Sharp Herrada gets the job done for the third time: "Had already wasted a lot of energy"

Jesús Herrada has won a stage in the Vuelta a España for the third time in his career. The Spaniard from Cofidis was part of a large breakaway group and won the eleventh stage after a powerful sprint on the final climb.

In the final kilometers, Herrada fended off top talents Romian Grégoire, Andreas Kron and Geraint Thomas. "I beat some very good riders here," the Spaniard said in a flash interview. For the rider, it was a matter of trying, trying, and trying again in this Vuelta. "I have tried and tried in this Vuelta. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When I woke up this morning, I knew it was a good finale for me. It was difficult to be in the right break, but eventually, I made it to the finale," Herrada saw his efforts rewarded.

In the finale, he could rely on his experience; after all, it was not the first time Herrada fought for a stage win in a grand tour. "I had already wasted a lot of energy but was still able to make a difference in the final 300 meters. This is my third stage win in the Vuelta. I am very happy. I'm going to enjoy this, and we will keep fighting in the coming weeks," he said, indicating he won't just cruise through the rest of the race.

Herrada shares victory with his father

In the final meters, Herrada was also cheered on by an enthusiastic soigneur, who stood just behind the finish line on the road. However, the passionate Cofidis employee was forcefully pulled away by a police officer. That won't dampen the spirits of the French team, especially not Herrada, who had another supporter at the finish line. "My father was there, so it's super cool to be able to share this with him."

Herrada also took the lead in the mountain classification. With a total of 22 points, he has a one-point lead over Eduardo Sepulveda, who has to give up the polka-dot jersey to the Spaniard for now.