South Africa’s Damon Fouchee and Matthew Fortuin were forced to withdrew after stage two of the Vuelta al Besaya at Caves del Altamira in Spain yesterday.
Damon Fouchee said he remained positive and motivated after he was forced to withdrew from the Vuelta al Besaya on stage two in Spain yesterday. Photo: Supplied
Police escorted Fouchee off the road after he suffered a mechanical in the first 5km of the stage.
Due to the new stringent UCI rules on cut off times, Fouchee was unable to fix the mechanical in time and was eliminated from the tour.
A disappointed Fouchee said afterwards he had enjoyed the racing in Europe.
“It’s very challenging, which is nice, and racing here requires a lot of focus due to the high adrenaline levels. Despite this disappointment, I remain positive and motivated to race here in Europe.”
Fortuin, who were also taken away by officials, unfortunately suffered a small crash halfway through the stage which bent his rear derailleur.
The only remaining South African Benino Hans finished the 92.4km stage that started in Santillana del Mar in 84th position and lies 87th overall.
Spaniard Ramon Fernandez Cuesta claimed the stage win in 2:11:42. He was followed one second later by Brazilian Marcos Levy Nascimento Da Matta and compatriot Pablo Garcia Frances.
Frances leads the overall standings in 4:33:50. He is trailed by fellow countrymen Jorge Gutierrez Gonzalez (+0:00:04) and Juan Ayuso Pesquera (+0:00:08).
More results can be viewed below.
Stage two results
1. Ramon Fernandez Cuesta (ESP) 2:11:42
2. Marcos Levy Nascimento Da Matta (BRA) +0:00:01
3. Pablo Garcia Frances (ESP)
4. Juan Ayuso Pesquera (ESP)
5. Carlos Rodriguez Cano (ESP)
6. Jorge Gutierrez Gonzalez (ESP)
7. Fernando Tercero Lopez (ESP)
8. Miguel Ferreira Joao Macedo (POR)
9. Alejandro Franco Gonzalez (ESP)
10. Miguel Sanchez Prado (ESP)
*Selected
84. Benino Hans (RSA) +0:05:50
General classification
1. Pablo Garcia Frances (ESP) 4:33:50
2. Jorge Gutierrez Gonzalez (ESP) +0:00:04
3. Juan Ayuso Pesquera (ESP) +0:00:08
4. Raul Garcia Pierna (ESP)
5. Marcos Levy Nascimento Da Matta (BRA)
6. Carlos Rodriguez Cano (ESP)
7. Miguel Ferreira Joao Macedo (POR)
8. Miguel Sanchez Prado (ESP)
9. Guillem Fuentes Pastor (ESP)
10. Alejandro Franco Gonzalez (ESP)
*Selected
87. Benino Hans (RSA) +0:13:35
