Squeezing out every bit of advantage delivered by his CADEX Max 40 WheelSystem, Eddie Dunbar launched a hard solo attack from a group of 14 riders with just 650 meters remaining in the hilly stage with four categorized climbs, two seconds ahead of the chasing group.
It was Dunbar's first victory at the WorldTour level, and his fourth career win as a professional. Upon crossing the line, Dunbar was immediately congratulated by teammate Filippo Zana, who was also in the front group.
In his post-race interview, Dunbar recounted the challenges he’d faced over the past 12 months due to crashes, including his unceremonious departure from the Giro d’Italia in May on Stage 2 when deep cuts on his right leg exposed the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) just below his knee.
“Since the Vuelta last year I think I’ve had seven or eight crashes,” Dunbar said. “Of course physically that takes its toll, but mentally it’s taken its toll as well. I’ve had numerous times in my head where I’ve thought that I might not have a future in the sport because of the crashes, and the injuries I’ve had, and this year, after the Giro, when I injured my LCL, I thought that could be the nail in the coffin in terms of my cycling career.
“But I have incredible support around me, my girlfriend Niamh has supported me since then — well, forever, she’s always there for me. I have an incredible group of family and friends in the team, they’ve backed me so much as well. It’s been a long time coming, but to repay all of them today, it means a lot.”
The 166km stage, which started and finished in Padrón, traversed four categorized climbs across the hilly Galicia region of northwestern Spain. A group of 38 riders went clear of the peloton on the second climb, Puerto Aguasantas, after more than 60km of fast and furious racing. And while there were attacks and counterattacks in the kilometers that followed, the battle for the stage win would ultimately unfold on the final climb, the 2.9km long Puerto Cruxeiras, which averages 8.9% in gradient and topped out with 7.9km to the finish line.
Zana crested the summit with two other riders, while Dunbar chased in a splintering group behind. Following the descent, and with just 1.4km remaining, the catch was made, allowing 14 riders to each dream of a stage-winning scenario.
Dunbar launched a long-range attack, 650 meters from the line. He quickly opened up a gap, and within seconds it was clear the rest of the group were racing for second place. The Irishman had time to soak in the moment and celebrate his win, crossing the line with his hands on his head in disbelief, taking his first Grand Tour stage win in seven Grand Tour appearances.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in a scenario like this, if I’m honest, and I just kind of used my experience,” Dunbar said. “I was suffering a bit on that steep climb, and I realized everyone else was as well. I had Pippo [Zana] up the road, so that let me take a back seat, so I just played my cards and gambled, and backed my finish. I know on a finish like this, after a hard race, I can sprint, but I knew I had to go long. So going with 600 to go is probably a bit long for a sprint, but that’s what I had to do to win. I can’t believe it.”