Fifth at the Liege: No regrets

Roman showed a really strong performance at the Liege-Bastogne-Liege. He attached with 19km to go along with Caruso, later on this duo was joined by Fuglsang. Even though they were chased down with 6km remaining, Roman fought until the very end in the front group and finished 5th.

“Finishing 5th is not what I had expected. I secretly hoped in making the podium but I have to admit that it was not far away and after all, I made the race. Towards the end, I was lacking the energy that I put into that attack but I have no regrets,” described Roman.

His attack was a well though-out action. “I noticed that everybody was playing the waiting game because their legs were quite tired after Europecar set the pace so high chasing the breakaway group. I welcomed the high tempo because I wanted the race to be as hard as possible so that I could try my luck at the end,” said Roman.

When he made the move on Roche-aux-Faucons only Caruso was able to join him. “I had a feeling that nobody wanted to waste their energy so far away from the finish line but I was feeling that it was the right moment. It was a pity that there was a strong headwind. Then we were accompanied by Fuglsang but Caruso did not pull. When we were chased, then I could ride in the slipstream and it was all right,” revealed Roman.

“The finale was about giving your best after the hard race. Valverde deserved the victory. He caught Moreno and managed to sprint. Second place of Alaphilippe was a great surprise, he showed that his second place at Fleche Wallone was not a coincidence,” added Roman.