The Kovadonga Lake climb at the finish was especially tricky. Its difficulty was concentrated in the first and middle sections. Within the last five kilometers approaching the summit finish, the gradient was gentle, and the final kilometer was even a -2.6% descent.
If Huang Chong went all out to contest the stage, he certainly had a chance to win, but it would require at least a seven or eight-kilometer solo attack. The toll would be massive.
The hardest part of the third week of racing was concentrated in the last three stages. There was no need to burn so much energy so early on.
Besides, his lead in the general classification was already so large. Letting this stage go was undoubtedly the more rational choice.
Furthermore, with such a large lead, he didn't want to waste the last of his special recovery Energy Gels, a reward from the system.
The gel didn't have an expiration date, so it was best to save it if he could. It might come in handy next year.
