Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) produced another fine performance on the dirt roads of Strade Bianche, but he was a bridesmaid again on the podium along with Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) as Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-QuickStep) won the ninth edition of cycling’s newest Spring Classic.
Van Avermaet cracked Valverde, who was widely considered the favourite to win in such tough finish in the historic centre of Siena, attacking on the steep ascent. However, his charge left him with nothing left to stop Stybar edging him past him over the top and diving into the last corner first to win.
"I was always in a pretty good position and I had the legs to be there in the final. I got second but I’m pretty happy with my race," Van Avermaet said brushing off any disappointment.
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"I knew it’d be hard to attack Valverde on a climb like that but I tried to give it a go and surprised him with a good effort. I was surprised that I was first to the top but then I saw Stybar on my wheel, and then he passed me. I was just not strong enough to pass him back…."
Despite defeat, Van Avermaet had no regrets about his race and insisted he enjoyed fighting on the dirt roads and the strong winds that blew across the spectacular Tuscany countryside.
"For me it’s one of the nicest races of the year. That’s why I prefer to miss Paris-Nice and ride this race," he said.
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