Dumoulin extends Vuelta a España lead with late attack on stage 19

Tom Dumoulin now holds a six second advantage heading into the final two days of racing ©Getty Images

The Netherlands’ Tom Dumoulin moved closer to winning the 2015 Vuelta a España after extending his narrow advantage over Italy’s Fabio Aru following stage 19 of the three-week race, which was won by France’s Alexis Gougeard.

A fast start to the 185 kilometres stage from Medina del Campo to Avila created another large breakaway, with 24 riders leaving the peloton behind after just six kiloemtres.

With nobody in the move providing a threat to the general classification, riders in the breakaway were able to build a lead of more than 13 minutes as they approached Gotarrendura at 63km into the stage and a crash in the peloton extended their advantage further.

Both Aru and Dumoulin were caught up in the incident but the Italian was the most effected as he called for the medical car on two occasions, while Dumoulin was forced to change his bike following damage sustained in avoiding Germany’s John Degenkolb.

It proved to be the only drama of note until Portugal’s Tiago Machado launched a bid for the stage win, attacking the breakaway with 40km left, but was pursued by Colombia’s Leonardo Duque and Gougeard.

After catching Machado, Gougeard attempted to go alone for the final 22km and his break proved to be the winning move as he stayed clear to cross the line in 4 hours 19min 20sec.

France's Alexis Gougeard finished solo after attacking the breakaway to earn his maiden Grand Tour stage win ©Getty Images

While the Frenchman was toasting his maiden Grand Tour stage win, Dumoulin aimed to extend his three second advantage over Aru by attacking inside the closing moments of the stage, with the time trial specialist having deemed a cobbled section an ideal opportunity to gain time.

The Dutch rider’s effort was timed to perfection as he was able to distance the Astana rider and he crossed the line three seconds clear of his rival in 4:35:38.

It ensured that ahead of the final two days of racing he boasts a six second lead over Aru, while his advantage over Spain’s Joaquim Rodriquez is 1min 26sec.

The penultimate stage of the race from San Lorenzo de El Escorial to Cercedilla looks likely to decide the winner of the Vuelta, with the 175km route boasting four category one climbs.