"We tried to attack but maybe I spent a bit too much energy" - Florian Lipowitz continues a strong ride at Itzulia Basque Country

The Itzulia Basque Country has been a great experience for Florian Lipowitz so far. After discovering his time trialing abilities on the opening day, the leader of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe continues to operate at the top of general classification after crucial third stage where the previous GC was thrown into the mixer.

"It was a super hard day," begins Lipowitz in post-race interview with Cycling Pro Net. The selection was ruthless with some leaders quickly isolated at the forefront of the race. "After half of the race I think every team had just a few guys left in the peloton."

For Lipowitz, this was an opportunity to play his own card, however it quickly backfired: "We tried to attack and maybe I spent a bit too much energy. But I thought maybe I could ride away and some guys would join," he explained.

When the young German's offensive was countered, he switched to a more defensive strategy with teammate Aleksander Vlasov as his shield. "In the end I was super happy to have Alex still there and he did an amazing job like the whole team did today. I'm happy that I was in the group fighting for win today, but in the end I think that short kicker didn't suit me so well."

After three stages, Lipowitz's position in the general classification gives a reason to mild optimism. Thanks to one bonification second gathered at an intermediate sprint, the 24-year-old moved up to 2nd overall.