By securing a victory with a decisive lead in the final race before the Grand Tour season, Adrià and Huang Chong had successfully concluded the first half of their season.
Although the team's performance in stage races had been a complete mess, their consecutive breakthroughs in one-day races meant their season couldn't be considered a failure.
"Thanks, Huang. This victory really should have been yours!"
Adrià knew full well that even though he had intentionally lowered his power output about 15km from the finish to help Huang Chong catch up, if Huang had been a lead rider from another team in full pursuit, there was no way he could have escaped.
And in a flat sprint to the finish, while he had some explosive power, he would have found it very difficult to beat Huang Chong.
Besides, he hadn't even intended to take first place at the finish. It was Huang Chong who had suddenly tapped his brakes, kindly letting him have the victory.
