Colombia-Coldeportes’ riders could not manage to show up in the thirteenth stage of the Vuelta a Espana, Calatayud-Tarazona, where Nelson Oliveira (Lampre-Merida) held on to celebrate at the end of 177 km of racing. The Portuguese left the company of 22 fellow escapees after the final climb of the day, opening a one-minute gap over his chasers in the last kilometers. Second place for Julien Simon (Cofidis), with Nicolas Roche (Team Sky) in third.

Unfortunately, no Colombia-Coldeportes’ rider was part of the breakaway attempt, started on the first climb of the day, Alto Collado de Oseja, and held in control with no pressure by GC leader Fabio Aru’s Astana team.

“Being in the breakaway was always our intention, as we knew very well that its chances would be high,” Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi told, “and we tried to attack early on. Unfortunately, when the right attempt got clear, no one of us found the energy to get in. It feels bad, as any time you see a chance fade away, but it only makes sense to look forward and to what is next to come.”

The Vuelta will hit high-mountain terrain again tomorrow, Saturday, with the long 215 km stage from Vitoria to Alto Campoo, finishing on the top of a 18 km climb with 6,4% average gradient, peaking up to 15%.