On the 11th stage of the La Vuelta a Espana Fabio Aru (Astana) rode to victory.
Team MTN-Qhubeka. Photo: Supplied
He arrived six seconds before the GC favourites group where Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) crossed the line in second place and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) in third.
Team MTN-Qhubeka had a good day placing five riders in the top 50 on a difficult stage.
Sergio Pardilla was their best placed finisher in 15th position while Louis Meintjes was 30th. Jacques Janse van Rensburg finished the stage strongly in 34th position.
“Today was really hard. I tried to get in the break but it was not possible. The pace was too high in the beginning and they kept closing every gap. Eventually the break would only go at 65km.
“I got over the first climb alright but then there was always a big fight for position leading into the final climb. I lost some power while fighting for a good position so I didn’t have too much left for the final climb,” said Merhawi Kudus.
