A second place finish in Saturday’s time trial at the Tour of Luxembourg meant that coming into the final day, Bahrain Victorious’ Italian Antonio Tiberi lay in fifth overall, ten seconds behind race leader Mathieu van der Poel (ADC). Sunday’s profile was always going to provide both challenges and opportunities, with 3,116 vertical metres over the 177km from Mersch.

Early in the stage, 17 riders went clear, including Tiberi and the World Champion, who tried unsuccessfully to go solo before the halfway point. The climbing was unrelenting, and van der Poel also picked up some bonus seconds along the way, but there was to be a further twist as the leading group of 25 were on the three laps of a finishing circuit. With just under nine kilometres to go, on a short ascent of 800m at 5.7%, David Gaudu (GFC) and Bastien Tronchon (DAT) went clear. Gaudu would eventually win the stage, but behind, Antonio sensed the chance to make a decisive move, and took it.

“In the final circuit, my legs felt even better, and I expected a lot of attacks. I decided to push to the limit on the longest climb all the way to the finish. I was with three other riders, and my goal was to gain as many seconds as possible to try and win the general classification.”

Within three kilometres the 23 year old was the virtual leader, as he joined the front group of three. Van der Poel was 500 metres back at this point, and understanding the race situation, he tried to cut the deficit. Under the ‘Flamme Rouge’ Gaudu went away and powered to the line, followed three seconds later by Tiberi and two others. The stopwatch started, and soon it was clear that Bahrain’s leader had done enough to turn the final standings on it’s head, and his 26 second gap on the line to the Dutchman meant a first GC win. Coming in a season in which he has already taken the white jersey at the Giro d’Italia, it also serves as further confirmation of his talent and potential.

“When they told me at the finish line that I did it, I was super happy! This is my first stage race win and the first time wearing the yellow jersey. I’m so happy. It’s been a fantastic week with great results. Everyone on the team performed well, and we were really united. Luxembourg is a beautiful place, and I truly enjoyed this week. This victory boosts my morale for the upcoming races, especially the Worlds and Il Lombardia.”