André Vendrame
«A result that will give us confidence.»
«The Vuelta a España is off to a good start for the AG2R CITROËN team. Obviously, there is a bit of frustration with this third place because victory was not far off, but it is a result that will give us confidence for the rest of the race. There was a lot of nervousness in the peloton throughout the day. It was even worse in the final. But I was able to count on the excellent work of my teammates. Mikael (Cherel), Dorian (Godon) and Damien (Touzé) put me in a perfect position before the climb to Castell de Montjuic. Dorian managed to close the gaps and behind me, all I had to do was push hard. I'm in very good shape at the start. I want to perform well. We have some great things to achieve in this Vuelta.»
The information
Stan Dewulf finishes 12th in the final stage of the Renewi Tour
Stan Dewulf finished 12th in the fifth and final stage of the Renewi Tour on Sunday in Bilzen. The Belgian rider from the AG2R CITROËN team finished 16th in the final overall classification.
3
The figure
Third in the second stage of the Vuelta a España in Barcelona, Andrea Vendrame secured his third podium finish of the season. The Italian rider from the AG2R CITROËN team finished second in the Trofeo Laigueglia behind Nans Peters in March. He also took third place in the Muscat Classic in February.
Andrea Vendrame is also third in the points classification of the Vuelta a España. «It's a good start,» says Julien Jurdie, sporting director of the AG2R CITROËN team. "During this Vuelta a España, our ambition is to be opportunistic on the stages to clinch a victory. Starting with a podium finish gives Andrea and the whole team confidence. It was important for the team to be there right from the start. Mission accomplished."
