Team Kern Pharma is seeking a new title sponsor into the upcoming season; today they have taken a most important win of their season. Ibon Ruiz and Ivan Sosa finished first and second at the Mercan Tour Classic Alpes Maritimes, one of the most mountainous one-day races on the racing calendar.
All the action was left for the final climb, the ascent to Valberg (14kms at 6%). Leo Bisiaux (Decathlon) launched his attack only 2kms into the climb, with 12 to the finish line. Behind his rivals scrambled urgently not to let the Frenchman get away. Forty-three-year-old, Domenico Pozzovivo and Ivan Rosa and Ibon Ruiz closed in. Sosa led out Ruiz and inside the final kilometer, their effort was timed to perfection.
The Spanish team’s duo dropped Pozzovivo, caught Bisisaux and then attacked past the Frenchman. Ruiz took the front and celebrated his first professionalvictory with Sosa in his wheel, Bisiaux took third place. Team Kern Pharma produced their high-mountain prowess with an unforgettable performance in the French Alpes Maritimes!
“I’m very happy with this first victory, which I’ve fought for a long time, year after year. Right from the bottom on the final climb, we worked very well, keeping an eye on all the attacks. And of course, I’m very grateful to Sosa for the work he did at the end; finishing first and second on a day like this is really great.”
-Ibon Ruiz
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