Astana’a Simone Velasco was one of three riders who were able to hold off the peloton who could only watch as the trio ahead hit the finish line before them. The catch seemed inevitable with only a few seconds left whilst going under the flamme rouge but Velasco, Bob Jungels and Jonas Wilsly kept the hammer down to contest the win themselves. Wilsly kept the power on but Velasco had the best kick in the final hundred metres to take a convincing win. Movistar looked visibly annoyed, crossing the line in 4th and 5th having failed to make the catch. Giulio Ciccone keeps the leader’s jersey after his victory on Stage 2.
The trio initially started as a group of 6, with Lawson Craddock looking the strongest in this period of the race. Thomas Gloag of Jumbo Visma tried to bridge across to the leaders, with Velasco, Jungels and Wilsly almost back up to Craddock. With 17km to go, Craddock was caught and working together was now on the cards. Bahrain Victorious were interested in making the catch for their quickest rider Fred Wright and were at the front of the peloton.
The earlier work took its toll on Lawson Craddock and the lead group became the finishing trio. Matej Mohoric looked like he was going to easily bring them back in time for the expected sprint. Roundabouts and corners in the final 1km helped the break as it just put enough of a hold on the chase. In the end, Simone Velasco comfortably beat his breakaway companions.
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2023 Stage 3 results
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