Pellizzari lights it up, Toro in Toscana, Fabio Parra

 

A stylish triumph for 21-year-old Guilio Pellizzari (Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe) takes his first pro win on Stage 17 of the Vuelta a Espana wearing the white jersey of best young rider. 

Pellizzari's decisive move

On steep final kilometers on the fire-scorched Alto de El Morredero (recently hit by fires), the group of contenders was reduced to six riders - with Red Bull represented by both Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari. The young Italian climber launched the decisive move 3.5 kilometers from the finish. 

With his stage win, Giulio Pellizzari solidifies his fifth place in the overall standings and extends his lead in the Best Young Rider classification to more than a minute over Riccitello. Jai Hindley remains in fourth place overall - 36" off the podium. 

Tom Pidcock was part of the GC selection on the steep slopes of the climb and then launched his attack to finish 16 seconds down on Pellizzari. Hindley was third behind Pidcock, with Vinegegaard fourth at 2" ahead of Almeria.

"I think it's the best moment in my career! Short career until now. Today I had a strange feeling, I felt a bit that today was my day. And I need to thank all my team, my teammates, Jai of course. Today we fought to take the podium. We didn't take it, but I think it's not too bad."

-Giulio Pellizzari

Pidcock attacks

Recent fires marked the Alto de El Morredero

Look back: Fabio Parra wearing the KoMs jersey, 1985 Vuelta a Espana