First race of the season, first podium for the 21-year-old Frenchman.
The last of the week’s Spanish races was also the longest at 200 kilometers, over a course that started with the riders climbing Coll de Rates followed by a few more ascents before the road flattened, making it easier for the sprinters’ teams to control things.
It was a quiet race until the final 30 kilometers, when crosswinds wreaked havoc and broke the peloton into several small groups. The first of these numbered just 17 riders, including Soudal Quick-Step’s Ceriel Desal, Paul Magnier and Dries Van Gestel – our trio helping the front echelon increase the advantage to half a minute. For a brief moment, the chasers reduced the deficit to ten seconds and it looked like they would come back, but the leaders continued to press on and once again extended their margin.
The sprint in Valencia saw Paul Magnier finish second, just behind Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets), for his 35th podium in the pro ranks: “The last part of the race was really hectic with the echelons, but I had some nice support from the team. I could have done a bit better in the final kilometer, but to be on the podium in my first race of the season is a good result and shows that I’m on track for the Classics.”
Photo credit: ©Antonio Baixauli / Getty Images
