Boris Vallee wins the prologue opener of Carpathian Race
Boris Vallee (Color Code Biowanze) won the opening 2 kilometre prologue at the Carpathian Couriers Race. 19-year-old edged the long-time leader Timo Roosen (WV De Jonge Renner) out with the winning time of 2:33. Roosen was only a second slower and Polish rider Andrzej Bartkiewicz (Wibatech Brzeg) took the third place, losing just two more seconds.
„With 2 km long course it was kind of a long sprint. I think it was quite simmilar to the prologue in Denmark where I won two months ago. I’m really satisfied with the win, it’s a great day for Color Code Biowanze” – Valle said after the prologue.
It was a very warm and long day. 152 riders struggled against 2km route situated on the banks of a mountain stream – not particularly demanding technically but with two long switchbacks and two bridges to cross on the way to the finish line. The temperature was high and so a good warm-up before the start turned out to be a key point in achiving a good result.
Tomorrow the path of Carpathian Couriers Race leads through a tough 154 km circuit around Dohnany, with three climbs – Lednica, Lačnov (3,5 km at 5%), Kohutka (4 km at 12%) and 23 km descent to the finish line. Riders have to stay concentrated and watch their positions – the longest stage of the race is going to be full of attacks and fighting. The brand-new leader stays optimistic, however:
„I’m feeling good, tommorow is a difficult day but I’d like to be up at the front on the last climb of the day. I have a sprint, I know how to finish from the group, so I’d like to stay in the lead and win the general classification.”