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’’