Cycling: Jonas Vingegaard has impressively demonstrated that he is the best rider in the Tour of the Basque Country. The Dane also won the final stage and thus the third stage of the week.
Vingegaard sends a message to Pogacar
Although Tadej Pogacar (UAE) is not at the start of the Tour of the Basque Country, it almost seems as if he is jonas vingegaard (Jumbo – Visma) somehow ran into him. The Dane didn't really have to fear a serious competitor in this multi-stage race – it has to be said so clearly. He won three stages, the general classification and the points classification. During today's section, his superiority became particularly clear. Already 30 kilometers before the finish, he started his attack - and finally pulled it through as a soloist to the finish line. The opponents only looked like extras who couldn't even come close to keeping up with the pace of the leader.
⚡Está desatado Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo) tras atacar en solitario en la subida to Izua! #Itzulia #Itzulia2023 #Noticiclismo #ciclismopic.twitter.com/1CDCFRs36H
— NotiCiclismo ➡ #Itzulia2023 (@Noticiclismo1) April 8, 2023
Buchmann & Schmid in the breakaway group
At the beginning of the final stage over 137,8 kilometers with start and finish in Eibar, the spectators were presented with many attacks. Finally, twelve men from the peloton were able to break away, including Emmanuel Buchman (Bora – hansgrohe). However, relatively early on, the German was no longer able to follow the pace of the strongest climbers. Steven Kruijswijk (Jumbo – Visma), Attila Valter (Jumbo – Visma), Stephen Chaves (EF Education – EasyPost) and Ruben guerreiro (Movistar) formed a strong quartet from then on. Since the two helpers from jonas vingegaard (Jumbo – Visma) did not lead with all their energy and the two western Europeans kept an eye on the mountains classification, the escape group did not harmonize. This is how the Swiss, who had actually already been left behind, was able to Mauro Schmid (Soudal – Quick-Step) catch up again and shortly thereafter even set themselves apart as a soloist.
Vingegaard is unstoppable
The Austrians had to be in the main field Herman Pernsteiner (Bahrain – Victorious) and the German Simon Geschke (Cofidis) work for their captains. After Jon Izagirre (Cofidis) launched his attack about 30 kilometers from the finish, but was promptly defeated by jonas vingegaard (Jumbo – Visma) countered. Its relay stations Attila Valter and Steven Kruijswijk came into use. The Dane raced inexorably to the front of the race and left there Mauro Schmid (Soudal – Quick Step) and Stephen Chaves (EF Education – EasyPost), who had recently merged into a leadership duo. He then left no doubt that he could pull through the almost 30-kilometer solo to the end. The chasing group behind them finally gave up the chase and concentrated on fighting for second place overall.
Barrenetxea wins the mountains classification
With three stage wins and success in the overall standings, the tour winner is likely jonas vingegaard (Jumbo – Visma) be extremely satisfied with the Tour of the Basque Country. The Dane celebrated the third leg in Amasa-Villabona, the fourth in Santurtzi and today's sixth in Eibar. He also finishes the six-day multi-stage race as the winner in the points classification. In the mountains, his opponents never got him into serious trouble. The team ranking of the 62nd Itzulia Basque Country goes to the Belgian team Soudal – Quick-Step. Brandon McNulty (UAE) from the USA was honored as the best young professional. The Spaniard Jon Barrenetxea (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA) takes home the mountain jersey despite missing out on the break today.
@j_vingegaard of @JumboVismaRoad wins stage 6 of @ehizulia #Itzulia2023 (@SenalDeportes) pic.twitter.com/ZfhsEKlVis
- World Cycling Stats (@wcsbike) April 8, 2023