Volta a Catalunya: Stage 3

Adam Yates solo’s to a climbing victory at Vallter 2000 to move into the race lead at the Volta a Catalunya. Four Brits in the top 8 overall!

Volta a Catalunya: Stage 3

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Adam Yates solo’s to a climbing victory at Vallter 2000 to move into the race lead at the Volta a Catalunya. The Brit claimed his first victory as an Ineos rider in style, taking a 13-second solo victory, but crucially moving into a 45-second overall lead. The team had a number of cards to play on the steep climb, with Richard Carapaz following accelerations before Yates launched his own move with 5km to go.

After dislodging Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Yates was able to replicate his stage victory from 2019 in Spain. Geraint Thomas finished fourth, 31 seconds back, while Richie Porte took ninth, but did enough to move into second place overall. Thomas sits fourth to make it an Ineos 1-2-4, with another summit finish to follow on Thursday.

Adam Yates: “I feel good. We had to keep the breakaway under control because in the beginning they gained a lot of time. We had to bring it back and bring the gap down before the bottom of the climb. It’s a long and hard climb, so we knew even if they had a couple of minutes at the bottom we could bring it back. Everything was perfect – and then in the end we had cards to play as we knew from the beginning. We played them well, with Richie going in the early move, then I came across and then just kept on going. It’s a first victory for my new team – I’m really happy.”

“It’s always hard to tell (when to attack). Obviously two years ago I also went really well here. I just felt good and I was hoping to bridge across to Richard Carapaz – then we could start working. In the end I had enough momentum and enough speed to go straight past. I still had (Sepp) Kuss and Alejandro (Valverde) with me, but in the end I managed to drop them. Tonight we’ll sit down and have a look at the GC. First we’ll celebrate today and take it from there.”

Esteban Chaves: “I lost the momentum in the final part; it is the first race, and the confidence is not 100% especially after the last years and months and I lost the momentum in the final moment. I have to work harder but I am getting closer. Adam (Yates) was really strong in the end and it was the first real test for my legs, but I am happy with this ride. The team worked really well as always today, we understand each other and now we are looking forward to tomorrow. Today really gives me and the team a lot of confidence for tomorrow and for the coming days and the season in front.”

Alejandro Valverde: “Very happy to be there again. It was a fast day with the teams starting to race at a very, very fast pace from quite early on. In the final part I was feeling good and I wanted to try it when the last big acceleration of the big favorites arrived, to try to be in front and hold on there. As I say, very happy, and tomorrow in Port Ainé, another very hard day, I hope, hopefully, I can be like today. I don’t know if a better or the same result will be possible, but seeing the sensations, I think we can at least be there ”.