Matthews’ surge denies Martin Vuelta stage win
Ireland’s Martin had looked set to snatch the stage himself, but Australian Matthews battled past in the closing metres to take the 197.8-kilometre ride from Cadiz to Arcos de la Frontera in a time of five hours, 12 minutes and 14 seconds. That also saw Matthews, boosted by a 10-second time bonus, inherit the leader’s red jersey from Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde.
Matthews, 23, who signed a new two-year deal with Orica-GreenEdge last week, is now four seconds ahead of race favourite Nairo Quintana, who in turn is seven seconds clear of Valverde.
