maillotblanco, will give the honor of dressing to @SupermanlopezN.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ a b c d e "Official classifications of La Vuelta – Stage 21". LA VUELTA.ES/FR. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2022.

Sources

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