Cycling: Aleksandr Vlasov seems to have trained properly during the corona pandemic. The Russian won the Mont Ventoux Challenge today in front of some well-known professionals.
A total of around 4.000 meters in altitude
The mountain is calling - loudly. Today, fans at the Mont Ventoux Challenge were able to examine the climbing form of their stars. The 179,0 kilometer one-day race from Vaison-la-Romaine up to Mont Ventoux offered a perfect opportunity for this. After the Col de Fontaube and La Nesque, the dreaded Mont Ventoux up to the Chalet Reynard at 1.417 meters had to be visited for the first time after 102,5 kilometers. But that was not all. Because at the very end, the pros had to climb Mont Ventoux again. The finish line was placed at an altitude of 1.891 meters. A total of around 4.000 vertical meters stood in the way of the pros.
Latour & Martin go on the offensive early
In one-day races it is extremely rare to win as a breakaway. Even today the fugitives had no chance. The Kazakh team Astana was largely responsible for this. With concentrated team strength, the men in cyan closed the gap in time and reduced the peloton before the last ascent to Mont Ventoux. But it wasn't driven for Miguel Angel Lopez, but for his teammate Aleksandr Vlasov. The Russian was very strong on the Route d'Occitanie a few days ago and should do well today. But first pushed himself Pierre Latour (AG2R La Mondiale) in the foreground. With a lead of just a few seconds, the Frenchman fought his way towards the finish line with a restless upper body. In the group of favorites, which was only around 15 strong, Team Cofidis took command. After an attack by William Martin (Cofidis) the French climbing duo teamed up.
Vlasov impresses with a relaxed, easy step
The composition of the duo couldn't be more different - at least visually. While Pierre Latour suffering and struggled upwards with a restless upper body, cranked William Martin seemingly effortless and utterly quiet its turns. But the sight did not deceive. 7,3 kilometers from the finish, Latour's engine burst and Martin was on the road as a soloist from then on. The expected attack from the group of favorites followed Aleksandr Vlasov. Apparently, the Russian was not only able to close the gap effortlessly, but even left the Frenchman behind. Eventually it did the same Richie porte (Trek – Segafredo). However, it wasn't enough for the Australian to win. The Russian champion pulled through his attack successfully!
Only the second edition of the Mont Ventoux Challenge
The Mont Ventoux Challenge was held for the first time last year. The Spaniard won Jesus Herrada (Cofidis). In contrast to back then, the squad this year - of course also because of Corona - can be described as significantly more well-known. Instead of 12 teams in total and only 3 from the WorldTour, this time there were 18 teams and 6 of them from the highest class in cycling at the start. Unfortunately, the Frenchman could not be there Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale). Last year's runner-up had to sit out due to an elbow injury. But he would like to be back on board at the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Brilliant victoria de Alexandre Vlasov en la cima del Mont Ventoux. Fue valiente atacando a 4km de coronar y nadie pudo seguirle el ritmo.
Ya con 24 años, demostrando que es un ciclista con mucha progression. pic.twitter.com/cTI5zW54o4
— Diego Vos ~ Ciclismo (@diegovos_) August 6, 2020