The 181km second stage of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana consisted of two, second category  climbs. However, it was the steep 2km climb to the finish where the race was decided. Our Belgian rider Dylan Teuns finished third behind the winner Tadej Pogacar and Alejandro Valverde. 

There were strong performances across the team as Matej Mohoric, Pello Bilbao and Wout Poels all finished just a few seconds behind the stage winner.

“As a team – explained Dylan – we were always in a good position, Scott, Kevin and Ivan did a really good job. I was feeling good all day long, and I took the final climb in the front. I was close to Valverde because I thought he was the man to look at and at the last corner I was in perfect position next to him, but the two guys were faster than me. I’m happy with my performance, and I hope I will feel the same on Saturday. For sure, it will be a different stage, we are still three riders – me, Pello and Wout – who can try to win and this is undoubtedly a plus for us”.

“We did our best – commented Sports Director Gorazd Štangelj – it’s a pity that we didn’t win, but we are very satisfied. Dylan has shown great quality, but also all his teammates have been very good and first place in the team classification proves it”.

Tomorrow, the Volta goes back to the sprinters with a 175km stage from Orihuela to Torrevieja. 

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