VALDEZCARAY, Spain (AP) – Jonas Vingegaard powered to victory in Sunday’s ninth stage of the Tour of Spain, launching a decisive attack 11 kilometers from the finish line at the Valdezcaray ski resort. The win significantly narrowed the gap between Vingegaard and race leader Torstein Træen.
The Danish cyclist,a two-time Tour de France champion,completed the 195.5-kilometer mountain stage from Alfaro in a time that placed him 24 seconds ahead of competitors Tom Pidcock and João Almeida. This performance trimmed Træen’s overall lead to just 37 seconds heading into Monday’s first rest day. Træen finished 17th on the stage,1 minute and 46 seconds behind Vingegaard.
Vingegaard’s triumph marks his 40th career stage win and demonstrates his resilience in challenging conditions, including heavy rain and a demanding uphill finish. The Tour of Spain, which began on August 26th, is scheduled to conclude in Madrid on September 14th.
Notably, Vingegaard enters the race as a strong favorite in the absence of key rivals Tadej Pogačar and four-time Vuelta winner Primoz Roglic. The coming stages will reveal whether he can capitalize on this advantage and secure his first victory in the Spanish Grand Tour.
