29-May-2015: Etixx – Quick-Step wrapped up a strong day of racing with riders on the podium in both Italy and Belgium. Rigoberto Uran finished 3rd in the Giro d’Italia high mountain stage, and Tom Boonen was 2nd in a bunch arrival on Friday.
Giro d’Italia Stage 19: Uran on the Podium in Cervinia Summit Finish
Etixx – Quick-Step rider Rigoberto Uran finished 3rd after taking his chances on the Category 1 Cervinia summit finale of 236km Giro d’Italia Stage 19 on Friday.
The Colombian rider found good legs on a stage with three consecutive Category 1 ascents, while the peloton split into small groups all over the road. Uran was in a chase group behind Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo), Mikel Landa (Astana), Steven Kruijswijk (Team LottoNL-Jumbo) and others, while Fabio Aru (Astana) led solo ahead of Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale-Garmin) on the final climb.
Uran worked his way to the maglia rosa group just after a tunnel. He then accelerated away from the group with about 3.5km remaining, and held his power until the line. Aru won solo by 28″ on Hesjedal in 2nd place. Uran rounded out the podium, a minute and 10 seconds down. Aru gained time on Contador in the maglia rosa group, which crossed the finish line a minute and 18 seconds down.
Contador remains the race leader by 4’37” on Aru, and 5’15” on Landa.
Etixx – Quick-Step looks next to the penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia on Saturday. Stage 20, from Sint Vincent to Sestriere, includes the Cima Coppi late in the race: Colle Delle Finestre. This very challenging ascent peaks at the 171.1km mark. The peloton will then have to descend before the Category 3 summit finale in Sestriere.
“The last week is a week to try to get the best out of each stage,” Uran said. “My goal was to try to do a good race and see what can happen. At the beginning I tried to also enter into a few breakaways, but they didn’t let us go. I stayed there in the peloton until we reached the last climb here in Cervinia. I felt good and comfortable. When they first started attacking I responded. We were with six riders. But when they attacked again I couldn’t follow. I decided to take my tempo and recover. I found on the road Amador, Nieve, and Kangert. We collaborated with Amador, but he lost contact with us on the climb. I was there only with Nieve and Kangert. They had a teammate in front, so it was clear they wouldn’t try something to compromise that. So in the tunnel I attacked them. At the end of the tunnel I could see Contador and the others. I attacked my group and came back to the maglia rosa group. Then, when I arrived there, I knew Aru was already gone along with Hesjedal. At that point I did my best to play my card. I went immediately and I took a small gap. I really did everything I could and at the end I was 3rd. So, considering everything, I am happy. As I said already, the Giro ends on Sunday, every stage is an opportunity. Every day we will fight, even with all the problems we’ve had here in this Giro. To be honest I am happy I was able to stay with the best and finish the stage among the top guys of the peloton.”
Baloise Belgium Tour Stage 3: Boonen 2nd After Team Chases Late Race Escape Group
Etixx – Quick-Step did what they could to control the race in support of Tom Boonen, wearer of the blue (points) jersey after winning the 2nd stage, at Baloise Belgium Tour Stage 3 on Friday. However, due to a full gas chase in the final few kilometers with a dangerous escape group, Boonen then had to improvise to put himself in good position for the sprint in the final few hundred meters.
Lotto Soudal was in front with two riders, with Boonen third wheel and Arnaud Demare (FDJ) behind him. Demare was able to get the jump and win the stage, with Boonen 2nd and Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto Soudal) 3rd.
Niki Terpstra did a great job as the last leadout rider for Boonen before the sprint. The race came back together with 1.6km to go thanks to Etixx – Quick-Step using the train to chase down Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team), Tiesj Benoot (Lotto Soudal), Bjorn Leukemans (Wanty – Groupe Gobert), and Laurens De Vreese (Astana) at about 5km remaining. The gap was 10″ with 4.3km to go, and eventually Benoot tried to attack with Van Avermaet going with him. However, they couldn’t stay away with the tempo Etixx – Quick-Step set to ensure the bunch sprint finish.
Etixx – Quick-Step also worked hard earlier in the race to be in the actions. Nikolas Maes, Stijn Vandenbergh, and Yves Lampaert were in a brief lead group, and the team was also driving the pace on the front when the peloton split into a few groups on the Paddestraat. Despite the up-and-down parcours and plenty of attacks, there was still a regrouping and the race ended in a group arrival.
Etixx – Quick-Step looks next to Stage 4 on Saturday, with Boonen now 4th GC (+9″). He is also 2nd in the points classification, but tied with Demare at the 55 point mark. Yves Lampaert is also 8th GC (+19″). The 158.5km stage is another up-and-down stage, including the final 6km before the finish in Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure.
“Like expected the final was a pretty explosive sprint,” Boonen said. “Maybe we could have done more to prevent having to close the gap in the last uphill part of the stage. But that was a strong group that attacked. I think the effort to chase blew up some of our power. But my team did a good job closing it down for me. The sprint was a bit hectic. I had to choose a wheel for my sprint and I went with Roelandts, where I thought I was in good position. But the moment I wanted to go there was a hesitation, and Demare and I launched our sprint together. He is a strong sprinter of course, and was able to pass me. He deserves the victory today. Of course I’m disappointed with 2nd, but tomorrow is a new chance. We worked hard to make sure the sprint happened for me and I did the best I could today. We will see what can happen again tomorrow if there is another bunch arrival. My condition is good, with a victory and a 2nd place so far at this Baloise Belgium Tour.”
