Conti finishes in top 10 in Vuelta
dubai — UAE Team Emirates’ Valerio Conti showed grit and determination on Stage 12 of the Vuelta a Espana to secure a top 10 finish on what was a tough day of racing, according to a press release.
It took just 10 minutes for the breakaway to form, with Conti leading the attack for the Emirati colours alongside 17 other riders. The young Italian showed his intent, sticking with the large group for four hours before a late attack saw him drop away, but still pick up a respectable tenth place finish.
The final 3km or the race saw a tactical game played out on the steep hills, with Alexandre Geniez (AG2R La Mondiale) seeing off his nearest opponent in a sprint finish to pick up the stage win.
Commenting on the race, Valerio Conti said: “On today’s (Thursday’s) stage I had another good opportunity, but unfortunately I could not exploit it, I was not at my best. I succeeded in being in the main breakaway, but I missed out on the winning counter attack at more or less 30km.
“I remained calm after we had climbed two hills, but I just could not react quickly. However, I’m confident for the next few stages to be able to give my contribution to the team’s main goal, which is to support Aru, or to be ready to join breakaways when I will be asked to do so.”
Friday’s stage could be one of the most exciting yet. At just 8km, the riders will begin to climb, providing an ideal opportunity for the day’s breakaway. The final climb of the day, La Camperona amounts to 8.8 kms with a daunting 25% stretch set to test even the best climbers.