Dutch rider Bauke Mollema wins Tour of Lombardy

Dutch Bauke Mollema pedals during the 9st stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race, an individual time trial over 34,8 km from Riccione to San Marino, in San Marino, Sunday, May 19, 2019. (Alessandro Di Meo/ANSA via AP)

COMO, Italy — Dutch cyclist Bauke Mollema produced a solo ride to victory at the end of the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday to claim one of the most important wins of his career.

The Trek-Segafredo rider raised his arms over his head as he travelled the finishing straight of the 243-kilometre (151-mile) route from Bergamo to Como, and was in tears after crossing the line.

Alejandro Valverde edged out Egan Bernal in a sprint for second. The pair were 16 seconds behind Mollema, who set off on his solo attack with just over 18 kilometres remaining.

The 32-year-old Mollema won a stage of the Tour de France in 2017.

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