Vlasov wins in training area and on 'lucky mountain': "That makes it extra special"
CyclingSaturday, 09 March 2024 at 14:47
Aleksandr Vlasov has followed in the footsteps of his compatriot and former cyclist Ilnur Zakarin by triumphing on Madone d'Utelle. The rider from BORA-hansgrohe outsmarted the other favorites with a well-timed attack in the seventh stage of Paris-Nice.
"I am very happy to win here. It is a WorldTour race, one of the most important of the year. This is also my training area, I know the roads. That makes it extra special," said a satisfied Vlasov in the flash interview.
The last time a finish was held on Madone d'Utelle, Zakarin, a compatriot of Vlasov, won. "Yes, I know he won in 2016. It's funny, it's our lucky mountain," Vlasov laughs.
Vlasov: "It was a very tricky stage"
With Primoz Roglic ahead of him, Vlasov had his team leader up front, but he didn't have to fully support the Slovenian. "I was a bit further down in the GC, so I saw opportunities. We wanted to wait for the climb. Either we would sprint with Primoz, or I would react to attacks. In the end, I saw my chance and went for it."
The riders were plagued by harsh weather conditions along the way. "It was wet and cold. In the final kilometers, my arms felt very cold. Fortunately, I had dressed well, so I could withstand the cold well. It was a very tricky stage."
Il Lombardia 2024
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024