Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio, from Movistar, claimed victory in stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia, which was shortened and took place on a 74.6-kilometre route between Croix de Couer and Crans Montana, in which the Ecuadorian Alexander Cepeda (EF-Easypost) finished third in the final sprint.
Rubio attacked in the last meters of the fraction and defeated Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) and Cepeda (EF-Easypost), who could not keep up with the runner born in Chiquiza, Boyacá, involved in the best task of his sports career Well, this is his first win in one of the Grand Tours.
“It was a great day. I was looking for it. I have worked a lot to prepare for this Giro. The other day I had problems with the weather, the rain has been very hard. I knew that I couldn’t give up, that I had to keep going, look for my opportunity and today I had it. Thank God and the people who accompany me because today I have fulfilled a dream”, said Einer Rubio after taking the victory.
The Boyacá native returned to victory on the World Tour after winning the third stage of the UAE Tour almost three months ago, also handing over to Colombia its 33rd stage victory in the history of the Giro d’Italia.
The top three in this segment were part of a seven-rider breakaway that reached the Croix de Coeur, the first climb of the truncated stage, which was cut short due to weather conditions on the descent from Grand St. Bernardo.
Pinot, Cepeda and Rubio distanced themselves from their breakaway companions on the final climb. The Frenchman and Ecuadorian moved almost all the way, as the EF-EasyPost pilot at times refused to pull, then attacked only to be caught by Pinot.
The Frenchman could not break his teammates and he had nothing left for the end. It was there that Rubio’s strategy took effect, as holding the pace and reserving strength for the end gave him the chance to attack with 200 meters to go and win the stage.
“I knew Pinot was really strong, Cepeda too,” Rubio said. “I had to let them play their games, and that was the strategy.”
This Saturday stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia will take place, between Sierre and Cassano Magnago, with a 193-kilometre route, which will have a first-class climb and a flat finish.