The death of a spectator cast a shadow over McNulty’s victory in Valencia

The death of a 57-year-old man at the finish line of fourth stage of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, Vall d’Ebo, conditioned the performance of cyclists. The organization of the test, with good judgment, decided to “suspend all protocol acts for today in respect” and announce that the stage will end on height of El Miserat for someone dying at the finish line.

The Italian Alessandro Tonelli He started in the leader’s jersey in the penultimate stage of 75th edition of the Volta a la Comuniat Valencianastarting from Teualada Moraira and finally, as we mentioned at the beginning, to Miserat Heights and not to Vall d’Ebo.

The peloton came very far at the crucial moment of the day, a tough climb of 5.7 kilometers at 9.2%, where it was key to get into a good position. The team Movistar team He made it up to three units, but in the end none of his runners could keep up with the best three: the American Brandon McNultythe Colombian Santiago Buitrago and the Russian Alexander Vlasov. Buitrago said, before learning about the shortening of the stage, that he wanted the penultimate climb over the last, but later he couldn’t make his words work.

When the three strongest were left in the lead, McNulty didn’t think about it and attacked from a distance, confusing Vlasov and Buitrago, who at one point got lost in the radio conversation, we don’t know if asking for his Bahrain-Victorius teammate Pello Bilbaowhich coincided with McNulty’s attack and left.

McNulty endured a tough climb well, one of those difficult to maintain vertical and grip, and although Buitrago changed pace behind him, they were unable to catch him.

First victory of the season for ePhoenix cyclistwhich also serves as the leader waiting for the decisive final stage this Sunday, which is 93 kilometers between Bétera and Valenciawith an ascent at the half-point of the stage to port of the 1st of La Frontera (5 km at 9.3%).