Strong run continues with podium for Gibbons in Mallorca

Ryan Gibbons came within inches of taking the second victory in as many days for UAE Team Emirates, just being edged out in a tight sprint in the Trofeo Alcudia (173.2km) won by Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty).

After a first season victory yesterday taken in a sensational solo fashion through Brandon McNulty, the spirits were high in the squad as the possibility of a sprint finish loomed in today’s undulating parcours.

Gibbons, who won the Trofeo Calvia in 2021, bounced back from a puncture yesterday to show good sprinting form to take runner-up with Ackermann closely behind in 8th spot.

Gibbons : “The original plan today was to ride for Ackermann but in the end the final corner with 700m to go was quite a bit sharper and narrower than we had anticipated and things changed. As we approached that final corner we got caught a bit out of position and he was boxed in and I had an open road so I tried to salvage something. I came a bit too fast, too late but happy to get second place. Yesterday the team was phenomenal with 1st and 2nd and we’re very confident for the next three races here in Mallorca.”

 
Tomorrow the racing at the Mallorca Challenge continues with the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana (158.9km).

 
Results

1. Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) 3:50:48
2. Ryan Gibbons (UAE Team Emirates) s.t
3. Giacomo Nizzolo (Israel Start Up Nation) s.t