Video: Dan Martin stage win bid foiled by Valverde, takes aim at Ardennes
Fifth on today's final stage and ending the race sixth overall, Dan Martin has said the Ardennes are his next big target in a fortnight.
By Brian Canty
Dan Martin has said he can look forward to the Ardennes in two weeks with “even more confidence” after a superb week at Volta A Catalunya.
The Irishman finished sixth overall just over two minutes behind Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).
The Spanish rider claimed his third stage win of the week this afternoon on the final day in Barcelona.
Dan Martin tried to jump away on the closing lap of today’s 138-kilometre contest. He even managed to gap the peloton but with Valverde on his wheel.
They were both reeled back in on the lightning-quick circuit around Montjuic Castle. They were caught right on the line but Valverde managed to hang on to win as Martin got swamped.
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Martin and his QuickStep team were once again to the fore all afternoon.
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Top, Valverde in the leader's jersey on the final stage. Above, Froome went on the attack solo for a spell.
At one point a threatening 21-rider break escaped. They built a sizeable lead of three minutes over the peloton. But they were reeled back in with 20 kilometres to go.
Chris Froome (Team Sky) tried a daring attack when the catch of the initial break was made. He went solo for a spell but like all others he didn’t have the legs to pull it off.
Dan Martin proud of young team
“Despite being a young team, the guys were always up there and this makes me very proud,” Dan Martin said afterwards.
“I knew it was going to be difficult to beat the fast riders today. Nevertheless I wanted to try something.
“I didn't get the win but I'm happy with this move,” added team leader Martin.
“Besides the solid results, what I can also take out of this race is the fact that I've always been there and proved my consistency.
“After testing myself on this circuit very similar to the classics, I now look with even more confidence to the Ardennes.”
His next outing is likely to be the Amstel Gold Race, followed by Fleche Wallone and Liege Bastogne Liege.
A great final in Catalunya
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