Tom Dumoulin survived another day in the leader’s jersey after a difficult finale on stage 19 of the Vuelta. Once again the breakaway stayed clear and Alexis Gougeard won the stage solo.

A very strong Team Giant-Alpecin showed their capacities to control the pace at the bunch. In the finale, echelons split up the bunch, as 25 riders was separated, including all GC contenders and leader Tom Dumoulin.

Towards Ávila they fought for positions and a few times the group was threatened to split up again. Tom Dumoulin counted on strong support by John Degenkolb and Lawson Craddock , who rode an incredibly strong race.

In the meantime Alexis Gougeard (AG2R La Mondiale) attacked from the early break of 24 riders and won the stage. In the GC group, Tom Dumoulin attacked on the final steep cobble climb, and picked up three more seconds on Fabio Aru with his attack.

“I was in the wheel of Degenkolb and he crashed. I just avoided him but went into the ditch and my bike broke but I had nothing. It’s not nice that Aru crashed but I did not attack because of this I had already in mind (in the morning) that if there’s a chance I’d take it. I knew it was a finish that suited me well, there was a chance and I took it. I don’t know if those three seconds are useful, I will see tomorrow,” he said after the stage.

“We were able to control the stage the whole day, and in the finale I had still Lawson and John with me in our group of 20 riders. The guys were amazing today. I was feeling OK. Of course I was tired, but I knew the others were tired too. I just wanted to give it a try in the finale and took three seconds in the GC. I am satisfied, as every second could be critical.

“People initially had doubts about the strength of the team, but today we rode very strongly. They led me out perfectly on the final uphill section, and I was able to finish it. We have to look at ourselves, believe in our own strength and make a good plan for tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a decisive stage and very tough one too.”