Michał Kwiatkowski Secures Seventh Place in the Grueling Clasica Jaen

Michał Kwiatkowski’s impressive performance in the third edition of Clasica Jaen saw him secure a commendable seventh place. The race, known for its challenging long, winding gravel sectors, witnessed a display of strength from Kwiatkowski and his team.

The event saw early action as a strong move, including Ben Turner, broke away behind the main break of the day. Despite a vigorous chase, the escapees were reeled in as the race entered its second phase. A minor setback occurred with a pack tumble involving Michael Leonard, but he quickly recovered. Salvatore Puccio then set a formidable pace over the first gravel sector.

The peloton gained momentum as Van Aert (Visma – Lease-a-Bike) suffered a puncture, prompting a quartet of Grenadiers to take charge at the front of the bunch. Carlos Rodriguez further elevated the pace on the gravel, following which last year’s runner-up, Turner, made a decisive move. A remarkable effort from Omar Fraile brought the escapees within two minutes of the peloton as the final sector approached.

Amidst the intense competition, a decisive attack saw Kwiatkowski joining a group in pursuit. Unfortunately, an ill-timed mechanical issue forced him out of the chasing quintet. Undeterred, Kwiatkowski made a determined effort to rejoin the chase and delivered a powerful sprint, ultimately securing the seventh position at the finish line behind Oier Lazkano (Movistar), who managed to hold out from the early breakaway.