The UAE Tour stage 1, was scaled back due to strong crosswinds to protect rider safety. With a course reduction and windy conditions, a late crash took out several contenders, including favourite Jonathan Milan, and an uphill (700 meters at 6%) fast finish where Isaac del Toro attacked for his first win of the year.
Del Toro now wears the leader’s red jersey and will certainly be a favourite in the upcoming climbing tests later in the week.
“Quite honestly I was thinking it may be a chance but maybe just a dream, not realistic. Even during the stage I was asking the teammates if they see this properly. It’s just crazy.”
-Isaac del Toro
Clasica Jaen…
result.
Tom Wellens stormed his way on a 54km solo dash to victory at the 5th edition of the Clasica Jaen. I enjoy tthis race in the Jaen region of Spain where the organisers designed this race with several gravel sections tthrough olive groves and a steep finish with inspiration in the gravel and Siena finish of Strade Bianche.
It wasn’t entirely easy for the Belgian champion.
After dropping his nearest competitor Mark Donovan (Pinarello Q36.5), he was alone staying away from the chasing group behind to win by 48 seconds. Tom Pidcock won the sprint for second ahead of Jan Christen, but the Swiss rider was disqualified for deviating from his line causing Maxim Van Gils to fall as they dashed to the line. Benoit Cosnefroy moved to third as a result.
“I had to suffer a little bit to drop Mr. Donovan. He hurt me, but then I kept my tempo. He came quite close, but I could push my watts and had a really good feeling.”
-Tim Wellens
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