Team Saxo Bank Tinkoff's Nicolas Roche rode to a career highlight win in Stage 2 of Vuelta A España. The early mountain stage began in Pontevedra and snaked 176.8km to an uphill finish in Alto Do Monte Da Groba.
Nico, two time Irish National Champion, out rode Katusha's Daniel Moreno Fernandez for the stage win in 4:37:09.
Roche, racing at approximately 70kg, averaged 206 watts over the 176.8km course with an average cadence of 72rpm and maintained an average speed of 38kph. His heart rate average was 132bpm and after 2,000 meters elevation gain had burned nearly 3,400 kilocalories.
The main pack was able to catch leaders Rasmussen, Henderson , and Aramendia at the foot of the last climb, Alto do Monte da Groba. Nicolas pushed over 411 average watts in the ascent with 90rpm average cadence. In the last kilometers he powered away off the front and with spectacular timing soloed to stage victory.
"I knew it was my chance because in a sprint, I wouldn't be able to win against guys like Valverde so I jumped after him," recalled Nico. "Entering the final kilometer, I was trying to stay calm and as the group behind was chasing, I opened the sprint from pretty far out and I just kept pushing to the finish line and ultimately, I took the win."
Click SRM File to Enlarge
| Time | 4:37:09 min |
| AVG Power | 206.0 watts |
| AVG Heart rate | 132 bpm |
| AVG Speed | 38.23 kph |
| AVG Cadence | 72.0 rpm |
| ALT Gain | 1,994.0 meters |
| Distance | 176.8 kilometers |
| Energy | 3,415.07 kilojoules |
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