Ben King left everyone in shock after rolling Nikita Stalnov seconds before the finishing line to grab the victory on yesterday’s Vuelta a Espana fourth stage.
Dimension Data’s King along with Astana’s Stalnov were the only survivors of the tough and demanding stage during the last 15 kilometers of racing. On the other hand, third place went to EF Education First-Drapac’s Pierre Rolland.
“Stalnov wanted me to give him the victory if he helped me take the red jersey. But winning a grand tour stage was my goal since the beginning of the year,” King said after grabbing his first grand tour stage victory.
“It was the plan to be part of the breakaway but then I didn’t know exactly how to handle things. At some point I realized the front group would fight for the stage but I wasn’t convinced I’d be the strongest. I went early and I put myself in TT mode.
“I was totally jacked up, I could feel the cramps but I stayed strong in the head and got it. It’s incredible. It’s great for the team too.
Brief Results of stage four
Benjamin King (USA) Dimension Data 4:33:12
Nikita Stalnov (Kaz) Astana Pro Team 0:00:02
Pierre Rolland (Fra) EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale 0:00:13
Luis Angel Mate Mardones (Spa) Cofidis, Solutions Credits 0:01:08
Ben Gastauer (Lux) AG2R La Mondiale 0:01:39
Jelle Wallays (Bel) Lotto Soudal 0:01:57
Oscar Cabedo Carda (Spa) Burgos BH 0:02:24
Simon Yates (GBr) Mitchelton-Scott 0:02:48
Emanuel Buchmann (Ger) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:02:50
Miguel Angel Lopez (Col) Astana Pro Team 0:03:07
Aritz Bagues Kalparsoro (Spa) Euskadi Basque Country-Murias
Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar Team 0:03:13
Michal Kwiatkowski (Pol) Team Sky 0:03:15
Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar Team
Enric Mas (Spa) Quick-Step Floors
