Mollema Wraps up Terrific Vuelta!

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Mollema finished the Vuelta atop the Points Classification. Cor Vos photo.
 
Rabobank rider Bauke Mollema wrapped up his best-ever grand tour performance in Madrid Sunday, finishing the final stage of the Vuelta a España safely in the main group to secure his fourth-place finish in the General Classification. Mollema, who showed the best climbing form of his young career during the season's final grand tour, also took home the green jersey of the overall points leader.

Midway through the three-week Tour of  Spain, on Stage 9, Mollema made a big move on the first hard summit finish at La Covallita. Powering his Giant TCR Advanced SL to second place that day, he took over the red race leader's jersey for a day. He gave up the overall lead after the Stage 10 time trial, but battled back in the following week, moving up from seventh to fourth overall, spending time atop both the Points Classification and the Combination Classification.

The 24-year-old Mollema is having a breakout season, posting great results in some of the world’s toughest stage races. He also finished fifth overall at the Tour of Switzerland earlier this season.

11 september 2011