Chris Froome happy to hold back and in control with eye on tough Vuelta a España stage 15
The Vuelta race leader and his team waited before responding to attacks with an eye on saving energy a short and mountainous stage 15 on Sunday
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4oopgqFa6V8wf7oet9ZP5R-415-80.jpg)
Chris Froome celebrates another day in red at the Vuelta a España (Sunada)
Chris Froome is saving the fireworks display for another day with the Vuelta a España's overall classification in mind and a tough stage 15 to Sierra Nevada tomorrow.
Froome calmly and effectively defended the race leader's red jersey against attacks today on the Pandera finish and saved any extra energy for another day. On Sunday, the race climbs two major passes to finish at 2510 metres in the Sierra Nevada ski station.
>>> Five talking points from stage 14 of the Vuelta a España
"We were quite in control today, thinking also about tomorrow's stage," Froome explained outside the former military base at 1830 metres.
"It suited us to be in control with Contador and Nibali attacking. I was confident to stay with Poels and ride a normal tempo. I think that in the end that was the right decision and keep it managed for tomorrow's stage."
Stage 15 in the Sierra mountain range ends the first two weeks and comes on the eve of the second rest day. The Brit leads the race with 55 seconds on Grand Tour champion Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) and 2-17 minutes on Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb).
Nibali and Contador attacked around three kilometres remaining on the 12-kilometre summit finish. Froome seemingly glided to join his rivals Nibali and Contador after Poels's work. From there, he followed. Another stage win was not in mind.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"It took a lot of energy today, we didn't have to go too far into the red, we rode a conservative stage with tomorrow in mind," Froome continued.
"Another stage win... They are always special in a Grand Tour, but that's not the reason I'm here. I'm going to keep my eyes focused on the leader's jersey. If the opportunity comes for another stage win, great, but if not, I'm happy with how things are going as well."
The four-second time loss to Nibali was perhaps the only bitter taste to what was a sweet ride in the Sierra Sur de Jaén. In the closing straight, while Pole Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) celebrated the win from the early breakaway, Nibali shot ahead for third place and the associated bonus seconds.
Nibali began the day 59 seconds down and still in second place, ended it at 55.
"I was aware of the bonus seconds at the end, but I wasn't too bothered to be honest," Froome explained. "I did try to go before, but maybe went a bit early. But that's fine that he took four seconds, I can deal with that."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
How to watch the Olympic cycling time trial at Paris 2024
Get all the information you need to watch the action of the men's and women's Olympic cycling time trial at Paris 2024
By Cat Glowinski Published
-
Ribble Cycles looking to capitalise on 'big summer of sport' with 30% off highly-rated models
Direct-to-consumer Ribble Cycles has always been rated highly among the Cycling Weekly tech team. This is our pick of the best Road, Gravel and E-bikes from their 'Summer Sale'
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published
-
Chris Froome misses out on Tour de France selection
39-year-old absent from Israel-Premier Tech's eight-rider roster
By Tom Davidson Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock adds extra mountain bike race to schedule, one week before Tour de France
Pidcock confirms he will race World Cup event in Crans Montana, Switzerland ahead of Olympic title defence
By Tom Thewlis Published