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Race report: Talansky in breakaway; Martin attacks up Angliru

September 05, 2011 - Filed under: Team Garmin-Barracuda

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Dan Martin attacked with panache up Spain’s steepest road at the Angliru summit in Sunday’s thrilling 142.2km 15th stage at the Vuelta a España.

Martin joined an attack on the Cat. 1 Alto de Cordal with about 25km to go that included three other riders. They carved a slender, 20-second head-start going toward the base of the Angliru.

Martin surged again with about 6.5km to go, chasing after Igor Anton just as the course jumped up to 20 percent grades. The GC favorites surged to the front and Martin began to suffer a little bit from his earlier efforts.

Martin crossed the line 11th on the stage at 1:41 down and climbed up to 16th overall at 6:42 behind new race leader Juanjo Cobo, who also won the stage.

“It was more tactical than anything because we knew that downhill off the first climb was very treacherous, so I knew I wasn’t going to get away with that first attack,” Martin said.

“It was more to get a bit of distant, and I think it worked out well, because I ate two gels and drank half a bottle. I took the downhill really easy, and ate and drank.

“The second attack, I saw Anton go, I knew he was going for the stage, that was the time to go,” Martin continued.

“That climb, being so steep, it’s not worth trying to save anything. It’s better to be at the front and have those guys catch on.”

The decisive, three-climb stage saw Garmin-Cervélo grand tour rookie Andrew Talansky join two others to form the day’s main breakaway. Talansky and company rode over the Cat. 2 Alto de Tenebredo with 63km to go nursing a five-minute lead on the main pack.

Vacansoleil made a huge chase to reel them in at the base of the Cat. 1 Alto del Cordal with 26km to go, but the experience revealed that Talansky has the legs to attack two weeks into what’s been a very challenging Vuelta.

Garmin-Cervélo Sep Vanmarcke bravely fought through the stage after his harrowing crash on a descent in Saturday’s 14th stage. Vanmarcke and two other riders fell into a deep ravine, but the tall Belgian was able to finish the stage.

Vanmarcke was later transported to a nearby hospital, where a check-up revealed no serious injuries other than cuts, scrapes and bruises.

“I was very stiff this morning and I rode the rollers to try to warm up and be ready to race,” Vanmarcke said after finishing the stage. “I suffered a lot today. I was dropped on the first climb and the rest of the day was just about surviving. The rest day comes at a perfect time for me. I hope to recover and finish this Vuelta.”

Paris-Roubaix champion Johan Van Summeren also crashed during the stage, suffering cuts and scrapes, but was able to finish the stage.

Garmin-Cervélo’s seven remaining riders enjoy their second of two rest days and racing resumes on Tuesday.