Mark Christian, sixth from the breakaway in a very long stage in Andalucía

Vuelta a Andalucía-Ruta del Sol (2.PRO)
Ubrique-Iznájar (200’7km)

The race promised a demanding start, and an opportunity for breakaways due to the more than 200 kilometres that the riders had to cover.

Mark Christian knew how to be attentive to the movements of the initial part and filter into the main breakaway of the day. Such was the permissiveness of the peloton that he and his fellow adventurers soon reached a lead of almost 15 minutes. There was still a lot of hard work to do, but it was still possible to dream.

The efforts of the main group, despite reducing the gap, did not threaten the chances of the escapees. Almost 7 minutes with just 40 kilometres to go gave the breakaway wings. Christian tried to make a move, taking advantage of the final climb to La Parrilla and the finishing climb in Iznájar. He came close, but had to settle for a great sixth place that gives him energy for the remaining days.

Mark Christian: “The first job was to be in the breakaway, we knew how important it was. We knew how important it was. Then we took up a lot of time, 15 minutes even. At that point we believed we could make it to the finish. After the hardest climbs, it was a matter of managing the gaps and we did it well. I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t fight for a better position at the finish. But I have to admit that I gave it my all, maybe with a slightly harder finish I could have improved my position, but I think it’s another great place to add to the team’s great start to the season“.

SprintCycling