How a team effort gives Trek-Segafredo options for final day

Bauke Mollema and Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier shared the work in a tough finish climb to finish 4^th and 6^th  and place the Team in a good position for the final stage Sunday.

Trek-Segafredo came into the three-day race donning race number 1 after taking the 2021 win (Gianluca Brambilla) and Bauke Mollema (3^rd in 2021) was motivated for more. However, an on-form Nairo Quintana stamped his name as the rider to beat in 2022 with a searing acceleration at the bottom of Col d’Eze that put everyone in the hurt locker.

Tim Wellens eventually caught back Quintana with two flat kilometers remaining and out-kicked the Colombian climber for the win.

Behind, Mollema and Ghebreigzabhier worked together in a group of four, arriving nearly a half minute behind. In the sprint, Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) jumped early taking the final podium placing.

“I hoped for a little bit more, it was a pity to not take the 3^rd place in the end. I think Wellens and Quintana were too strong, and then Madouas came from behind in the sprint and surprised me a bit, and it was a pity to lose one second to him because otherwise I would have been 3^rd in GC also,” explained Bauke.

“It was a hard day. Amanuel was super strong and we worked really well together. We tried to come back on the last climb, but we didn’t manage to sprint for the victory. It’s a special climb – some steep parts, then more flat, and then the last 6-7 kms were false flat up, false flat down – and coming after a hard day with a lot of climbing already.

“I think the legs were okay and I am missing just a little bit to fight for the victory. But I am improving and getting a little bit better and tomorrow’s another hard stage – even harder I think than today. It will be again full gas racing I expect, and Amanuel and me are in good position in the GC, so who knows [what will happen]. Last year Brambi won the final stage and GC so there’s still lots that can happen tomorrow.”