Bahrain Merida is is gearing up for a stellar performance at the Tour of Valencia which kicks off tomorrow.
70th edition of the event will start with an ITT and finish with a flat race in Valencia on Sunday. The Queen Stage includes four intermediate ascents before a short and sharp final climb to a hermitage on a mountain ridge overlooking the Mediterranean.
The opener is an individual time trial from Orihuela to Seminario Diocesano de San Miguel. The 10.2 kilometres route concludes with a zigzagging climb of 600 metres at 9 per cent. The second stage should be perfect for the sprinters where Sonny Colbrelli will attack with the help of his team-mates. Tour of Valencia’s Queen Stage will be held on the fourth day of action.
After three intermediate climbs, the final haul up leads to the Ermita de Santa Lucía y Sant Benet on a mountain ridge above seaside village Alcossebre with last 3.4 kilometres climb at 9.7 per cent.
At 88 kilometres, the fifth stage is a copy of last year’s last stage where the sprinters will face off. The riders travel from Paterna to a likely fast finishers showdown in Valencia.
Bahrain Merida sports director Vladimir Miholjević said, “Due to Vuelta being the first European race in 2019, we are really excited. It will be a multi-field test for our cyclist. In the first stage’s ITT we are counting on Jan Tratnik, who debuts in the team. Another young debutant is a Belgian Dylan Teuns as GC leader.”
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