19 Feb 2023

Fetter and Sevilla make EOLO KOMETA smile

Vuelta a Andalucia (2.Pro)

Stage 5: Otura - Alhaurìn de la Torre (184.3 km)

It was a day in the middle, between satisfaction for still being protagonists in the last stage of the Vuelta a Andalucia and regret for the withdrawals of Bais and Fortunato, who for different reasons had to abandon the race.

And if the withdrawal of Bais, after the two crashes in yesterday’s stage, was in the air it was unexpected the forfeit of Fortunato who had been brilliant yesterday on a very hard and demanding finish. Unfortunately, Fortu started feeling sick since the morning, with stomach problems that forced him to retire after about 80 km.

However, our day has to be filed as a positive one thanks to the excellent work of Erik Fetter, who was very good at getting into the day’s breakaway that started after a few kilometers and was able to hold on until the last climb. When the group rejoined the escapees, Erik still managed to stay with the best along with teammates Tercero and Sevilla, and it was Sevilla who sprinted to the final finish line, capturing an excellent 12th place.

For the record: it was Omar Fraile who won the stage, while the dominant Pogacar took the general classification.

Jesus Hernandez: “Today unfortunately we had the health problems of Fortunato and Bais who was still struggling with the aftermath of yesterday’s accidents, and both had to retire. The goal of the day was to get into the breakaway and we managed to do that with Fetter, and the good thing is that in the final three of our riders were with the top group. Sevilla made the sprint, and given the names of those ahead of him you have to be happy. In this week we gave a very good image of the team and we are in line with our expectations. Now we go to Galicia, and the goal is to grow further.”

Diego Sevilla: “Today was another tough day, although the breakaway went away right away and we were able to go easier behind. On the last climb Ineos set a very strong pace and I unfortunately lost a few meters but then managed to come back and sprint. Too bad I couldn’t get into the top 10, but I’m happy because I feel better every day.”