"Luck wasn’t on our side today": Alexander Vlasov frustrated with stage end in Volta a Comunitat Valenciana after crash on the last kilometre

One of the teams who tried to make something out of today's stage difficulties in Volta a Comunitat Valenciana was Bora-Hansgrohe. The German team imposed a strong pace at LA Frontera climb that putted in troubles to the GC riders. The team leader Alexander Vlasov tried his best to distance himself from Giulio Ciccone but to no avail.

"A short but tough day! All went very well and according to our strategy until the final 2 km. It was hectic, everyone was attacking, the road was a bit slippery, and so we had a small crash. Very unfortunate as I felt very good and still had some chances for the GC", said Vlasov.

Unfortunately not only Vlasov didn't manage to drop his close rivals but also crashed on the last kilometre leaving him to not take part on the decision of the stage that also dictated the decision of the general classification of the race.

Even though the luck wasn’t on our side today, I’m very happy with my shape and confident for the next races. I also want to thank the team, they really did a great job here!”, he concluded.

Bora-Hansgrohe was very ambitious during this last stage and according to the team Sports Director Enrico Gasparotto the plan didn't go badly despite the result in end.

“Our plan was to attack on the final climb and try everything to move up in the GC with Aleksandr Vlasov. The boys were committed to that plan, rode very strong and did a perfect lead out for Aleks on the last climb.Unfortunately Aleks was involved in a crash and out of contention for the overall podium. In the end we had a bit of tough luck and didn’t win. But the boys showed a brave, strong and committed race! This race showed that we are on the right track and gives us confidence for our next goals”, stated Bora-Hansgrohe Sports Director Enrico Gasparotto.