Lozano climbs strongly as Sibiu Tour Queen Stage soars over 2,000 meters

Head Sports Director Massimo Podenzana:

“That was a very hard stage for us, it started quite fast and even as it slowed a little when the breakaway went, it wasn’t for long. The climb up to Balea Lac was tough, 23 kilometers and over 2,000 meters, it was cold, and we just tried to do our best for David and make sure that the guys who had done their jobs finished at their own pace.”

“David rode very well, top 35 and we survived and that’s the important thing, tomorrow is the final stage also the longest and the flattest. Chances are it will conclude in a sprint in central Sibiu and we want to have the chance to go with Andrea and try for a top ten.”

David Lozano:

“To be honest I was quite tired from yesterday’s effort, but the team did a really great job again today and Andrea & Umberto were working hard for me going onto the bottom of the big climb to keep me a good position and the three of us were in the front 30 or 40 riders at that point.”

“I really started to feel the climb after around ten kilometers, it was really draining on the legs, but I kept to my own pace and I feel proud of finishing in the top 35 on one of the longest climbs in Europe.”

“To go well on 25 kilometer climbs like Balea Lac you need to train at altitude and repeatedly do those long climbs until your body is used to it, so considering I haven’t been up at altitude, I am happy with today’s ride.”