Warren Barguil was the protected rider for Team Giant-Shimano in yesterday's Fleche Wallonne and he seemed to be on his way to a top result. Having comfortably stayed near the front in the hectic finale, his race was ruined when he dropped his chain at the bottom of the Mur de Huy.
Tom Dumoulin and Warren Barguil have finished 21st and 23rd respectively atop the Mur de Huy today at La Flèche Wallonne but it could have been a very different result for Barguil had he not dropped his chain at the base of the final climb to the finish.
Daan Olivier joined Dumoulin and Barguil in the front group as the race headed towards the Mur and the team looked in a good position.
However just before tackling the lower slopes of the climb Barguil’s chain dropped when changing gear and as a result he lost ground and had to make an extra push before a climb where every effort counts.
Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) eventually came out on top with a well-timed move near the end of the climb, while Barguil made up ground but finished just before a strong Dumoulin on the line.
After the finish, a still upbeat Barguil said: “It was a real shame that I lost my chain when I did as, even though I didn’t lose a lot of time I had to make a big effort to get back up there and I soon paid for this further up the climb.
“The guys were great in keeping me out of trouble during the race and to have your chance taken away from you like this is a shame. The positive side is that I felt really strong today and could easily hold my position at the front, riding the finale in the front 10-15 riders. My preparation for this race has been really good and today’s feelings are a good sign for Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday.”
Team Giant-Shimano coach, Christian Guiberteau said:
“The race was really good for us with the three guys in the front group until Warren had his problems. Tom and Daan also looked strong and it is a great experience in their first time at this race to hit the bottom of the final climb in the front.
“It is a shame as it would have been good to see Warren fight it out with the front of the race, and I think that he was capable of a top 10 here today. The team in general rode well and they can take confidence from their performance today into Sunday’s race and we can hopefully finish of the classics in a strong way.”
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