Vuelta a Castilla y León: Anthony Delaplace 5th overall
On the second and last stage, Dan McLay and Simon Guglielmi were on the attack: in the first breakaway for the first one and in a counter-attack for the second one. Anthony Delaplace came out in the final stage and finished in 5th place, both on the stage and in the final overall classification.
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“We were expecting a tough stage today. The intensity never let up! The plan was perfect: Dan and Simon were at the front to anticipate. It was planned that I would stay in the warmth of the peloton to keep my strength to produce my effort in the final. With about twenty kilometres to go, we went out on the counter behind Yates and Bennett and that’s how I was going to get a double top 5, stage and overall. I am rather happy with my week after Ordizia on Monday. There are not too many small races anymore, always a strong field. I am satisfied with this 5th place in the general classification and with the collective state of mind shown these last days.”
“Beyond the hilly profile, it was a difficult stage in the heat. I had asked the guys this morning to get a head start by going into the breakaway. It is Dan who is in the break and if he passed the last climb, he could have won. Simon went out on the counter with some strong riders and joined Dan in front. This group was then caught again, but Anthony attacked in the final and took the 5th place of the stage. I am very satisfied with the behaviour of the riders today during these two days. The top 5 in the stage and Anthony’s place in the overall classification are positive.”