CYCLING – Team Bahrain Victorious’ Pello Bilbao delivered a determined performance in the final stage of the UAE Tour yesterday, securing a third-place finish overall after a thrilling battle atop Jebel Hafeet.
The Basque rider showcased resilience and tactical awareness, ensuring his third career podium at the only WorldTour race in the Middle East.
The UAE Tour once again proved to be an unpredictable challenge, with echelons splitting the peloton and causing tense moments for the general classification (GC) contenders. Bilbao found himself separated from his teammates as the echelons formed early on and was the only Bahrain Victorious rider to make the front group.
It all came down to the final climb for the GC contenders that made the front runners. Bilbao started the day in seventh overall but showed his patience and race intelligence by not immediately following the attack of eventual race winner Tadej Pogacar.
Those who initially followed were later reeled in, allowing Bilbao to launch a brilliantly timed attack that saw him bridge across to second-place finisher Giulio Ciccone, who narrowly edged him out in a sprint.
This result marks the third GC podium for Bilbao, who demonstrated his tactical nous to secure his place among the best.
“Yeah, I was patient – I needed to be patient because last year I took too much responsibility,” said Bilbao. “Even the year before, I was a bit too nervous and I tried too early. And this time, also from the car, we have big experience there with Pelli and Neil. They were just telling me, Pello, wait, wait, wait, wait.
“This is perfect. The situation is perfect. We are still with big possibilities for the podium. And yeah, I was convinced just to make one full-gas attack and try to go for the podium. Everything went perfect.
“We fight for my possibilities during all the week. It was not just today’s work. The guys have been supporting me during all the week to avoid crashes, to keep me fresh, to keep me protected from the wind. Everything was smooth and today just went perfect.”
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