Los Machucos. Monumento Vaca Pasiega, Wednesday, September 6th – The brutal climb of Los Machucos offered the show everyone expected at the end of stage 17 of La Vuelta 2017: Stefan Denifl (Aqua Blue Sport) soloed away to a brilliant victory while Chris Froome (Team Sky) was unable to follow his rivals on extremely steep slopes (up to 26%). Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) was the strongest of the GC contenders to finish second at the summit. Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) was fourth to gain 42” on Froome. The British rider retains the red jersey for a 15th consecutive day at La Vuelta 2017 but his position as GC leader is weakened four days ahead of the finish at Madrid.
STAGE RESULT
1. Stefan Denifl (Aqua Blue Sport) 04h48’52”
2. Alberto Contador (Trek – Segafredo) +00’28”
3. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana Pro Team) +01’04”
INDIVIDUAL GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1. Chris Froome (Team Sky) 67h44’03”
2. Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain – Merida) +01’16”
3. Wilco Kelderman (Team Sunweb) +02
