Alberto Dainese denies Filippo Ganna on the line to take stage 19 victory at the Vuelta a Espana

Alberto Dainese has prevailed in a bunch sprint finish on stage 19 of the 2023 Vuelta a Espana, denying Filippo Ganna on the line after a late crash ruled Kaden Groves out.

No climbing, no more small ring riding, stage 19 is a pan-flat and well-deserved calmer day in the peloton after a succession of tough, mountainous days.

Four riders took on the unenviable task of forming a breakaway. Three Frenchmen were involved, Clément Davy (Groupama - FDJ), Paul Lapeira (AG2R Citroën Team) and Mathis Le Berre (Team Arkéa Samsic) alongside Czech rider, Michal Schlegel (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA).

Thankfully for the riders, the wind was quite quiet meaning there was little drama for the general classification men.

Alpecin-Deceuninck had the break well under control from around 50km to go they were basically within touching distance.

The break was giving their all to hold out for as long as possible though, but as Alpecin-Deceuninck prepared for the intermediate sprint at 19km to go, it was curtains for them. Although Davy just about held on to take maximum points, Kaden Groves was second, extending his lead over Remco Evenepoel in the classification.

With all GC riders safely through the 3km to go marker, the sprint teams truly took hold heading into the finale.

It was the INEOS Grenadiers through Geraint Thomas who held the front, working for Filippo Ganna with 2km to go.

Just over a kilometre to go though and a big crash wiped out Alpecin-Deceuninck, ruling Groves out of the sprint.

In Groves's absence, Ganna was in prime position but on the throw it was Alberto Dainese of Team DSM-Firmenich that secured victory.

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