author：qinghaihu publish time：2019-07-24
By: Samuel Turner
Andrea Guardini (Bardani CSF) has taken first place in the tenth stage of the Tour of Qinghai Lake. Behind the Italian was Bas Van der Kooij (Monkey Town) in second and Imerio Cima (Nippo Fantini) in third. Both Robinson Chalapud (Medellin) and Eduard Grosu (Delko Marseille Provence) hold onto their jerseys, yellow and green respectively.
Today’s route was straightforward and a relatively simple 116km race at a more forgiving altitude of 1540m. The stage began in Jinchang after a well deserved rest day and finished in the historic Silk Road town of Wuwei. With no wind and easy riding conditions, it was always going to be a stage where the group maintained a strong, consistent pace. The intense sun incentivised most of the group to stay together. Yellow jersey holder Chalapud controlled the tempo in the main peloton.
Early in the race Mario Vogt (Team Sapura Cycling) and Angel Sanchez (FC Porto) formed a two man breakaway group. With twenty kilometres to go, their breakaway was nullified and the group maintained formation until the final stretch. Guardini took advantage of his trademark explosive style to take first place in the stage.
“I’m feeling really happy because I’ve suffered a bit during this long period without a win,” he told reporters, claiming only his second win in 2019.
It also came at a tough time for Guardini as his teammate and friend Alessandro Tonelli painfully crashed out of the race only five days ago.
“This victory is for him,” he said tearfully. “We miss him here in the last stages. He’s a good guy, he’s a strong guy and he will recover for next year.”
The Italian rider admitted in the altitude he was struggling and the tough climbs had taken their toll on him. The short, sharp stage suited Guardini’s skills and he knew with yesterday’s rest day he had a decent chance at taking the win.
“In the altitude I’m not so good. In the first sprints, I can’t be there fighting for a win,” he claimed.
“But, I know that after the rest day there was a possibility to make a good sprint.”
With only a few stages left in the Tour of Qinghai Lake, Guardini knew that this win would help to boost the confidence of himself and Bardiani CSF, as they hope to finish the race on a positive note.
“It was really important for us to take a victory now and we have another three opportunities to win again.”
