MISANO ADRIATICO – At La Farrapona, Lagos de Somiedo, the UAE Emirates dominated once again, pulling from behind and winning in front with Marc Soler. DAfter the Angliru, the Vuelta offers another short but very tough stage, that he saw The Emirati team achieved their seventh victory in 14 stages: an impressive figure, 50 percent of the Corsican fractions.
Beyond the victory, the challenge for the general classification remains, with Jonas Vingegaard and Joao Almeida at the center of the confrontation. In all this, Giulio Pellizzari continues to amaze. We talked about it with Daniel Oss, met at theItalian Bike Festival, who analyzed the Asturias double and the balance of this Vuelta.
Soler congola
Meanwhile Soler puts his signature on it and he is also one of the Spanish candidates for the World Cup which sees, it is said, Ayuso as Pogacar's first and bitter rival.
"I'm really happy to have scored another victory for the team," Soler commented. "I was following the most important moves and followed Campenaerts when he attacked to join the breakaway. From there, I made a move in the valley before the final climb to join the breakaway. Then I maintained my pace on the climb.
«I was waiting for instructions from behind in case Joao had gone on the run and I had to get up, But in the end I got the green light to push and I'm happy to have won the stage. Happy birthday to my wife, this stage is for her."
Daniel, let's start with yesterday and this Angliru-Lagos de Somiedo double. What does that mean in terms of energy expenditure?
From the point of view of performance and overall economy of the Return This double win gives us real value on the field. Today's stage also showed important tactical data, because the breakaway was finally pulled away after a long battle. That group contained some superb athletes, strong even on climbs.
With Soler still on the run…
He's a sure thing on the run. You could tell by his desire. But I also really liked Giulio Pellizzari, who is having another great Giro. However, I note that the situation is still at a standstill from the point of view of the general classification.
So, let's get to the heart of the matter: the clash is between Vingegaard and Almeida. What's your take on it?
That jonas vingegaard it's going like thunder! Almeida, who has an incredible team, is doing everything possible: Today he tried, he shot, he tried to make a difference, but he struggled to earn. He will only be able to take advantage of any weaknesses in Vingegaard, but if Jonas remains so solid, I see it as difficult.
The point is the third week: does one have the Tour in his legs and the other doesn't?
It's there. Vingegaard isn't showing any weaknesses, he's moving well tactically, He doesn't make any head-butts and doesn't waste anything. He's very focused on the Vuelta goal. I see him as aware. Almeida is a step behind and has to come up with something special.
As a former rider, how do you view the fact that he didn't win on the Angliru? Is it a disappointment for him?
Yesterday he was exhausted during his cool-down. I doubt anyone arrived fresh on the Angliru. He didn't outpace everyone, but it can also be interpreted as the only difficult day of his Vuelta. Let's see what happens next: the third week always decides everything. And the Vuelta is famous for its heat and tough climbs. But I struggle to imagine Almeida being superior to Vingegaard.
So if Daniel Oss had to bet 10 euros, would he bet it on the Dane?
Exactly.
Daniel, help us interpret the tactics of the UAE Emirates: they were pulling from behind and Soler was in front.
It seemed like a strange tactic, but the stage was super tight. There were more than twenty riders in the breakaway. Soler was smart, he waited and on the final climb he was given the green light by the team, because the lead was high. He took the opportunity to the fullest. Behind, the UAE He continued with his morning plan: to put Vingegaard under pressure and prepare for a possible attack from Almeida. In all of this, Soler exceeded all expectations. I don't think the team expected it either.
You mentioned it before, but how much do we like this Pellizzari?
Very much so. He's a positive guy, light-hearted but not superficial. He's serious about his work and professional. He's already on the path to a great career. He's one of the very few Italians who can give us hope for the general classification. He's able to handle the pressure. He had a few setbacks at the Giro d'Italia, but only because it was his first time. Overall, good. I also see him quite often because he's moving to Trentino (his partner is from Valsugana, just like Oss, ed.), and every now and then I see him on his bike for a coffee or dinner.
Did you give him any advice in these Valsugana cafés?
No, I don't think I can give any technical advice. Possibly about life. On the bike he already has the right direction and the right mindset. He just needs to make the most of this moment and grow as best he can.
