The Argentinean landed our team’s 49th domestic title, after a perfect sprint at the end of the 198km-long road race in Santiago del Estero.

The 36-year-old Maximiliano Richeze, now in his fourth season with Deceuninck – Quick-Step, rode a perfect race at the Nationals on Sunday, displaying not just his strength, but also the tactical acumen he possesses and which has made him one of the most respected lead-out riders in the business. The Buenos Aires native remained calm and followed the right moves inside the final hour of the event, when things heated up and attacks began flying from the peloton, before charging past all his opponents in the reduced bunch gallop which decided the winner of the 108th Argentinean Championships.

Richeze timed his sprint to perfection, kicking out with less than 150 meters to go and winning by a bike length ahead of Nicolas Naranjo (Agrupacion Virgen De Fatima) and Hector Lucero (Municipalidad de Pocito), in the process racking up his 32nd pro victory and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“It wasn’t easy today, especially as a flurry of attacks threatened to break the race with 40 kilometers to go, but I stayed attentive and focused and made use of my speed in the final to win this beautiful title”, said Max, the ninth different Deceuninck – Quick-Step rider to notch up a victory this season. “It’s my first success at the Nationals in the Elite category, a dream come true, and I can’t wait to sport the jersey in some of the most prestigious races in the world. This win, which I’ll forever cherish, is one that I want to dedicate to my family, fans and all the people who have supported me in my career.”

Max Richeze’s first race in the Argentinean National Champion jersey will be the Tour of California, scheduled to take place between 12-18 May.

Photo credit: ©Ana Laura Antúnez