Dario Cataldo wins the 16th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2012
Dario Cataldo of Team Omega Pharma-Quickstep registered his first victory at the third Grand Tour race of the season, the Vuelta a Espana 2012 after his storming performance during the 16th stage of the race.
The Italian was strong enough to complete the 183.5 kilometre chase to Pajares ahead of Alberto Contador and Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver.
He took a total time of 5 hours, 18 minute and 28 seconds and occupied the top podium position with Thomas De Gendt of Team Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling finishing 7 seconds behind at the second spot.
Overall leader of the race Rodriguez finished almost 2 minutes and 39 seconds behind at the third position but importantly maintained his lead as he managed to put 2 more seconds on Contador.
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte, Nairo Alexander Quintana Rojas, Igor Anton Hernandez, Andrew Talansky, Laurens Ten Dam and Robert Gesink secured the next five positions respectively.
“I’ve taken a very big step because today I felt very good,” Joaquim stated.
“There’s a lot and not much left at the same time, with the summit finish on Wednesday and the finish on the Bola del Mundo, and a dangerous stage into Valladolid bearing in mind my advantage is just a few seconds”.
"I said that the rider who reached the second rest day in the lead would have many options. I have those seconds and that makes me the favourite".
Thomas De Gendt of Team Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling succeeded at the 112 kilometre first sprint of the race while the stage winner Dario Cataldo claims the 158 kilometre sprint 2 of the event.
David Moncoutie of Team Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne and Dario Cataldo of Team Omega Pharma-Quickstep succeeded at the first and the fourth mountain of the race while Thomas De Gendt secured the second and the third climb.
Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver is now leading the stage 16 classifications with a margin of 28 seconds over his Spanish competitor, Alberto Contador, who is desperate to win one Grand Tour this year and Vuelta is his first and the last chance to do so.
Alejandro Valverde, Christopher Froome and Daniel Moreno occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions in the respective order.
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