A few days after winning a stage, Domenico Pozzovivo ended the Volta a Catalunya in third overall. Despite being passed by Alejandro Valverde on the final day, the Italian is pleased with the outcome.

"We knew that it would be an important day," he said.T"he differences were not very large. I am not surprised by Valverde's victory. This is the kind of terrain that suits him well. Third in the Tour of Catalonia is a great satisfaction. For three days, the team was around me and protected me from the wind. I am very pleased with this outcome.

"I wanted to be good in this race. I knew that the form would improve after Tirreno-Adriatico. However, I did not expect to find myself on the podium and to win my first stage in a UCI WorldTour race.

"The Giro is still my priority. Still, I think I can do well in a race like Liege Bastogne Liege. It is close to my heart."

"We knew this last stage could be good for Valverde," Ag2r sports director Didier Jannel said. "His victory allowed him to push Domenico Pozzovivo into 3rd place but honestly the goal is achieved. Before the start, I think we would have signed for such a place. This podium in the UCI WorldTour will give him a little more confidence and allow him to continue his preparation for the Giro with confidence."