Stage victory in Valls

Alejandro Valverde reached his sixth victory of the season in Valls, where he was faster than the South African Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) and the Australian Jay McCarthy (Bora-Hansgrohe). The Coll de Lilla selected the numerous bunch in an already classic stage in the Volta Catalunya, with arrival in the native town of Xavi Tondo. About 90 cyclists disputed the stage victory after a long day marked by the front wind and the control of Quick Step and Mitchelton Scott until the approach to the definitive ascent of the profile.

With this victory, Valverde also becomes the new leader of the Volta a Catalunya, that this Wednesday had its first mountain stage. However, due to the bad weather, the organization has changed the finish line, arriving to Camprodon instead of to Vallter 2000.

Declarations: I want to dedicate this stage to my son Iván, who broke his clavicle a few days ago playing soccer, also to the memory of Xavi Tondo here in his town. It has been a very nervous day due to the wind. We have been very attentive in the front, getting bonus seconds in the second sprint. We didn’t thought of fighting for the victory but we must seize the opportunities. Tomorrow will be another day, a very important stage, and we will try to keep the leadership.

Photo: Movistar Team / Photo Gómez Sport