MADRID, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Primoz Roglic (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) delivered a sensational performance in the seventh stage of the Volta a Catalunya cycle race on Sunday, claiming both the stage win and overall title.

Roglic entered the final 88-kilometer stage around Barcelona - featuring six circuits of Montjuic - trailing Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) by one second in the standings. Overturning the deficit required an extraordinary effort to repeat his 2023 triumph.

The short stage and Ayuso's strong team support made Roglic's task daunting, but the Slovenian refused to relent.

After his Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe teammates set a fierce pace, Roglic attacked on Montjuic's fourth ascent as Ayuso drifted back into the peloton, momentarily isolated.

Ayuso lost critical seconds hesitating for support, while Roglic surged downhill to build a 25-second lead. He maintained the gap on the penultimate circuit as Ayuso faltered in pursuit.

The lead narrowed to nine seconds on the final climb, but Roglic's descending prowess sealed victory. He finished 13 seconds ahead of Laurens De Plus (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Lennert Van Eetveld (Lotto), with Ayuso six seconds further back.

"I had good legs today and I enjoyed myself. We had to attack as there was no option, but the team worked really hard. It has been a good week," said Roglic at the finish line. Enditem

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