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Race report: Farrar fourth in ‘hot’ Vuelta sprint

August 21, 2011 - Filed under: Team Garmin-Barracuda

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Tyler Farrar sprinted to fourth place in Sunday's hot and windy 187.5km second stage from La Nucía to Playas de Orihuela along Spain's Mediterranean Coast in the Vuelta a España.

A four-man break was reeled in to set up the mass sprint, but a hilly finale made for a challenging approach to the line. CJ Sutton won the stage with an attack about 300 meters to go while Italian Daniele Bennati took over the leader's jersey.

Farrar was well-positioned by Garmin-Cervélo teammates Murilo Fischer and Heinrich Haussler leading into the final kilometer. A steep kicker with about 450 meters to go saw the sprinters knocked off balance.

"It was chaotic. CJ pulled a great move. They smashed it on the kicked and everyone kind of lulled coming to the final part. That's when he took his risk and that obviously was the move to make," Farrar said.

"I was fourth. Sutton and the Lotto guy got a little gap and then it was just horrible drag race to the line."

Garmin-Cervélo's Andrew Talansky made it through what was his first "road" stage in his grand tour debut.

The promising young American is starting his first three-week grand tour, but got off to a rough start in Saturday's team time trial when he suffered a mechanical at just 2km into the race.

"I have to admit, there were a few nerves Saturday on the start ramp. And even today, because racing the Vuelta has always been a dream of mine," Talansky said.

"I was glad to get through today's stage. It was pretty much like any road stage. I did some work and then pulled off and rode in behind the sprinters. My main goal here is to get to Madrid and help out the team when I can."

The 66th Vuelta continues Monday with the 163.5km third stage from Petrer to Totana. A third-category climb with 12.4km could see some of the sprinters drooped from the field, meaning Farrar and Haussler could have good chances for a win.