Primoz Roglic won the Tour of Catalonia on Sunday in Barcelona after a week of magnificent mano a mano with Remco Evenepoel, just over a month from a new duel announced at the Giro.
With a ten-second lead in the general classification, the 33-year-old Slovenian resisted several attempts by the Belgian during the six climbs of the hill of Montjuich which punctuated the 7th stage (135 km) disputed in the streets of the Catalan capital. . The two men finished detached and the leader of the Jumbo-Visma team left the stage victory to his Soudal-Quick Step rival without contesting the sprint. “We expected his attacks. The seven days were difficult, but I had the legs. I am happy to add my name to the list of winners of this historic race“, said the Slovenian, winner for the first time of the Volta, one of the oldest stage races (102nd edition).
In great shape, Roglic, already winner the previous week of Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy, had taken the lead in the general entry classification by winning the first stage. The two cadors no longer let go on the steep roads of the Catalan hinterland, the young 23-year-old Belgian winning the third stage ahead of Roglic and the Slovenian the fourth, the most difficult, ahead of Evenepoel, still in a handkerchief of poached. “I knew it would be difficult but we had to try. It was a good battle. I am very happy with my week“said the Flemish, who honored his world champion jersey.
The winners of the last four Vueltas (Evenepoel in 2022 past, Roglic the three previous ones) will meet from May 6 to 28 on the roads of the Giro to try to add another grand tour to their prize list.