Spaniard Marc Soler (UAE Emirates), the main character of the decisive break of the day with Carlos Rodríguez, the eventual winner in Mallavia, regretted not being able to fight for victory after making a good escape and keeping the pulse on platoon for most of the stage.
“It was a shame not to finish, but I was very happy on stage and now I’m just thinking about recovery and give my best again tomorrow in the final stage,” said the Catalan cyclist at the finish line.
Tenth overall, 1.30 behind the leader, Belgian Remco Evenepoel, Soler announced that he would once again fight for victory.
“Today I tried to play to win on stage, even looking for a lead. I’m happy in tenth place, but tomorrow I want to fight again. Let’s see how I can recover,” he said.
For his part, Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers) from Granada thanked Catalan Marc Soler for his work on the decisive breakaway, which allowed him to reach the finish line and sign his first success as a professional.
“Marc Soler had a great stage, I feel bad for him, but I have to thank him. He was riding like a motorcycle, without him victory would be impossible. I also thank the team for giving me the opportunity to fight for victory. “, said Rodríguez at the finish line in Biscayan town.
Carlos Rodríguez (Almuñecar, Granada, 21 years old), emphasized the work of the Catalan cyclist, which was key to building the first breakaway of the 6 men and then to maintaining the differences with respect to the chasers when they were both remained in the foreground.
“In the beginning we were 6 breakaways, but we didn’t get along. Marc was the strongest, he let it all. I wanted to help him, but Adam Yates and Daniel Martínez were behind him. I feel bad because he’s the strongest, more than me , and he has done an amazing job. I congratulate him, I feel sorry for him. “
Rodríguez, a runner who went directly from youth to professional with the Ineos jersey, could hardly believe his debut as a winner in the top category, and also at a World Tour event like Itzulia.
“I’ve had a good feeling all year. I still can’t believe this success, as well as at a high level of career. I’m excited because we also have Dani Martínez who is second overall and he can win”.
The Andalusian runner admitted he had doubts as to whether he could win or not. The force began to weaken and Mallabia’s 800-meter ramp was also groundbreaking.
“I can’t believe it, in the end it was very fair and seemed to have no end. The chasers were close, but I was able to win. Of course I saw the possibility of reaching the finish line as a winner in danger because I was at the limit of strength. , I can’t take it anymore “, he commented.
After third place in Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and fourth in Andalucía, Carlos Rodríguez has shown this season that his departure from the elite of professional cycling is starting to come together.
“I’m happy with the evolution, I’m moving forward, I’m gradually improving in the category. In the future I will fight for more success”.
Source: La Verdad
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