Stage 18 of the Vuelta a España unfolded with a tense and tactical battle, as a large breakaway group dominated the day from early on. The 179-kilometre route through the Basque region saw attack after attack in the opening kilometres, with 40 riders eventually breaking free from the peloton. Among the escapees were key riders from Team dsm-firmenich, including Max Poole, Pavel Bittner, Chris Hamilton, and Tim Naberman.
The large breakaway quickly built up a substantial lead, with the peloton opting to let the group fight for the stage win. The pace remained high as the group approached the final categorised climb of the day, the Puerto de Herrera. As the riders crested the summit, the breakaway began to fracture, leaving a smaller group of 12 riders in contention. Tensions rose as the rolling terrain favoured constant attacks, with riders testing each other in a bid to take control of the stage.
It was in the final six kilometres that Urko Berrade made his move. The 26-year-old Spaniard, riding for Equipo Kern Pharma, launched a late solo attack, catching his rivals off guard. Building a significant lead on the final climb, Berrade powered ahead, leaving the chasing group behind and crossing the finish line alone to secure his maiden professional victory.
Behind him, Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid and Berrade’s teammate Pau Miquel fought for second place, with Schmid just edging out Miquel in a tight sprint. Britain’s Max Poole, who had been well-positioned throughout the day, finished fourth but was later promoted to third after Miquel was relegated for an irregular sprint.
Team dsm-firmenich’s Phil West described the chaotic stage: “It was a big fight at the start, less selective in some places which made the fight bigger, and in the end, we had four guys in the big front group.”
2024 Vuelta a Espana Stage 18 result
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Main photo credit: Unipublic/Sprint Cycling Agency
