Once again, Cult Energy Pro Cycling played an active part in the Mallorca Challenge race series as both Linus Gerdemann and Fabian Wegmann represented the team in breakaways during the 165 kilometer long mountain stage. No less than 7 peaks were to be crested and the demanding terrain split up the peloton on a number of occasions but eventually, no one was able keep up with Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).

As the Spanish veteran launched a fierce attack from the breakaway group, no one was able to stay on his tail and he soloed his way up and down the final couple of climbs including the uphill finish to take to a stunning solo win. Behind him, Team Sky were putting pressure on the pack that kept getting smaller but they weren’t able to close the gap to Valverde.

Cult Energy Pro Cycling’s Fabian Wegmann hung on to a chase group but was distanced on the final climb and finished 19th. Teammate, Linus Gerdemann swept up enough points in the intermediate sprint competition to win but unfortunately, he finished just outside the time limit and thereby missed the podium.

Cult Energy Pro Cycling DS Michael Skelde reports:

“As soon as the race was on, the pace went sky high and I witnessed the first riders were dropped from the peloton during the first two kilometers of the race. However, our boys were hanging on to the field and both Fabian and Linus did an excellent job on the front. Of course, our more unexperienced riders have to get used to the pace in the pro peloton. Again, I’m happy to see we’re communicating well and the tactical build-up for the season is developing the way I want it to. Tomorrow’s race is a completely different terrain and we’re lining up a new team of riders. We want to organize the team around Downing and Carbel for the expected bunch sprint."