Deceuninck - Quick Step’s Philippe Gilbert produced another fine performance on Stage 17 of the Vuelta a España to take the victory in Guadalajara, whilst Primož Roglič (Team Jumbo-Visma) remained in control of the GC.

As crosswinds affected the teams’ tactics a large 47 rider front group formed early on this hectic 219.6km stage, with Gilbert and Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) amongst that contingent.

There were significant tailwinds in the final few kilometres which saw Gilbert eventually grab his second win of the 2019 Vuelta by two seconds from Sam Bennett (BORA - hansgrohe), whilst Rémi Cavagna (Deceuninck - Quick Step) was third.

Quintana had started the day sixth overall at 7’43” but he made up significant ground to move up to second and reduce the deficit to race leader Roglič to 2’24”. Quintana’s teammate Alejandro Valverde reamins 2’48” behind Roglič, but now sits in third place in the GC.