Pero Bilbao, knowing he was locked in a battle for the overall win with Romain Bardet (Team DSM) at the Tour of the Alps, looked nervous and confident ahead of Friday's final stage, a decisive battle around Lienz, Austria.
Bilbao won the second stage of the Tour of the Alps, and his Bahrain-Victorias team has dominated the race with its depth. But they were stretched to the limit on the 142.4km fourth stage, especially on the final 12.4km climb to Carus am Grossglockner.
Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana-Cazacstan) attacked from the peloton, overtaking the rest of the breakaway and cruelly passing Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ).
Bardet was now within 2 seconds of Bilbao, with time bonuses of 10, 6, and 4 seconds at the finish lienz. Further complicating matters, there are nine riders within 20 seconds of each other in the overall standings. Attila Valter (Groupama-FDJ) is third with 12 seconds and Pavel Sivakov (Ineos Grenadiers) is fifth with 16 seconds.
The final stage of the Tour of the Alps is 114.5 km long but features four climbs, with Stronach (3.1 km, average gradient 12.4%) finishing just 9.5 km from the finish.
"I think it's all about the stage win and ultimately the overall win. I know I have to give it my all," Bilbao said. But I'm ready for the final day and I hope to beat Valde at the finish."
Bahrain Victorious was forced to work for most of the fourth stage, but Bilbao intends to upset Valde and Team DSM on Friday.
"If we are intelligent it is easy to understand the race. Valde needs to beat me, so it's probably the only stage where we don't have to work," Bilbao said.
Bilbao beat Valde to win the second stage to Lana after a brilliant leadout by his teammate. Mikel Landa and Santiago Buitrago were at the finish of the winding Carus am Grossglockner.
"There was no lead-out train, so everyone was on the limit," Bilbao admitted.
"It was a tough day. This race is planned that way. Every stage is a great battle and gives you a chance for GC. That's why I like it.""I had to deal with attacks, especially from Sibakov who tried to escape. In the end, I couldn't beat Bardet in the sprint. Today Bardet was simply stronger and better. Now let's see what will happen on Friday."
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