Gabriele Bessega ninth on the second stage of Vuelta Avila

Gabriele Bessega and Álex García were protagonists on a stage that was led almost from start to finish by two riders. Both were part of a chasing group that would not manage to catch the leading duo. Finally, after a very demanding day Gabriele Bessega finished in ninth position.

The two riders from the same team launched the attack from the start of the stage and maintained a lead of between 40″ and one minute that varied very little. On the ascent to Menga (3rd) Álex García, active for another day in the race, moved with four other riders to form a chasing group. It didn’t take long for the group to increase the number of riders in the that group. An attack from the bunch brought Gabriele Bessega into the group, which already included Álex García.

The race remained a tug-of-war between the two escapees and the chasing group. On the ascent to La Centenera (3rd) that group was selected, but the two team riders remained in the fight. Already on the ramps of the last climb of the day, Guisando (1st), both Bessega and García gave up and arrived in a small group. Gabriele was ninth and Álex thirteenth.

“The Vuelta Ávila is a preparation race for several of the riders who are racing and they have been in place and, in addition, Martín has been ill. Gabriele’s performance has been very good, climbing more than expected. They were in a group with people of a very high level and in the end they had to give up”, explained Rafael Díaz, the team sports director.