Our riders were protagonists in all four races they were involved in Sunday afternoon.
Czech Republic
Zdebek Stybar came close to repeat his 2014 and 2017 triumphs, only to be denied by Adam Toupalik (Elkov-Kasper) in the closing meters of the race that took place on a circuit based around Mlada Boleslav. The winner came from a 13-man group that attacked early and opened a gap which the chasers couldn’t close, and Stybar – despite giving everything in the sprint – had to settle for second. It was Zdenek’s fifth medal at the National Championships, a joint-record he now holds.
“It was a very interesting edition, packing some 3000 vertical meters. A breakaway took off, but we closed it and kept riding, before getting clear. It was very hard to make the difference in the final, especially as I was forced to shut down several attacks of Toupalik’s teammates. Then he opened his sprint very early and I tried to pass him, but he was too strong. I can’t say I’m sad, because the strongest guy won. At the same time, I am happy with my condition, it gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the next races”, said Stybar at the finish.
France
For the second time in three years, Julian Alaphilippe rode to a medal at the Nationals. Just like in 2018, he claimed bronze after an electrifying finale, which saw him attack twice. The up-and-down route in Bretagne, despite featuring plenty of hills, wasn’t selective enough but that didn’t stop the Velo d’Or winner to launch a stinging attack after an excellent job of Florian Sénéchal, who softened up the peloton prior to this move.
Alaphilippe carved out a 15-second gap with five kilometers to go over the only riders capable of chasing him – Bryan Coquard (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept) and Arnaud Demare (Groupama-FDJ) – but a stiff headwind made it really difficult for him to hold off the two. Caught on the last uphill section of the race, the 28-year-old rode out of the saddle again, but the duo reacted and it all came down to a reduced sprint, where Alaphilippe took third behind Demare and Coquard.
“The goal was to be in the mix, and although it wasn’t easy in two, we gave everything. Florian was amazing, he pulled so hard for me before my attack, and I came off his wheel keen on going all-out. Unfortunately, there was some strong headwind over the top of the climb and that didn’t help, but it’s also true that another rider was just better. I can’t say that I’m disappointed, because the circuit wasn’t that hard and a podium was the maximum I could get out of this race”, Julian explained in Grand-Champs.
Italy
Davide Ballerini took his best ever result at the National Championships, after one of the hardest and most exciting races of the weekend. Taking place between Bassano del Grappa and Cittadella, the 253km race was animated by a large breakaway group that featured new Deceuninck – Quick-Step recruit Fausto Masnada. The 25-year-old was the last rider to be caught, 200 kilometers into the race, as things began heating up ahead of the cobbled La Tisa climb (300 meters, 10%)
It was there that a seated acceleration of Davide Ballerini forced an important selection, only a handful of riders being capable of following him. One of these was teammate Andrea Bagioli, who immediately assumed pace-setting duties and did a stellar job for Ballerini as he took their buffer to over half a minute. On Rosina, the day’s final climb, our neo-pro was again present, pushing a big tempo as he controlled matters, before closing several attacks in the last kilometers and leading the way under the flamme rouge.
First to open the sprint was Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-McLaren) and it was from his wheel that Davide Ballerini jumped with 200 meters remaining. Victorious at the Tour de Pologne two weeks ago, he looked on the verge of being crowned Italian Champion, only for Giacomo Nizzolo (NTT Data) to pass him on the line for less than half a wheel.
“The team did a great race today! Masnada was incredible in the break, then Bagioli was 100% committed and pulled so hard for me. That’s why I am disappointed, because I wanted to win for them. On the other hand, congrats to Giacomo! We are friends and the fastest guy won today”, said Davide Ballerini. “I take a lot of confidence from this race for next Wednesday’s European Championships, but as I said, I am sad because it was a big goal, I had a good shape and really wanted to take the title for all our injured teammates: Fabio, Remco, Mattia and Yves.”
Luxembourg
A six-time winner of the road race, Bob Jungels was again in the mix at the Luxembourg Nationals, which this year were held in Mamer, on a 142.8km course. The undulating route didn’t quite play into Bob’s favour, but despite that, he attacked several timed to make the difference. Only one rider was able to follow him, Kevin Geniets (Groupama-FDJ), and eventually prevailed in a two-up sprint after more than three hours of racing.
“It was a really tough race and all eyes were on me today. I tried everything to drop Kevin, but he was just stronger, so that’s that. I would have loved to win another title and have this jersey for one more year, but at least my form is good, which is encouraging at this time of the season after such a long break”, Bob Jungels said.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
