Archie Ryan run across road in sprint to win U23 Lombardia | Video

Archie Ryan puts his left arm up in protest after a robust sprint ended in him just falling short of passing William Junior Lecerf on the line

Archie Ryan (Jumbo Visma Development) put in a great ride today for 2nd place at U23 Il Lombardia, though his shot at winning the race was undermined by some robust - even questionable - sprinting by the rider he was in the winning two-man move with.

William Junior Lecerf (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) was the only rider able to live with Irish climber Ryan when he pulled the trigger in the final. He attack on the penultimate climb, just after the front group of about 12 riders had split in two.

And while Ryan pulled out a gap, 20-year-old Belgian Lecerf managed to drop the others in the chasing group and ride across to his Irish rival. The duo then rode the last climb together before sweeping into the finish in Oggiono.

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Lecerf led out the sprint and went very early, with Ryan attempting to pass on his inside just before the barriers. However, though Ryan made very good progress and looked like he may pip the Belgian on the line, Lecerf move to his left, by a number of increments.

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And by the time they reached the finish line, Ryan put up his left arm in protest at the manner of Lecerf's finishing effort. However, the result stood; Lecerf the winner from Ryan.

"On the penultimate climb, the Muro dell'Alpino, I caught up with Ryan," Lecerf explained of getting across to the Irishma. "We worked well together to stay out of the grasp of the pursuers. I didn't think I had a chance in the sprint as I know the Irishman well. Because I started the sprint a little too early, Ryan came up. The difference was small, but just enough to record my best victory."

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