The Volta a la Comunitat Valencia concluded today after five stages of action with a stunning solo breakaway victory for Movistar’s Will Barta. The American took his first pro win following a faultless 50km solo ride, having been a part of the day’s early break.
Barta’s win was the icing on the cake on a great day for American cycling, with UAE Team Emirates’ Brandon McNulty securing the overall win after his victory on the Queen stage yesterday.
The breakaway took two wins out of five in Valencia, bookending the race with surprise victories, as Barta held strong in the face of first the GC teams, then the encroaching sprint teams, winning by a margin of just 8 seconds. Jonathan Milan, in the orange points jersey, won the bunch sprint behind.
I think trek underestimated the task and had to few men, and others teams didn’t have a stronger that they thought could best Milan.
But like you, I love to see someone beat the odds!
Agreed. Milan was definitely the sprinter to beat at VCV. I understand the other teams not wanting to tow him to the line!