Great victory for Sergio Higuita in stage 5 of the Tour of the Basque Country. The Colombian cyclist attacked 500 meters from the finish line and left Andrea Bagioli and Mattias Jensen on the road. The Colombian got his first win in the race and climbed to eighth position in the general classification, 38 seconds behind the leader, Jonas Vingegaard.
After crossing the finish line with arms raised, Higuita spoke to the media about what his victory was. The Colombian highlighted the importance of having attacked with space to give the team the second victory in this race, after Ide Schelling was crowned on the second day.
“I had to do a long sprint because it was a fast finish. If you waited too close to the finish, it was very difficult to come back. I decided to launch myself from afar. In the end I was strong enough to stay ahead and get the second win for the team”, assured Higuita.
Likewise, it was not an easy day for the cyclists and the Colombian confirmed it: “It has been a very hard stage. We were going to the block. I felt like I was going to burst on every wall, but I was calm until the end. In the last few metres, I found a beautiful opportunity to debut the list of winners, especially in a race that I like as much as this one”.
He also recalled the good memories he has had in this race. “I have very good memories when I was at the foundation running these races. Today, raising my arms is too beautiful for me. After a difficult few months with illnesses and health problems. To come back and be here with the best, it’s a nice motivation for me.Yo”.
“I removed the thorn (from stage 3). We had to focus on what was coming because there were more opportunities and thanks to all the team that has been with me, who have worked for me. I am happy to give you this joy”, he added.
For the last day of the Tour of the Basque Country, Sergio Higuita hopes to have a good presentation, especially after a difficult day like this Friday. “It will be a tough battle. Today was very hard too, the fatigue is felt. It is an agonizing race that is difficult, but good. Here we are”.
