BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Daniel Martin of Ireland held off local favorite Joaquin Rodriguez to protect his lead and win the Volta a Catalunya on Sunday.
Thomas de Gendt won the seventh stage, a 76-mile ride from El Vendrell to Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast ending in a climb of the Catalan capital’s Montjuic hill.
The 26-year-old Martin took over the leader’s jersey on the fourth stage of the seven-day race, and the Garmin Sharp safely protected his 17-second lead over Rodriguez.
Michele Scarponi of Italy finished third, another 17 seconds behind.
