Vuelta a Espana: Tim Wellens outsprints Michael Woods to take his second stage

Lotto-Soudal’s Tim Wellens secured his second win of this year’s Vuelta a Espana following a sprint finish at the end of stage 14.

The Belgian, 29, pipped EF Pro Cycling’s Michael Woods at the climax of the 204.7km route from Galician city Lugo to Ourense.

Jumbo-Visma’s champion Primoz Roglic held on to his 39-second lead over Ineos Grenadiers’ Richard Carapaz.

Briton Hugh Carthy remains a further eight seconds adrift.

The leaders finished among a large pack three minutes and 44 seconds behind Wellens.

The Belgian told Eurosport: “It was not easy to win. I had to really fight to get in the breakaway, and then all my companions in the breakaway were really strong riders.

“I knew I had to take the last corner in first position and I felt Woods coming, but suddenly the finish line was there and I crossed first.”

There are four stages remaining of this year’s Grand Tour event, which has been shortened from 21 to 18 stages due to the coronavirus pandemic affecting cycling’s calendar.

There are two more hilly stages which will suit the sprinters before Saturday’s arduous penultimate stage, which features a tough climb up to La Covatilla ski resort in Salamanca.