Andreas Leknessund launched a successful solo attack on the final climb to the summit finish of Aramón Valdelinares to win stage seven of the Vuelta a España. The Norwegian finished ahead of Uno-X Mobility teammate and compatriot Tobias Johannessen on a day when their country mourned the death of King Harald.
Solo attack secures debut Grand Tour stage
Leknessund made his move from a five-rider breakaway 7.5km from the finish at the end of the 149.8km ride from Vall d’Alba, and pulled away to win his first Grand Tour stage on his Vuelta debut.
“It’s been a special day for the team and also for the whole of Norway,” Leknessund said. “Obviously it’s only a small thing in the bigger picture but still, it makes the day more special.”
Johannessen second, Van Aert third
Johannessen came in 34 seconds behind, having left Belgian Wout van Aert in his wake close to the finish. The Visma-Lease a Bike rider had to settle for third after he had made the initial attack from the off and spent most of the day out in front with Leknessund.
Pogacar extends overall lead
Tadej Pogacar, winner of three stages already, was happy to sit back in the peloton before pulling away from his GC rivals approaching the summit to gain more seconds. The Slovenian now leads Spaniard Enric Mas by 3min 50sec.
