In the penultimate stage of the Volta Valenciana, theoretically suited for sprinters but marked by significant selection, Emilia-born Luca Paletti crossed the finish line in Morella with the leading group, behind Milan and Buitrago. The 2004-born rider, who will turn 21 on June 5, was the best-placed finisher for VF Group Bardiani-CSF Faizanè, with a 17-second gap from Santiago Buitrago, today’s stage winner.

Notably, Alessio Martinelli suffered a crash and was forced to withdraw from the race.

Tomorrow’s final stage will be completely flat, making it perfect for sprinters, covering 104 kilometers from Alfafar to Valencia. Live coverage of the race on Eurosport 2 from 15:45 and streaming on Discovery+.

RESULTS:

1 BUITRAGO Santiago Bahrain Victorious 04:53:29

2 MILAN Jonathan Lidl-Trek + 06

3 SÖDERQVIST Jakob Lidl-Trek + 06

4 SHEEHAN Riley Israel-Premier Tech + 10

5 ARENSMAN Thymen INEOS Grenadiers + 10

6 BILBAO Pello Bahrain Victorious + 10

7 ALMEIDA Joao UAE Team Emirates + 10

8 SOBRERO Matteo Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 10

9 MCNULTY Brandon UAE Team Emirates + 13

10 HINDLEY Jai Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 13

11 RODRIGUEZ Carlos INEOS Grenadiers + 13

12 ROMEO Iván Movistar Team + 13

13 MARTINEZ Lenny Bahrain Victorious + 17

14 DE LA CALLE Hugo Burgos Burpellet BH + 17

15 PALETTI Luca VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè + 17