Today, like almost every year, the race travelled to Barcelona for the final stage of the Volta a Catalunya. Stage 7 took the peloton over a 143 km course to the traditional Montjuic circuit. They tackled the two-kilometer-long climb at a gradient of 5 % eight times, last of the ascents came in the final five kilometres. Yet again it was Davide Formolo who was on the offense for BORA – hansgrohe. The Italian went into the early break of the day, joined by 10 other riders. The escapees led the peloton by more than three minutes, as the group worked very well together. Already on the first of the final laps Davide decided to give it a go and distanced himself from his breakaway companions. With more than 40 kilometres to go it looked to be a demanding task, but Formolo made it look easy today, riding is own rhythm at the front without any impression of weakness. With three laps to go, the Yates brothers attacked from a diminished first group, but weren’t able to catch up with Davide who was still in front by a minute. When A. Yates was caught on the final lap, E. Mas and Max Schachmann attacked, but at that moment Davide Formolo was already celebrating his astonishing win on the home straight in Barcelona. Max in third completed a perfect day for BORA – hansgrohe, with also Rafal Majka showing another strong ride in the group of favourites to move up to seventh in the final GC.
Results
01 D. Formolo 3:19:41
02 E. Mas +0:51
03 M. Schachmann +0:51
From the Finish Line
“Max’ stage win gave us some space and confidence, but also showed the guys that with an offensive ride everything is possible. Davide was close to a stage win on yesterday’s stage and due to that precipitation, he was hungry again today, and we supported him. I think, Davide started into today’s stage not to be just part of the breakaway, he wanted to win. He did it in an amazing style. The 7thplace of Rafal in the GC finished off our great week perfectly. We are more than proud of the ride of our guys in the last few days.” – Christian Pömer, Sports Director
“I can’t describe how happy I am. The victory means a lot to me. I went into today’s stage with the goal to be in the breakaway and to try from there to win the stage. On the local laps I thought, now or never, so I just attacked. I pulled so hard, but I knew with 8 km to go that I could make it. The team was great this week, we achieved a lot at this Volta a Catalunya. Now it is time to go home, rest and look forward to the next races.” – Davide Formolo
