photo credits @ Itzulia
Meanwhile, AJ August (Ineos Grenadiers) took the biggest win of his career in the final stage. On a wet and hilly day, the 20-year-old from Rochester, NY, attacked the front group on the final climb and survived a tricky descent to take a solo win in Bergara.
It was August’s first-ever WorldTour victory, having taken the first win of his pro career in the Volta a Catalunya in February.
He was followed in four minutes later by the main group containing Seixas, who dominated throughout the week, taking three stage wins.
Race Highlights
In the opening kilometers, a breakaway of three strong riders formed: Marc Soler (UAD, 37), Mattias Skjelmose (LTK, 46), Ben Healy (EFE, 171). They were 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of the peloton when a chasing group of 32 riders formed, including five riders from Uno-X Mobility working to secure a podium finish for Tobias Halland Johannessen (UXM, 202). The peloton allowed the breakaway to go clear, with the yellow jersey team always riding at the front. The leaders were 4 minutes ahead of the main group, and 1 minute 30 seconds ahead of the chasing group.
On the second ascent to Gorla, Romo attacked from the peloton. He saw an opportunity to move up in the general classification and in the team standings. This prompted the other favourites to respond, including the ever-active Lipowitz, who put the race leader under pressure. Izagirre was able to follow the early attacks from the Red Bull–Bora–hansgrohe rider.
The breakaway’s lead was shrinking as the peloton increased the pace. Seixas remained very strong and never dropped back during the attacks. The leader was feeling strong and launched such a powerful attack that no one else could keep up with him. Seixas was once again looking to make a decisive move, breaking away on his own with 57 kilometers to go.
The yellow jersey rider surged ahead without looking back, reducing the gap to 2 minutes and 40 seconds behind the leading trio. It was unlikely he’d be able to challenge for the stage. Up ahead, the Uno-X Mobility team held their pace as they battled for a podium finish. Skjelmose, Soler and Healy were still leading the race, 1 minute ahead of the second group. Only 40 kilometers remaining.
The field was completely split into groups. Soler was instructed to drop back to the chasing group to support Igor Arrieta. That same group caught the two breakaway riders with 23 kilometers to go. At that point, the leader was 2 minutes and 15 seconds behind the leading group.
On the final climb of the day, the attacks resumed, forming a split from the breakaway group. August, 181 and Raúl García Pierna (MOV, 94) opened up a 15-second gap over the rest of the breakaway group. Seixas was unable to keep up and was losing time; he was already 3 minutes and 20 seconds behind the race leader, although still maintained his advantage over the other favorites.
The stage was decided on the climb to Asentzio. With 1 kilometer to go, García Pierna lost contact with the INEOS Grenadiers rider, and the Briton sprinted solo to the finish line in Bergara to raise his arms in victory.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
