Rose Cantine

The 18th stage of the Vuelta featured a spectacular ride into Avila, an almost perfectly preserved medieval city whose walls are among the most impressive sights in Europe. The city’s cathedral and the convent of Santa Teresa are very popular among visitors. As this was a mountainous stage, the climbers led the course. The cobblestoned streets in Avila were a challenge for the riders. Louis Perez Rodriguez won this stage. General standings at the end of stage 18: (1) Denis Menchov; (2) Cadel Evans; (3) Carlos Sastre. Big change in the standings is Carlos Sastre taking third place, Efimkin, who used to be 3rd, is now in 5th.

Other news: Tom Boonen, considered to be the best cyclist in Belgium, is not going to the World Championships because he is still injured (a bad fall in Zaragoza during the Vuelta).