The Trofeo Calvià, the first event of the Challenge Mallorca, was won by Simon Carr. The Briton from EF Education-EasyPost defeated Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-hansgrohe) after a day of escape and decision in a sprint with two cyclists. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) crossed the line alone, in third place.
Explosive start
The 150-kilometer race was expected to explode from the start, and that’s exactly what happened. Simon Carr and Pablo Castrillo were part of the breakaway of the day, after 25km from the start, although several cyclists joined the front of the race and were unable to stay in the breakaway, at different points in the first half of the race.
In the middle of the race the peloton completely divided. UAE Team Emirates led the attack with Marc Soler and Brandon McNulty. With just over 30 kilometers, McNulty and Vlasov joined Simon Carr and formed the leading trio.
Alberto Bettiol and Alex Aranburu led a chase, but didn’t have the legs to close the gap.
The trio at the front worked together, but in the final kilometers Aleksandr Vlasov launched a strong attack that left McNulty. Simon Carr managed to overcome a gap and beat the Russian in the sprint. Vlasov and McNulty completed the podium.
Portuguese Rui Costa beats the pack
The Portuguese Rui Costa, in his debut at EF Education EasyPost, was in the peloton and could not seek victory, as his colleague was on the run for the day (and ended up winning the race). However, Costa fulfilled his mission by beating the field at the finish and finishing in 6th position.
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Trofeo Calvia 2024 results:
