Vuelta a Andalucía (finale)

Spaniard from Movistar Team beaten only by Matteo Trentin (MTS) and Enrique Sanz (EUS) in uphill finish showdown at Vuelta a Andalucía; Héctor Carretero takes 12th overall.

The Movistar Team was quite close to turn its final shot at a victory into a successful target at Sunday’s stage five in the 65th Vuelta a Andalucía – Ruta del Sol. At an uphill finish in Alhaurín de la Torre, following a very lumpy 164km from Otura, Carlos Barbero claimed his best result so far in 2019, climbing up to 3rd behind European champion Matteo Trentin (MTS, 1st) and Enrique Sanz (EUS, 2nd).

The Burgos native, well supported by his team-mates throughout the two stages he’s had a chance to launch his sprint in southern Spain this week -he was already 4th in Almería seven days ago-, rounded out a quite solid appearance from the Blues’ second unit, crowned by a 12th place overall from the youngest competitor in the roster here managed by Max Sciandri and José Luis Arrieta: Héctor Carretero, who did well in both Saturday’s mountain trek around Granada and the TT on Friday.

REACTION:

Carlos Barbero: “The team relied on me because I knew I could do well in such a sprint finish, with that slight kick uphill which could suit my characteristics. Astana were the ones in charge of keeping the break on a leash in the beginning, but then we got Rafa [Valls] at the front to keep the gaps low and secure it was a sprint. In the end, it all comes down to the energy left in your legs and how good of a position you can find to launch your rush. We were there, third place, in contention for the win, and I hope I can improve my level in the upcoming races to get closer to that victory.”