Stage 17 provides a crucial opportunity for sprinters to shine after the intense battle on Tuesday, with key climbs likely not undermining the majority. It serves as a last chance for sprinters, especially for Kaden Groves in the green jersey, as competition from Corbin Strong and Pavel Bittner intensifies. Van Aert's crash opens the field, but Groves' lead in points looks secure.
The twin climbs of the Alto de La Estranguada and the Alto del Caracol will offer a testing ground, but the route towards the Cantabrian coast favors a sprint finish. The stage acts as a preparatory phase for the overall classification riders, allowing them to conserve energy. With Groves positioned strongly in the points classification, his performance will be closely monitored by rivals.
Wout van Aert's crash reshapes the competitive landscape for stage 17, leaving Kaden Groves as a prominent contender. Starting the day with 182 points, Groves leads by a considerable margin, making it unlikely for challengers like Harold Tejada to threaten his green jersey status. The intermediate sprint and final finishes will be closely scrutinized, but Groves' strong position seems firm ahead.
Despite the climbs in stage 17, the focus will shift back to the sprinters, with teams strategizing for a fast finish. The Alto de La Estranguada and the Alto del Caracol may provide opportunities for breakaways, but the ultimate outcome likely rests with the sprint teams. Following a demanding day previously, this stage is a welcome respite for GC riders.
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