Ireland's Eddie Dunbar said he'd be back making an impact on big races soon. And he has underlined that sentiment in Italy with another strong ride, this time in an uphill TT (Photo: Siroti-AquaBlueSport)
Eddie Dunbar posts strong Coppi e Bartali TT ride
Having said in recent weeks he believed he’d be back on form and making an impact on races again soon, Eddie Dunbar is coming good on that prediction.
The 21-year-old Irishman climbed well on Friday’s stage of Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali in Italy.
While he would lose time when the racing split on the flat on Saturday, he looked good again yesterday.
The race concluded with a 12.5km TTT from Fiorano Modenese to Montegibbio.
It was mainly uphill, including the Marzola 1.8km climb with a 9.6 per cent gradient, and Dunbar rode very well.
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His 25th on the day by no means ranks as one of the best results of his career. But it represents more progress as be builds condition after missing the second half of last season.
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The test was won by 28-year-old Slovenian Jan Tratnik (CCC Sprandi Polkowice). He rode out of his socks, putting 27 seconds into race leader Diego Rosa (Team Sky).
And as Tratnik was well down the general standings, Rosa consolidated his overall lead.
He added 14 seconds to the advantage he enjoyed over his nearest rival, and stage 2 victor, Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo).
In the end Rosa claimed the outright victory by 20 seconds from Mollema. Rounding out the podium was Richard Carapaz (Movistar).
Dunbar had finished in 19th place on stage 2; making the large front group and then coping well on the final incline to the finish.
The young Irishman placed 21st overall at 3:44. But for losing 1:06 on the penultimate stage when the sheer speed split the race to pieces, Dunbar would have been just outside the top 10.
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