In a compelling display of power leading up to his forthcoming debut in the Tour de France, Irish cycling champion Ben Healy clinched a glorious solo win in the final phase of the Tour of Slovenia on Sunday. Throughout the five-day event, Healy’s relentless aggression was evident, culminating in a triumphant finish on the hilly Novo Mesto leg.
With 46km remaining, Healy broke free from a pursing group, overtook the day’s initial leaders, and drove forward with the race’s major competitors during the final phases. Charging from the front, Healy strategically distanced himself with 3km left, demoralising his companions. Though eventually ensnared by a larger group, the 23-year-old cyclist managed to ward off his competitors, finishing a remarkable six seconds ahead.
“I assumed the challenge to gauge my abilities on the general classification and although there was a minor setback yesterday, claiming a stage victory compensates for it,” Healy stated. He further expressed his determination to bounce back after missing out on the GC the previous day. His winning strategy was to exert unexpected pressure during the first climb.
Despite Healy being a marked man as the strongest contender in the concluding stage, his unyielding approach reaped rewards. With opponents vying in a senseless manner, Healy found an opening, which he managed to maintain until the finish line.
Healy improved his standing from ninth to seventh overall, trailing 44 seconds behind the event’s victor, Giovanni Aleotti of Bora-Hansgrohe. Praises should also be extended to his teammate, Archie Ryan, for his sustained support during the week, which yielded him a ninth-place finish on the stage.
Both cyclists look forward to the forthcoming national road championships back in Ireland, where Healy will strive to retain his title. His inaugural participation in the Tour de France awaits him in a week’s time. He shall make an effort to add another feather to his cap and replicate his Giro d’Italia feat from the previous season.
In the Tour de Kurpie, a 2.2-ranked race in Poland, Leo Doyle achieved an impressive victory in one of the stages. He managed to finish alone, maintaining a 15-second lead over the primary group during the final stage on Sunday.