Rigoberto Uran time trialled to 15th place on the final stage of Tour of Slovenia, clocking a faster time than all but two of the riders in the general classification top 10. The performance was enough to keep Uran in second overall.
Overnight race leader Primoz Roglic (Team LottoNL-Jumbo) won the stage and the green jersey.
“I’m happy,” said Uran. “The most important for me is the Tour, but before the Tour, I have good legs to finish second, win a stage in Slovenia and also do a good time trial today. I’m so happy to know everything is where it needs to be.”
EF Education First – Drapac p/b Cannondale included Tour of Slovenia as a late addition to the team’s race calendar specifically with Uran’s Tour de France preparation in mind. With the Tour starting one week later than usual, neither Tour de Suisse nor Criterium du Dauphine could replicate Uran’s 2017 pre-Tour build-up.
#PinkArgyle arrived in Slovenia with the goal of winning a stage and building confidence. In each regard, it was mission accomplished.
“Everything went well in the time trial,” said DS Ken Vanmarcke. “Rigo was never in trouble and could pace the way he wanted. His main goal is in three weeks, not today, and this week was a perfect preparation.
“Rigo is healthy, had nice weather to race in, and goes home with a victory and a good feeling for the last build part towards the Tour de France. Knowing what’s coming, we can’t ask for anything more.”
Uran has spent the last two months at altitude in Colombia. He travels to his European base of Monoco from Slovenia.
“Between now and the Tour, I do more of the same,” said Uran. “I want to have good training. We have one small training camp in Girona focused on the team time trial. Then it’s Tour time.”
