UAE Team Emirates' Eid Celebrations came early after two Strong Team Performances

 

Fernando Gaviria continued to show his growing form ahead of the Giro d’Italia by taking 2nd place at Eschborn-Frankfurt in Germany.

 

The German classic is generally regarded as a race for the sprinters and Gaviria was in good company, with ex-teammate Alexander Kristoff (Wanty-Intermarche) behind in third, while Sam Bennett ( (Bora-Hansgrohe) took the victory.

 

Gaviria: “It was a hard day out there. The circuits were hard but I’m happy for this result given the high level competition and to finish behind a great rider like Bennett. I’m heading into the Giro where I want to be : I’ve opened the legs up a bit this week and I’m feeling good again after the clavicle fracture I had. I’m back in form with some good results and I hope for more in the Giro.”

 

Juan Ayuso finished off a good week at the Tour de Romandie with 4th place overall and the white jersey as best young rider. Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) took both the stage win and the overall victory.

 

The final 15km uphill time trial proved hugely challenging, though Ayuso held his nerve to place in 9th and take a promising result in his young career.

 

Ayuso: “It was a brutal stage and I really suffered at the end. If I look at the race overall I’m quite happy. A week and a half ago I was still recovering from illness so to be back at a level where I can compete at a good level is something to be happy about and gives me confidence for the future. In general it’s been a good year and I keep improving so the goal is to go to every race and keep learning and getting better.”

 

Eschborn-Frankfurt

1. Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) 4:27:52

2. Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

3. Alexander Kristoff (Wanty-Intermarche) s.t 

 

Tour de Romandie Stage 5 results

1. Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) 33:40

2. Simon Geschke (Cofidis) +31’’

3. Gino Mader (Bahrain-Victorious) +36’’

8. Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) +1’25’’

 

Tour de Romandie final general classification

1. Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) +18:00:59

2. Gino Mader (Bahrain-Victorious) +50’’

3. Simon Geschke (Cofidis) +55’’

4. Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) +1’22’’