Two days after winning the time trial, Bob Jungels (Etixx-QuickStep) made it two consecutive doubles at the Luxembourg championships by taking his third road race title in four years. The in-form talent made a solo attack with 10km to go and held off his chasers to take the win before Alex Kirsch (Stölting) beat Frank Schleck (Trek) in the battle for third.
A few weeks ago, Bob Jungels had the attention of the entire cycling world when he wore the maglia rosa at the Giro d'Italia before going on to finish 6th overall and win the white jersey. Since then, he has recovered from his breakthrough performance while gearing up for a great second part of the season and on Friday he proved that he has maintained his form by riding to a dominant win in the Luxembourg TT Championships.
Today he successfully defended his road race national title, less than two days after doing the same thing in the individual time trial race. Held in the same town of Berbourg, on a 136km course, the race witnessed a crazy pace immediately after the start, as many riders were eager to book a place in the breakaway. Once a group got clear, the peloton started working together – unfazed by the difficult weather conditions – and reeled the escapees back just in time for the decisive phase of the race.
Inside the final 10 kilometers, Jungels accelerated from the pack, in a move reminiscent of the one in stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia (when he attacked and fought hard to keep the pink jersey), and forged a gap which proved to be insurmountable for the chasers. Alex Kirsch and Frank Schleck tried to chase him down but had to settle for second and third respectively.
Jungels is expected to wear his jersey again at the Tour de Pologne.
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