Aleksandr Vlasov confirms good form with strong showing in Valenciana

The Russian climber finished second on the opening stage of the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana and is within range of the win.

BORA-hansgrohe did big moves on the market this winter and despite having a good stack of stage-racers they have gone onto hire the likes of Vlasov, Jai Hindley and Sergio Higuita. Whilst the latter two are still in preparation phase for the season, the team's sole Russian rider begun his season in Mallorca with a third place in Trofeo Pollença, and is now leading the lineup in his first stage-race of the season.

"The team did a really good job keeping me in position before the final climb. Unfortunately I was a bit too far back in the group when Remo attacked. But I gave my best to follow and I’m really happy with the result. Four more stages to come - I’m super motivated!

His DS Jean-Pierre Heynderickx shared the same sentiment: "That was a very tough first stage here in the hills of Valencia. We’re super happy with Aleks' result and the great teamwork today. We worked very well together and executed exactly the plan we discussed with the riders in the morning."

With the queen stage yet to be ridden and his form on point, it is likely that he will be the closest rival to Remco Evenepoel's dominance. After finishing the Valenciana Vlasov is also targeting the UAE Tour and Paris-Nice, before having a tilt at the Ardennes.

He is set to debut in the Tour de France later in the year, where he will likely be the team's sole GC contender.