Steve Cummings just misses Vuelta stage win

Steve Cummings lit up the 6th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, attacking from the main break of the day only to be caught with 3km to go. Steve would win the most aggressive rider of the day prize.

The stage win would go to the young Esteban Chaves (Orica-Greenedge) once again as he attacked from the peloton just before the 3km to go banner, bridging and passing Stevo on the final climb to the line. Daniel Martin (Cannondale-Garmin) was 2nd with Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) in 3rd.

The early part of the stage was fast and furious with the break taking 70km to finally form. With temperatures in the upper 30’s today, it was a tough day. Steve though, was made for these tough days and when he and his 4 breakaway mates got clear they muscled out a 4 minute lead.

Movistar kept close tabs on the break as they were a bit weary of the possible GC threat the riders in the break posed to their leaders. With 12km to go the gap was down to 30” for the leaders, this is where Stevo threw caution to wind and attacked solo.

The gap quickly went back up to 55” as Steve laid down the power. It was not to be though as the tough finale saw the GC rider quickly reel our British star in. It was not all over for our African team though as Louis Meintjes was brought to a great position by his teammates and managed to finish the stage with the favourites group in 18th place. This ensured Louis held on to a top 20 position overall.