Tremendous ride on this brutal mountain stage of @MikelLandaMeana, who finishes third for another top-three at the #VoltaCatalunya103, cementing his place on the overall podium of the race. Photo: @GettySport
"For a moment there, I believed we could catch Pogacar" - Mikel Landa remains best of the rest but unable to match Tadej Pogacar
CyclingSaturday, 23 March 2024 at 19:00
Three mountain stages at the Volta a Catalunya saw Mikel Landa as the rider closest to matching Tadej Pogacar. When the race leader attacked this afternoon with 30 kilometers to go the Basque climber was the one who hung on the most; however he had to let Pogacar go and went on to defend his second place.
With the podium well consolidated Landa and Soudal - Quick-Step did not have to push the pace today, but race following the wheels. Pogacar attacked in the penultimate climb of the day and briefly Landa was was able to match the Slovenian. Ultimately however it was too hard to do so.
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“For a moment there, I believed we could catch Pogacar, but it turned out to be impossible in the valley," the 34-year old said. He teamed up with Egan Bernal who bridged across a few kilometers later, and the duo worked together towards the final ascent, and then in Queralt itself. The stage win was out of the possibilities, Landa did not lose time to the Colombian on the road and managed to extend his lead over the rest of the competition.
"Nevertheless, we did a great job behind and I think we can be content with the result. It’s been a very good week for me, which is always excellent for the confidence. We have one more stage here, but I’m already looking forward to the next races," he concluded. He still has to end the race tomorrow in Barcelona with an explosive circuit, but he carries 1:22 minutes over the closest competitor in the GC; Egan Bernal.
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