Omloop outsiders step up in Valencia: “I don’t really enjoy the climbing, to be honest”

Stages like the queen stage at the Tour of Valencia are often a useful indicator of early-season form heading into the Classics. The same has traditionally been true of the Alto do Malhão stage at the Volta ao Algarve, where riders such as Zdeněk Štybar (2019) and Jan Tratnik (2024) produced standout performances shortly before going on to win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

Turner — whose team is not scheduled to ride Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne — finished inside the top 11 in all five stages, showing versatility across different terrain. We already knew the Brit can sprint and time trial, but on the queen stage in the hills of the Costa Blanca he placed himself among the better climbers, together with teammate Magnus Sheffield.

Turner later explained, via INEOS Grenadiers’ channels: “I had good legs which was nice but I don’t really enjoy the climbing to be honest. It was a bit over my level I think, but I tried to do my best and see what was possible with the shape. It was a good day so I was quite impressed. Also Magnus was up there as well and was looking really good. I think we rode really well today after the win yesterday.”

He added: “I asked the DS yesterday if I could go really deep and see what was possible. They went at quite a hard pace on the big climb out the back. There were only 20 guys over the top so I thought maybe the legs were quite good. I was a bit unsure what would happen on the second to last one – but the legs responded quite well. I tried to ride like it was for a result and see what the legs could do, but it was just really really hard.”

Sheehan saw Biniam Girmay take a stage win, Lewis Askey ride strongly, and made his own mark by finishing ninth overall. The American — who is targeting the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix this year — delivered a GC performance that exceeded expectations.

“I’m proud of the performance I put in and couldn’t have asked for more,” Sheehan said afterwards. “To maintain my position in the top 10 on GC is phenomenal. I didn’t think I’d be standing here today and I’m super happy with this result,” added the American, who is also set to ride Opening Weekend.

Elsewhere in Valencia, Michel Hessmann (Movistar) also held up well on the climbs as he continues to shift focus towards the Flemish races. In the time trial, there were encouraging signs too from Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) and Lidl-Trek’s Mathias Vacek.