Misfortune has followed Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka around all week at the Vuelta a Espana and yesterday it claimed Merhawi Kudus.
Unfortunately, Kudus crashed 100 kilometres into yesterday’s 200 kilometre stage. The Eritrean climber tried to get up and continue but was unable to. Kudus was sent to hospital for further examination. This puts Team Dimension Data down to just 5 riders, after Nic Dougall (stage 6), Youcef Reguigui (stage 5) and Ben King (stage 3) fell ill.
Yesterday’s stage was relatively calm otherwise. Fourteen riders made the early break of the day and with no serious threats to the GC in the move, Team Sky allowed them to gain an advantage that would see the escapees decide the stage.
Matej Mohric (UAE Emirates) was the best in the break after attacking his breakaway companions in the final kilometres. Pawel Poljanski (Bora-Hansgrohe) finished 2nd and JJ Rojas (Movistar) placed 3rd.
