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First pro win: Lorenzo Finn wins mountain finish at the Sibiu Tour
Reigning U23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) won stage 2 of the Sibiu Tour with a solo attack on the final climb. It was his first professional victory.
Now in its 16th edition, the Sibiu Cycling Tour is one of Romania’s biggest races and a genuine test where talents and WorldTour professionals go head to head. Stage 2 brought the first summit finish of this year’s edition, climbing to Păltiniș Arena high in the Cindrel Mountains — precisely the kind of terrain to suit a rider of Finn’s caliber.
I have to thank the team — they controlled the stage and set me up perfectly for the climb.
Over 157.8 kilometers from Șura Mică, just outside Sibiu, the racing was frantic from the gun, the opening hour averaging 47 km/h before an eight-man breakaway finally escaped on an early climb. Led by the WorldTeams, the peloton kept the move on a tight leash and reeled it in just before the foot of the final category A ascent. After a punishing tempo on the lower slopes, Finn attacked with more than 10 kilometers remaining. Only Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates – XRG) could initially respond, but a second acceleration soon shook him off.
Byron Munton (Modern Adventure Pro Cycling) bridged across and settled the gap at around ten to twenty seconds, trimming it on the flatter run-in — yet he could never reach Finn, who crossed the line 9 seconds ahead of Munton to take the stage, the leader’s yellow jersey and, with two stages still to come, his maiden win as a professional.
Lorenzo Finn in the leader's jersey of the Sibiu Tour 2026
© RBH
“Today was my first pro victory, and it was really amazing,” said Finn at the finish. “I have to thank the team — they controlled the stage and set me up perfectly for the climb. Then, luckily, I had the legs to go away. My first victory as a pro feels really special — but now we need to focus as there are still two days to go.”
The result was built on a clear plan and disciplined teamwork. With Finn being the squad’s only pure climber on this course, his teammates drove the pace on the flat and made the stage hard, delivering him to the base of the climb in perfect position before he finished the job alone.
We knew we were among the main favorites with Lorenzo here, but it’s never easy.
“I’m really happy with this win,” said Sports Director Pello Olaberria. “We knew we were among the main favorites with Lorenzo here, but it’s never easy. On the flat parts, we have a super strong team, but he’s our only climber, so the plan was to make it hard all the way to the bottom of the climb and then attack from there. The team did a perfect job, and today Lorenzo showed he was the strongest. Tomorrow will be hard to control but it’s a 26-kilometer climb at six percent, which suits Lorenzo. He’s strong, and I’m sure the team will again do a great job up to the climb.”
The Sibiu Cycling Tour continues tomorrow with its queen stage over the legendary Transfăgărășan — a climb of roughly 26 kilometers at around six per cent — where Finn will look to defend his lead.
