Soler cements top-10 at Itzulia Basque Country

Marc Soler took a fine 3rd place on stage 6 of the Itzulia Basque Country.

The final leg from Éibar to Arrate (135km) was won by Jon Izagirre (Cofidis) while Dani Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) sealed the overall race win.

Davide Formolo was the main animator of the day , forming part of the first elite breakaway before later attacking the favourites group, only being brought back with under -4km to go on the steep slopes of Arrate.

Soler stuck in with the reduced favourites group, kicking hard in the final 800m but was passed on the technical descent to the line and finished on the bottom step of the podium.

Soler : “Overall we’re really happy with today. Formolo got in the move and later attacked and came close to winning the stage which was pretty impressive.
Personally I found myself getting stronger as the race went on. There was a really high level here this week so to be up with the main guys was a big boost.
Now I’ll head to Flèche and Liege to support Pogačar before taking a break and building up to the Tour de France, all things going well.”

Stage 6 results:

1.Jon Izagirre (Cofidis) 3:47:07
2.Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) s.t
3. Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates) s.t
9. David Formolo (UAE Team Emirates) +1’29”

Final general classification:

1.Dani Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) 21:59:36
2.Jon Izagirre (Cofidis) +11″
3.Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) +16″
7. Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates) +1’26”