VF GROUP BARDIANI-CSF FAIZANÈ: VOLTA VALENCIANA. TONELLI HAS TO GIVE UP THE LEADER’S JERSEY TO MCNULTY, THE ITALIAN RIDER IS FOURTH IN THE GC.
Alessandro Tonelli defends himself well in the queen stage of the Volta Valenciana. Manuele Tarozzi in the breakaway to protect the teammate.
Alessandro Tonelli was forced to relinquish the leader’s jersey he had claimed in the first stage to Brandon McNulty. It was a crucial stage, the queen stage of the Volta Valenciana, where the Italian rider was consistently supported by his teammates. Manuele Tarozzi’s assistance was important; he was part of the breakaway of the day but was caught at the foot of the Alto De Miserat climb. Tonelli is fourth in the GC, trailing the new leader of the UAE Team Emirates by 20 seconds.
Tonelli’s statements: “I can only say that my teammates have been extraordinary; unfortunately, I struggle in these tough climbs, which are not my specialty. I rode at my own pace and gave everything I had. It’s unfortunate that we lost 20 seconds in the first stage when we took the wrong path; it’s disappointing, especially considering how today went. Anything can happen tomorrow, we’ll see.”
The captain of the VF Group Bardiani-CSF Faizanè finished the race in 22nd place and is now fourth in the general classification, trailing Brandon McNulty by 20 seconds.
GC:
1. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) 15:44:08
2. Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious) 11”
3. Alexander Vlasov (Bora Hansgrohe) ”
4. Alessandro Tonelli (VF Group Bardiani-CSF Faizanè) 21”
5. Jay Hindley (Bora Hansgrohe) 33”
6. Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) ”