Bernal solid in second in Catalunya

The Colombian sprinted hard to pick up seventh place in a reduced bunch kick into Torrefarrera, ensuring he was not caught behind any splits in the bunch.

 

Bernal was well protected across a snow-shortened 117-kilometre test, and held firm up front despite the peloton being blown into echelons with 28km to go. With Tao Geoghegan Hart, Kenny Elissonde, Sergio and Sebastian Henao all finishing at his side, Bernal heads into Sunday’s final stage in Barcelona just 16 seconds back on leader Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). The 21 year old also held on to the young rider’s jersey for good measure.

 

On a freezing day in the saddle the day’s two-man breakaway held on to contest the win, with Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) holding off Diego Rubio (Burgos-BH) in a two-up sprint. Bernal and the peloton arrived 18 seconds later.

 

 

1. Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) 2:34:25

2. Diego Rubio (Burgos-BH) s.t.

3. Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) +18"

4. Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Merida) s.t.

5. Roberto Ferrari (UAE Team Emirates)

 

 

1. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) 24:56:48
2. Egan Bernal (Team Sky) +16"
3. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) +26"
4. Pierre Latour (Ag2r-La Mondiale) +48"
5. Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) +1:12"