Bin O’Connor takes the first serious test of the Vuelta a Catalunya with exhibition After two days of fans and nerves, it was time for the favorites for the general to move and ah emerge the figure of the Australian, fourth classified in the last Tour de France. Three stages, three victories aussies in the Volta.
started today a new Volta. The tension of the first two days caused cyclists like Hugh Carthy, Michael Woods, Simon Yates or Carlos Rodríguez to reach the first high finish with a slab of 33 seconds that forced them to move. The Briton from the Bike Exchange was expected, but, perhaps diminished by his fall yesterday, was erased in the first ramps of La Molina. The first snows of the first season left a beautiful impression on the Catalan Pyrenees. La Collada de Toses and La Molina wore white and O’Connor signed a picture that ended with him wearing the leader’s jersey. He was the only one who attacked decisively.
Podium! Nairo Quintana also finished 3rd in Catalonia! pic.twitter.com/eN1gLl2YCF
? Team Arka Samsic (@Arkea_Samsic) March 23, 2022
I tightened the connecting rod well and the doubts of the pursuers favored his victory. Ayuso, Nairo, Carapaz appeared, but the attacks had no continuity. Ahead O’Connor was clenching his teeth, holding the big plate and suffering every meter until the final victory. The last two kilometers were pure suffering. Marc Soler, who knows the ascent as the portal to his house, jumped, but it was too late. In the end, Ayuso prevailed in the second group, with the roosters, entering ahead of Nairo Quintana.
“I knew it was difficult to move. O’Connor made a very good climb, I didn’t think he might break because of the wind. He was brave. Tomorrow we hope to defend well, he arrived in good shape and I hope to give the first win to the team“, confirmed the Spaniard at the finish line. And tomorrow La Volta returns to Boi Taull 20 years later. Start at Seu D’urgell and finish uphill at the Lleida ski resort (14 km at 5’49%). O’Connor today has shown the way.
