Camprubí Lights Up the Spanish Roads with Bold Attack
Stage 9 race report: Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team showed ambition on the 187.4 km mountain stage from La Vila Joiosa to Alto de Aitana, with Marcel Camprubí attacking on the final day before the first rest day.
Sunday’s stage served up one of the most demanding tests of this year’s race, with 187.4 kilometres of relentless climbing from the colourful seaside town La Vila Joiosa to the barren summit finish on Alto de Aitana.
A large breakaway formed without presence from Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, but the riders refused to let the race disappear up the road. Walter Calzoni, Milan Vader and Marcel Camprubí made it into a strong chase group, helping to reduce the gap and eventually bridging across to the front on a day shaped by aggression and climbing strength.
In the 24-rider breakaway, Camprubí then seized his moment. At 51 km to go, the Spanish champion attacked, eventually ending at the front with Pavel Sivakov of UAE Team Emirates – XRG, and Alessandro Romele of XDS Astana Team, putting himself at the very front of the race as the final climbs approached. For a long stretch, Camprubí’s move looked promising. He rode with composure and commitment, giving the team a visible presence deep into the mountain stage. Behind, however, the general classification contenders began to lift the pace before the steep climb of Alto de Aitana.
"It was a hard day with a lot of moves. One group went, and we jumped across on the descent. In the end, it was about saving the legs and recover as much as possible, getting ready for the last climb. I wanted to anticipate because I saw that there were a lot of good climbers in our group, so I anticipated. It was a very hard day out, but I am happy with my performance today."
Marcel CamprubíCamprubí was caught at 6 km to go, but his attack underlined the team’s intent to race proactively and take opportunities whenever the route allows. Enric Mas of Movistar Team won the stage in the red leader’s jersey, confirming the strength of the GC battle on a decisive summit finish.
The performance capped a determined day for Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, with Calzoni, Vader and Camprubí helping to animate the race before the first rest day.
Equipment list for Marcel Camprubí:
- Pinarello Dogma F
- Q36.5 Dottore Clima Skin Suit
- Q36.5 Aero Socks
- Q36.5 Unique Pro 4.0 Road Shoes
- Q36.5 Dottore Termico Jacket
- Abus Airbreaker 2.0
- Zipp 202 wheels
- Vittoria Corsa Pro 30mm
