Results Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana: Dylan Groenewegen wins ahead of Paul Magnier from decisive crosswind split

Dylan Groenewegen claimed victory at the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana after converting a perfectly judged sprint from a reduced front group that had formed in the crosswinds on the run-in to Valencia.

What initially looked like a straightforward sprint day was transformed inside the final 40 kilometres, when a sharp acceleration and exposed roads shattered the peloton and created a decisive front echelon that never relinquished its advantage.

The race had been controlled for much of the afternoon by a two-man breakaway of Davide Zoccarato and Enzo Leijnse, who were kept on a tight leash as teams with sprint ambitions managed the pace behind. Once the break was finally absorbed, the tempo rose immediately and the peloton fractured, with positioning proving decisive.

A leading group of around 20 riders surged clear, containing the key fast finishers and enough team representation to ensure cooperation. Groenewegen made the split alongside rivals such as Paul Magnier, Giovanni Lonardi and Amaury Capiot, while several sprint teams were left scrambling behind.

As the race entered the final 20 kilometres, the front group pressed on with conviction. The gap briefly stretched beyond 30 seconds before stabilising, with Unibet Rose Rockets, Soudal Quick-Step, Team Jayco AlUla and TotalEnergies all represented at the front and invested in keeping the move alive.

Behind, the chase lacked cohesion. Cofidis attempted to organise a pursuit on behalf of Bryan Coquard, but with no representative in the lead group and limited support from other teams, the gap fluctuated without ever collapsing. Despite momentary pressure, the front echelon continued to rotate smoothly as the road flattened towards Valencia.

Inside the final five kilometres, the advantage remained sufficient to remove any real chance of a regrouping. Unibet Rose Rockets assumed greater responsibility at the front, with Rory Townsend delivering a strong lead-out as the sprint approached.

Groenewegen launched decisively with just over a kilometre remaining, timing his effort to perfection after a long, fast run-in. The Dutchman quickly opened a clear gap and powered to the line ahead of the rest of the front group, sealing his victory from the echelon and confirming the importance of positioning in the decisive crosswind move.

After a race defined by patience, control and then sudden selection, Groenewegen’s win capped a day where the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana was decided not by a full bunch sprint, but by who survived and capitalised on the split that mattered.