Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) sprinted to a third successive victory as he stretched his overall lead at Tirreno-Adriatico 2023 after a Stage 6 triumph in Osimo.
The 33-year-old was hugely impressive as he powered to the win in a three-way sprint against Britain’s Tao Geoghegan Hart (Ineos Grenadiers) and Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) in a thrilling finish to the day’s racing.
Roglic now holds a commanding 18-second lead over second-placed Almeida in the overall standings ahead of the final day, with Stage 7 bringing the race to a close in San Benedetto del Tronto on Sunday.
The Slovenian always seemed to have the final kick in total control as he patiently toyed with Geoghegan Hart and Almeida before hitting full speed to take the win in style with one day to go in the race.
The steep, cobbled climb was always going to be exciting to watch and Roglic found the pace he needed to pull away when it really mattered to ensure his hat-trick of stage wins.
“It was a bit tricky with a lot of guys all around [within a few seconds on GC], attacking,” Roglic said after the victory.
He added: “I managed to take it at the end so I’m super happy about it. We know from experience that it’s not finished until it’s really finished tomorrow.”
Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Jumbo – Visma – Blue Leader Jersey (C) celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of (L-R) Tao Geoghegan Hart of The United Kingdom and Team INEOS Grenadiers and Joao Almeida of Portugal and UAE Team Emirates
Image credit: Getty Images
Geoghegan Hart paid tribute to Roglic after coming up just short in the final sprint.
“He is one of the most impressive riders of his generation,” he said of the winner. “I was quite confident but we know the kick that he has.”
What makes his performance all the more impressive is the fact that it is his first race of the season after he underwent shoulder surgery last year.
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