Biniam Girmay won the first stage of the Volta Valenciana this Wednesday, rewarding the work of his teammates in the best way.
The World Team positioned Laurens Huys in the lead of the race to control the gap with the five riders in the early breakaway.
The escapees were caught on the slopes of the Coll de Rates, one the two main climbs in the final 70 kilometer. The peloton lost quite some elements under the impetus of Bahrain-Victorious on the next climb, the Puerto de Bernia.
But Girmay could still rely on Rui Costa, Loïc Vliegen and Georg Zimmermann to neutralize the attacks and lead him to the sprint in the streets of Altea.
After an impressive effort of 300 meter, the 22 year old rider won with authority, conquering the yellow leader’s jersey. He obtained his tenth career victory, the fourth succes of the team in 2023.
« After my podiums last week I'm happy to offer my teammates the victory this time. The team was very strong. We managed everything perfectly today, especially in the final during which it was difficult to control. I was close to the victory on Mallorca on narrow and curvy roads. Today it was a true sprint in a straight line. But because of the sunlight I couldn't see the distance to the line. So I launched my sprint very early, maybe with 300 meter to go. It was very long, but at the finish line I was first. I'm very happy. »
