Stages 15 and 17 Vuelta de Espana 2019

I couldn't wait to proudly post that a young American cyclist won Stage 15 at the Vuelta de Espana on Sunday.  It was an amazing race with different cyclists in several breakaways during the race.  He usually is supporting the Red Jersey Primoz Roglic but he was riding safely in the Peloton 5 minutes behind his breakaway group so he waited.  When he figured he could win the stage he took off and none of the other riders could catch him.  I had heard that he had "chugged" the beer, which is a celebration for the stage winner from their sponsor each day.  Yes, he did -- a first I guess!  So cute.  The other thing about him is with 50 meters to go on a steep climb he started Hi-Fiving the crowd all the way to the finish line.  His smile tells it all.  He is 24 years old and last year attended University of Colorado.  Another American cyclist, Lawson Craddock on EF Education finished 7th.

Today's race, Stage 17 was the longest on this year's Tour, 219 Km.  He gets the honor of finishing the race in record time for all races of this length to date.  This was Philippe's second stage win of this tour.  I've never seen so many in the breakaway -- more than in the Peloton.  Of course one by one the breakaway cyclists get called back to support their team leader or just have had enough of the fast pace which they were going.  The last part of the race was at around 60 km.  

I loved the wonderful ruins and castles which have been maintained in today's venue.  Tomorrow's race has four climbs so it will be a totally different race with probably different winners.