Nat Bromhead
Honorary Aussie Esteban Chaves of Orica Scott will go into today’s first rest day of La Vuelta in a comfortable second position overall, 36 seconds behind race leader Chris Froome of Team Sky.
Also second to Froome on the summit finish of yesterday’s Stage 9, Chaves remained with the favourites then matched the four-time Tour de France winner’s strong attack in the final kilometre.
Chaves ‘More Mature, More Calm’
“(Chris) is an unbelievable rider,” Chaves said after the stage.
“He showed for what reason he won the Tour de France four times. For me, it’s a really good result actually. Two years ago, I arrived 15 or 20seconds down on this climb so it’s not really good memories. I think I am more mature, more experienced and more calm and this is the important thing.”
Chaves was happy with the firm second place, 36 seconds behind Froome on General Classification, and said he was ready for a rest day.
“We put time on the other guys and that’s really good,” he said.
“The team, like always, worked unbelievable. I’m really happy for the team. We’ve passed nine days and now it’s time to rest.”
2017 La Vuelta – Stage 9 Result
1. Chris Froome (Team Sky) 4:07:13
2. Esteban Chaves (ORICA-SCOTT) +0:04
3. Michael Woods (Cannondale Drapac) +0:05
2017 La Vuelta – Top 3 after Stage 9
1. Chris Froome (Team Sky) 36:33:16
2. Esteban Chaves (ORICA-SCOTT) +0:36
3. Nicholas Roche (BMC Racing) +1:05
