Rui Costa wins Mallorca Challenge kick-off 2023
Bora-Hansgrohe team-mate Emanuel Buchmann reached the finish in Palmanova in 41st place after 150 kilometres in the first peloton. Former world champion Rui Costa (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) from Portugal took the win in the sprint of a three-man group ahead of Belgian Louis Vervaeke (Soudal-Quick Step) and Irishman Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost).
Eighth place for Ben Zwiehoff
The best German at the race in the south-west of Mallorca was Ben Zwiehoff in eighth place. The 28-year-old Bora-Hansgrohe rider said at the finish: "It was brutally cold and that doesn't necessarily make the first race any easier. Nils and Toni positioned us well in front of Soller and then things really took off at the top of the crest. I was in a group after the descent and thought I'd better ride my rhythm from the front. When a few more riders were able to catch up, it was clear that this group was in contention for the win. I was able to counter the attacks on the last climb, but of course it was very complicated when I was outnumbered. I have little chance in a sprint from such a group, but I'm happy with how the day went. My form is also good, which is a good feeling."
Mallorca Challenge 2023
Over the next four days, there will be four more races that are part of the so-called Mallorca Challenge. Many European professionals use this series of five one-day category 1.1 races as a season opener. As there is no overall classification, riders who have dropped out can also start again the following day. The Mallorca Challenge 2023 consists of these five races:
- Trofeo Calvia
- Trofeo Ses Salines-Alcudia
- Trofeo Andratx - Mirador D'Es Colomer (Pollenca)
- Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana
- Trofeo Palma
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