QUOTES | Jhonatan Narvaez, Javier Romo, Oscar Onley and Finn Fisher-Black discuss Willunga Hill showdown

Cycling
Saturday, 25 January 2025 at 09:54
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Stage 5 of the Tour Down Under saw the riders climb up the Old Willunga Hill, the race's most iconic ascent which ultimately decides the overall classification once again. We take a look at what Jhonatan Narváez said after his maiden stage win with UAE Team Emirates - XRG, but also his main rivals on the day including former race leader Javier Romo.

The Ecuadorian proved himself in his first showing with the Emirati team, winning today's queen stage and virtually sealing the GC win. It took him a big effort though as the ochre jersey himself attacked at the base of the final ascent and put everyone under pressure. Oscar Onley and Finn Fisher-Black, second and third on the day, also have interesting insight on the finale.

Jhonatan Narváez: "It was tough, the average [speed] was high, the season was high, it wasn't easy, when everyone says you're the favourite it's not easy, but in the end we did it. You have to keep trying to win the races. The team did a great job and we deserve it. The team has been very good to me since I arrived at the training camp and we enjoyed the race."

Javier Romo: "It was a very difficult day because of the wind, even before the last climb with a crosswind, but I was there in the lead. In the final part I attacked 2km from the finish and tried to get away, but the others were stronger than me and that's okay. My team was perfect, I want to thank them. I want to thank Mathias [Norsgaard], Carlos [Canal], Gregor [Mülhberger], Diego [Pescador] ... I think I named them all. Thank you, I tried. I'm very happy, I won a stage and I wore the leader's jersey for 2 days, I'm very happy."

Oscar Onley: “The guys fully committed to me today, riding on the front and supporting me all stage; which I’m thankful for. I rode a conservative climb holding back a little for the final but unfortunately Narvaez was stronger in the sprint at the end. It’s a good start to the season but I also wanted more from the stage and the GC. This trip isn’t over yet though and we have a few more opportunities with Tobi (Tobias Lund Andresen, ed.) in the coming days.”

Finn Fisher-Black: "Romo made his move pretty early, and I was able to sit in behind and follow, staying alert for any possible moves. I managed to respond to a few of them, but then a trio went off the front, and I couldn’t respond as easily. Still, I told myself that if I could keep them just 20 to 30 meters ahead of me, I could close the gap and overtake them. I kept my composure, even though I was pushing my limits at times. But I knew I had enough left to finish strongly in the last 30 metres. Overall, I’m proud of my effort and happy with third place on today's stage and third overall ahead of tomorrow's final day of racing."

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