Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) took his second victory in Tirreno-Adriatico today, holding off challenges from Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing) and Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) who both gained time on the Colombian in the final stage time-trial.
Dennis won the stage to move into second place overall pushing Pinot down into third with both riders significantly reducing their deficit to Quintana. However, the Movistar rider did enough to claim his second victory in the ‘Race of the Two Seas’ following his 2015 win.
Dennis edged out both Jos van Emden (Team LottoNL-Jumbo) and Michael Hepburn (Orica-Scott) by 3″ to win the stage.
Nairo Quintana: “I’m really happy with this victory. Tirreno-Adriatico is a really beautiful race, one that I really like, and conquering it again makes me proud, for all the effort I put here and especially my Movistar Team, which supported me all the way to this time trial. I knew I had to go strong today, I couldn’t let the specialists put too much of a gap over me. Yet, I was calm and confident that I could secure the victory with the advantage I held. With all rivals we had to face and such a tough course, it’s a really prestigious victory to take. It’s a tribute to all those supporting me and my team-mates, for the help they offered me all week.”
“Taking part in races like this one is always important, and not only because the win that’s at stake. In the end, it’s also a Giro d’Italia-organised event, and that makes sure you’ll find finishes very much similar to those you’ll have to tackle in the Giro. For us, getting to know the roads, reinforce our bond as a team, get used to the pace we’ll find in May – it’s all about getting focused on that first GT goal of our season.
“I leave this race with a better feeling that I had when I came here. Currently I’m not at 100% fitness, I’m still lacking some form before heading into the Giro. Some important weeks are coming up, with some training at home, enjoying my family and friends and getting to my best condition. I don’t feel like all those victories in the early season mean I’m reaching the top of my career’s physical condition, either. I’ve been growing it and obviously one can end up thinking there must be a limit to his progression, but I’m hopeful that the best times are still to come.”
