Rui Costa Executes Impeccable Sprint Timing to Secure Stage 15 Victory at Vuelta a Espana, with Remco Evenepoel Finishing Fourth

Rui Costa Claims Maiden Vuelta a Espana Victory with Perfectly Timed Sprint Finish

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Rui Costa secured his first-ever Vuelta a Espana stage win on an exhilarating Stage 15. The Intermarche-Circus-Wanty rider masterfully controlled the pace before launching himself across the finish line, leaving competitors Lennard Kamna and Santiago Buitrago in his wake.

Remco Evenepoel, the defending champion who had been recovering from a challenging performance in Friday’s climbs, finished fourth but showed promising signs of progress. Despite trailing behind by 27 minutes previously, he put forth an impressive effort to close the gap and cross the finish line just two seconds behind Costa.

“I always believed in myself,” said Portugal’s Costa after securing his long-awaited Grand Tour victory since 2013. “Winning a stage at La Vuelta is incredibly significant for both me and my team. I am overflowing with joy.”

Germany’s Kamna deserves recognition for his remarkable second-place finish despite enduring a crash within the final three kilometers. Bora-Hansgrohe rider showcased tremendous resilience to recover quickly and secure an impressive result.

The race leader Sepp Kuss remains firmly in control of the red jersey as he maintains his position ahead of Jumbo-Visma teammates Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard. Evenepoel still has ground to cover, sitting 16 minutes behind Kuss as he continues to chase down victory.

The upcoming rest day provides much-needed respite for riders before tackling Tuesday’s demanding course from Liencres Playa to Bejes. Although predominantly flat, it culminates with an arduous uphill climb that promises excitement till the very end.