Ferrari sprints to fifth in Catalunya

Roberto Ferrari sprinted to fifth in the 152.3-kilometre Volta a Catalunya stage one today in Calella. Colombian Alvaro Hodeg (Quick-Step Floors) won the sprint ahead of two riders from Bora-Hansgrohe, Sam Bennett and Jay McCarthy.

“The speed was high in the sprint lead-up and it was hard to make up many positions,” Ferrari said.

“Thanks to my team-mates, who tried to take me to the best spot possible. I should have at least repaid them with a top three. We’ll try to do better in the next days.”

Tomorrow, the second stage from Matarò to Valls, covers 175.6 kilometres. It should be a nervous stage with the final climb coming just 10 kilometres before the finish, likely to produce some surprises.

Results stage 1

1 Alvaro Hodeg (Col) Quick-Step Floors 3:39:31

2 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe

3 Jay McCarthy (Aus) Bora-Hansgrohe

5 Roberto Ferrari (Ita) UAE Team Emirates

General Classification after stage 1

1 Alvaro Hodeg (Col) Quick-Step Floors 3:39:21

2 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:00:04

3 Andrey Grivko (Ukr) Astana Pro Team 0:00:05

6 Roberto Ferrari (Ita) UAE Team Emirates 0:00:10