Michal Kwiatkowski thanks Peter Kennaugh for setting him up for Vuelta red jersey
Kennaugh helped his teammate to fourth place in the sprint on the second stage of the Vuelta a España and a stint in the red jersey

Pete Kennaugh did not have to, but he turned to Michal Kwiatkowski in the closing kilometres of the Vuelta a España's stage two and asked him if he wanted a chance to take over his red leader's jersey. Kwiatkowski says that it was thanks to Kennaugh that he was able to take over the lead, which came via fourth place in Baiona.
The Brit took the lead yesterday when he led Team Sky over the line in the opening team time trial. His priority today was to look out for Chris Froome, but once he saw his leader was safe, he hatched a plan with Polish teammate Kwiatkowski.
"I'm very thankful to Pete, who gave me the opportunity to sprint in today's final, to go for the bonus seconds and the win," the 2014 world champion said sitting inside the interview trailer at the finish. "I'm really thankful to the team that it was possible.
"A few kilometres before the final, Pete asked me if I wanted to sprint and I accepted this proposition. He led me out. We were up there in the mix, and we were sure that Chris was safe and out of danger so there was no risk that he would lose time. We could play it like that and I'm really thankful to Pete."
Belgian Gianni Meersman (Etixx–Quick-Step) won the sprint, Kwiatkowski took fourth and Kennaugh 33rd. The jury awarded the red jersey to Kwiatkowski due to his higher placing because they were all on the same time.
Sky won the opening time trial by a fraction of a second over team Movistar. The risk today was that José Joaquín Rojas, of team Movistar, would sprint and take the leader's jersey
"We knew that Rojas could sprint for bonifications today. He was one of the guys two could take the red jersey," added Kwiatkowski. "I was looking at him before the finish, but I decided to go and try to out sprint him. We didn't want to just give up the red jersey for free because we deserve to still keep it after yesterday."
Rojas placed 12th and moved to second overall on the same time with Kwiatkowski. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) sits third and Froome fourth overall.
"For me it's an incredible feeling that I had the opportunity to get the red jersey," Kwiatkowski said. "It's one of the nicest starts to the races that I had. Winning the team time trial with Team Sky is incredible."
Thank you for reading 10 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.
-
-
Arduous conditions leave Unbound riders with broken bikes, and countless hours and thousands of dollars wasted. Is Unbound worth it?
‘Amateur riders deserve to have a better experience’ says pro Sofia Gomez Villafañe calling on the organizers for reroutes and more services
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
New Canyon Grail breaks cover at Unbound
Canyon Bicycles teased out their new Grail gravel bike at Unbound Gravel in June. The racey steed was ridden to victory in two events this weekend.
By Joe Baker • Published
-
From drawing to Giro d'Italia in 2 months: How SunGod reinvented Geraint Thomas' iconic sunglasses
The glasses, GTs, have been seen on the Welshman's face throughout his impressive Giro d'Italia run
By Adam Becket • 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
-
Tao Geoghegan Hart abandons Giro d'Italia after fracturing hip on stage 11
Ineos Grenadiers rider was sitting in third before falling heavily with 69km to go on Wednesday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Blow to Ineos's Giro d'Italia as Filippo Ganna forced out with Covid-19
Time-triallist and super-domestique Filippo Ganna has had to leave his home Grand Tour due to a Covid-19 positive
By Jack Elton-Walters • Published
-
Complete Giro d'Italia 2023 start list: Who is still in the Grand Tour three days in?
There has not been one abandonment so far in this year's Giro, here's the complete start list
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
Tao Geoghegan Hart ready for Giro d'Italia after sealing Tour of the Alps victory in Italy
British rider says he will savour his second-ever overall win, before turning his attention towards the fast approaching Italian Grand Tour
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Just stay calm and relaxed’: Tao Geoghegan Hart one day from second-ever overall victory
Barring major disaster, the Ineos Grenadiers rider will wrap up overall victory at the Tour of the Alps in Brunico on Friday
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘I’m not going there as a favourite’ - Tao Geoghegan Hart plays down Giro d’Italia chances despite success
The British rider is two days away from winning the Tour of the Alps, but said he would be just one of many 'pieces in the puzzle' at the Giro
By Tom Thewlis • Published