Three days after renewing his contract with the Etixx-Quick Step team, David De La Cruz put in a masterful display on the 164.5 kilometre ninth stage of the Vuelta a España from Cistierna to Alto del Naranco, soloing to the win and the red jersey, after being part of the 11-man escape which animated the day.
Riding his home race for the third time, the Spaniard infiltrated himself in the big group that slipped away soon after the start and helped the group gain a lead of over five minutes. With around 30 kilometres remaining, attacks flew from the front group and the advantage began to come down but De la Cruz patiently bided his time, deciding to attack on the final descent together with Dries Devenyns (IAM Cycling). Together, they built a gap of 30 seconds on their former breakaway companions, which they extended on Alto del Naranco (5.7 kilometers, 6.1% average gradient).
Despite doing some long pulls at the front, David De La Cruz still had enough left in the legs to attack inside the last kilometre, speeding towards the finish and notching up his maiden pro victory. The 27-year-old was understandably delighted after achieving the best result of his career.
“After being injured and sidelined due to health problems many times in the past two years, this victory repays me for all the hard work and the team for the confidence showed,” said De la Cruz. “The key moment was when I was with Devenyns and found out that we have a consistent gap on the guys chasing us. Then I knew I can do it.”
“It’s incredible to ride in a race against the best in the world – riders like Froome, Contador, Valverde or Quintana – and take this beautiful win. Alto del Naranco is a fantastic climb, which I know very well from the Vuelta a Asturias, and to be on top here gives me a great and unique feeling.”
“I can’t believe I’m the leader of the Vuelta a España! At the start of the day, when I went in the break, I was thinking of taking the win. During the stage, I wasn’t aware I can seize the jersey, it was only in the final two kilometres that I got this info from the team car.”
“To lead my home race is the icing on the cake and I’ll savor every moment. I want to thank to my all my teammates and to sport director Jan Schaffrath, who kept me informed on what was happening during the stage and motivated me. The confidence of the team and of the guys was crucial and says a lot about how united and determined this team is.”
