It was a formidable ride from Trek Factory Racing’s Colombian climber as he attacked to create the day’s principal breakaway on the first ascent of Passo San Pellegrino. He then went on to win the category one mountain points at the top, followed by claiming full points on the successive category two climb, before stamping his name as the day’s champion at the top of the summit finish – it was an awe-inspiring victory.
“I have to give a big thanks to my director and coach Josu [Larrazabal]. I wanted to attack at the bottom of the last climb but he told me from the team car, ‘no, no no! take it easy, not yet!’ Then with four kilometer to go he said, ‘Julian now!’ I won this stage to a great degree from his advice.”
– Julian Arredondo
Trek Factory Racing has been knocking on victory’s door at this year’s Giro, finishing second on four occasions; finally the elusive win arrived as the three week tour entered its final days.
“It was a very strong break with good riders. Julian was calm at the end. We asked him to wait until last 4k and then when he goes, go full gas. We were four times so close so he deserved the win, the team deserved the win – this win is the win of the team. It is a really nice way to finish the Giro in the last week.”
– Josu Larrazabal (director)
Julian Arredondo won all three mountain climbs of the 171-kilometer race and put a serious hold on the mountains competition with only two more climbing stages remaining.
“We knew that if Julian could be in the break to fight for the blue jersey that he would also stand a chance at a stage win. So that was the goal, and the team did a great job to help Julian get in the break. The valley was long before San Pellegrino and the others, like Eugenio [Alafaci], Boy [van Poppel], and Fumy [Beppu], did a great job to keep him in good position so he could jump on the climb. It was teamwork to get him in the break.”
– Josu Larrazabal
“I felt good today. I thought it could be my day. After all the difficult moments in this race – like two days ago over the Stelvio when Josu had to put me in the car to warm me up – and being in Italy away from home the last six years, this stage has repaid all my hard work. Today is the beginning, I hope, of great things for me. I want to dedicate this win to Josu, and to my team who stayed around me at all the difficult moments. We are very much a family.”
– Julian Arredondo
