German specialist takes second stage victory in as many days
Stefan Schumacher (Miche-Guerciotti) cemented his lead in the Vuelta a Asturias with victory in the 14km time trial, the second part of the split second stage, in Piedras Blancas. The German, who became a specialist against the clock before his two-year doping suspension, completed the rolling course in 17’27”, beating Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Movistar) by 4 seconds; Rory Sutherland (UnitedHealthcare) was third, 8 seconds back.
Having lost more than eight minutes in yesterday’s first stage Gutierrez was a relatively early starter, and his time of 17’31” was to last right up to Schumacher, who was the last man to start. Sutherland was to come within 4 seconds of the Spanish road champion’s time some 40 minutes later, and it looked as though he may be about to take the stage.
Schumacher though, went 4 seconds quicker than Gutierrez, to take his second stage victory in as many days.