In a nail-breaking final BORA – hansgrohe rider Jay McCarthy sprints on second place and after the first stage the team leads the team classification. Unfortunately, Sam Bennett had to quit the stage due to Bronchitis.
Today, the 57th edition of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco started in the capital city of Navarre, Pamplona. In the afternoon, the race began under clear skies and no wind. The first stage covered 154km and favored the sprinters in the peloton with only three short climbs and a very tricky finish. The last 3 km in Equesibar were very flat but on the last 300 meters the peloton had to pass a 90 degrees’ corner.
Unfortunately, BORA – hansgrohe sprinter Sam Bennett had to abandon the race due to Bronchitis, therefore the team changed the plans and worked for Michael Schwarzmann.
After some kilometers of racing a trio went up the road and built an ample gap of 3:50. At first the peloton wasn’t in hurry to catch them, but with 70km remaining the peloton set the pace to catch the escapees. BORA – hansgrohe was in the pack to save energy for the tricky final. Team Sunweb and Team Movistar took control over the pace in front of the peloton.
At the 21 km mark the race went on fire. The escapees were caught and the peloton started to form their lead-outs. BORA – hansgrohe rider Jay McCarthy and his teammates took control over the pack and raised the pace. It was a thrilling duel with Team Sunweb. All BORA – hansgrohe boys did a good job, stayed together and pulled hard.
On the last 2 kilometers Jay McCarthy was still in front of the pack fighting for the final. He was first when the peloton passed the last corner at the 300meter mark. In a nail-breaking bunch sprint he missed the victory by only some centimeters. Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) took the win and Jay finished second. Teammates Gregor Mühlberger and Michael Schwarzmann crossed the finish line in 10th and 11th place.
“It was a good day today and the team showed great teamwork. It wasn’t exactly our original plan. We were hoping to lead out Michael Schwarzmann. I went from 400 meters to go hoping I had Schwarzi on my wheel as we knew being in the top one or two in the last corner was in important. I am happy with the result for the team and I am sure if the team keeps showing this kind of teamwork the top of the podium is not fair away.” – Jay McCarthy
“I am very satisfied with the result today. Schwarzi was blocked on the 400 meters’ mark and had to slow down for a second. In a finale like today it´s hard to come back to your lead-out. Jay continued his sprint and earned a great second place.” – Steffen Radochla, sports director
