Sheffield wins Mountains Jersey at Vuelta a Murcia

Neo-pro takes Cima Marco Pantani and KOM prizes after daylong breakaway

Magnus Sheffield rode an impressive Vuelta a Murcia in southern Spain on Sunday, infiltrating the early breakaway and staying away until the final 30km of the race. His efforts were rewarded with the mountains jersey, plus a special prize, the ‘Cima Marco Pantani’ for being the first rider over the highest point of the course.

“It was my first time getting in a breakaway as a pro and making two trips to the podium was a nice reward,” said Sheffield. “I didn’t think we were going to make it over the Cat 1 climb but I felt good at the top and was able to attack and get a gap. I may have been caught on the final climb but I feel like I gained a lot of valuable experience today.”
 

The breakaway begins to form


It was a tough day in the saddle, with epic rain from start to finish – a true race for the hardmen. Sheffield eventually distanced the remains of the break in the company of Antonio Soto and the pair forged on before Sheffield was finally distanced on the day’s last climb.
 

SHEFFIELD EYES KOM BEFORE DISTANCING HIS RIVALS


“The weather definitely added an element of difficulty to the race,” Sheffield explained. “I took a lot of risks on the descent but luckily I was able to stay upright.”
 


As Sheffield was swallowed up by the pack, an elite group of climbers forged clear. Keegan Swirbul was among them and finished an impressive 15th place on the day. The result bodes well for the man from Colorado as he sets his sights on the US Pro Road Race in Knoxville, TN on June 20.

Vuelta a Murcia results
1 SOTO Antonio Jesús Euskaltel – Euskadi 4:42:19
2 MADRAZO Ángel Burgos-BH 0:31
3 SERRANO Gonzalo Movistar Team ”
4 ROJAS José Joaquín Movistar Team ”
5 GIBBONS Ryan UAE-Team Emirates ”
6 EZQUERRA Jesús Burgos-BH ”
7 CANAL Carlos Burgos-BH ”
8 MARTÍN Gotzon Euskaltel – Euskadi ”
9 GREGAARD Jonas Astana – Premier Tech ”
10 CUADRADO Unai Euskaltel – Euskadi ”
11 AMEZQUETA Julen Caja Rural – Seguros RGA ”
12 LASTRA Jonathan Caja Rural – Seguros RGA ”
13 BERLIN Antoine Global 6 Cycling ”
14 CUADROS Álvaro Caja Rural – Seguros RGA ”
15 SWIRBUL Keegan Rally Cycling “


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