Arredondo Climbs to Victory in Stage 6 of Tour de San Luis 2014
Trek Factory Racing's Colombian Julian Arredondo got his second win at the 2014 Tour de San Luis when he was first to cross the finish line at the top of Mirador del Sol where stage 6 was set to be decided.
While Argentinean Sergio Godoy of Team San Luis Somos Todos finished immediately behind stage winner Arredondo, Nairo Quintana of Team Movistar finished third and thereby consolidated his lead in the general classification which he gained after yesterday's 19.2 kilometer individual time trial.
Today's 184.4 kilometer stage six began under more cycling-friendly temperatures at Las Chacras, passed through the Valley of Conlara where the riders were exposed to strong winds, and culminated with the legendary Mirador del Sol climb in front of thousands of loyal fans who exploited the chance of experiencing professional cycling close-up.
Today's group of breakaway riders featured Gregory Brenes of American Team Jamis-Hagen, Richard Mascarañas (Selección de Uruguay), Larry Warbasse of Team BMC Racing, Juan Arango of Team Colombia, Kenny Dehaes of Lotto-Belisol, Jens Keukeleire (GreenEdge) and Anthony Delaplace of Bretagne. The group, however, was swallowed by the main peloton approximately before the climb towards the finish line.
When the peloton approached the mountain the Colombian climbers went to the front of the group and set a fast pace. At the start of the climb Jose Serpa made an escape attempt, but his attempt wasn't fruitful. Arredondo and Quintana since dominated the front and in the end Trek's Arredondo proved the strongest of the two on the day.
"I am happy we had a compact team. I*m more than satisfied with my teammates, I have a great squad. I dedicate this win to them for the great work they have done for me. We came with the idea of winning the Tour de San Luis but we couldn't, though we have been able to win a few stages,” Arredondo told RoadCycling.com after being celebrated on the podium.
"The Tour de San Luis is a great race, I congratulate the organizers. It has been really important to start the season here. I think the race is only going to get better. It has good roads and hotels. I have a supportive team and they have done a great job for me so far," race leader Quintana commented.
Tomorrow's final stage 7 of the 2014 Tour de San Luis will take the riders 148 kilometers from San Luis to Terrazas del Portezuelo. Quintana leads the general classification by 35 seconds to former race leader Phillip Gaimon of Team Garmin-Sharp-Castelli. Sergio Godoy sits in third, 01:57 behind Quintana.
