MDRID (AFP) - Ineos Grenadiers’ Richard Carapaz claimed his first Vuelta a Espana win with a solo victory on stage 12.
The Ecuadorian, 29, attacked a small breakaway group to reach the summit nine seconds ahead of Wilco Kelderman.
Remco Evenepoel crashed with 45km remaining but recovered to control the ascent and sprint to the line ahead of his general classification rivals.
The Belgian holds a lead of two minutes 41 seconds over reigning champion Primoz Roglic.
Bahrain Victorious’ Santiago Buitrago and Boy van Poppel of Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert were ruled out before Thursday’s stage after testing positive for Covid-19.