Romain Bardet 2nd on epic Vuelta a España mountain stage

With the goal of getting it into the break to play for the stage win, Team dsm-firmenich rode well with three riders in the early move. Romain Bardet went clear alongside Evenepoel, before the duo battled it out for the win with Bardet taking second at Larra-Belagua.

A fierce start to the day saw a big fight for the break with Alberto Dainese and Bardet getting in the original group, while Chris Hamilton then made it across in a counter move on the opening climb. A strong pace had to then be set on that first climb as the peloton upped the pace behind and reduced the gap to three minutes only with 90 kilometres remaining. Over the top Bardet followed Evenepoel who attacked and the duo flew down the descent, continuing to work well over the next climb and the following valley.

Behind the peloton eased off and coming to the final ascent, it was clear that the duo would duke it out for the stage win. Riding to his limits and with no regrets, Bardet tried as hard as he could but as Evenepoel turned the screw at three kilometres to go he had to let go of the wheel. Riding it in to the line, the Frenchman was able to take a very respectable and strong second place on the day after a two-up 90 kilometre time trial between them both.

“It was a really full-gas day,” expressed Bardet. “The team did really well to get me into the break and then supported me all day. Remco made an attack over the first climb and I just followed. We wanted to work together and try to really enjoy the day in the front. I had a few hard days so it was nice to have good legs today and fight with him. I’m not disappointed at all, I did what I could and have no regrets. Remco was just stronger today. He did a lot of the work during the stage and then I just couldn’t follow on the final climb. Today gives confidence for the chances next week.”

Team dsm-firmenich coach Phil West continued: “It was a nice race and a good result on the stage with Romain for us. We wanted to show some good teamwork today to make sure that we were in the break with numbers. With the flat start we had to be really smart with how we did that and use the likes of Sean and Alberto in a good way. In the end we had Romain and Alberto in at the start and then Chris was able to bridge on the climb. It became a much more select group on the climb. We had to pay real attention for the moves, with Romain and Remco going clear over the top and on the descent. Behind we could play the card that Hamo could follow and that helped Romain’s advantage to go out. In the end it turned out to be an epic stage. It’s a good team result once again and we’re looking forward to the next days.”