The 12th different Soudal Quick-Step rider to win a race this year! Congrats, @AndreaBagioli! Photo: @GettySport
Andrea Bagioli on Tour de Wallonie win: "It gives me a lot of confidence for this second part of the season"
CyclingThursday, 27 July 2023 at 12:30
The overall classification was out of reach for Soudal - Quick-Step after the time-trial at the Tour de Wallonie, however the Belgian team capitalized on the hilly day and won the stage with Andrea Bagioli.
“The whole team did a great race today. We knew the parcours wasn’t easy, with all those climbs and a bit of wind, so at the morning meeting we decided to make it really hard for the others, sending Mauro and Mauri in the break," the Italian said in a post-race interview. "They did a good job in the front, putting a lot of pressure on the bunch. The finale was a bit chaotic, but I felt good when we arrived at the start of the final climb, so I told the guys I would try something.”
The team piled on the pressure in the breakaway with Mauro Schmid trying to assault the GC, however that proved possible as the day wasn't as selective as initially expected and it almost came down to a reduced bunch sprint. It was heading that way, but Andrea Bagioli and Stevie Williams attacked on the final climb of the day and got a crucial and sufficient gap over the peloton. “I attacked just like two days ago, but this time the climb came closer to the finish, which worked to my advantage."
Going over the top, we had 10-12 seconds in hand, and that was the moment I started believing. In the last 300 meters, as the bunch was approaching, I opened my sprint, and even though it was a bit early, in the end it turned out to be the best decision. I am happy with this victory, it gives me a lot of confidence for this second part of the season," he concluded, having outsprinted the Israel - Premier Tech rider for what was his first win of the season.
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