Davide de Cassan, second from the breakaway at the Tour of Taiwan

A brave attitude from Team Polti Kometa on the third stage in Taiwan, where Davide de Cassan got into the decisive breakaway with six other riders to fight for the stage victory. In a tight sprint, the Italian took second place behind the winner Niquet-Olden (CCACHE). Peñalver was ninth in the main group.

The breakaway reached the finish line, Davide de Cassan got his first great result as a professional cyclist, and was just a few centimetres away from victory in a tight final sprint. The young rider worked very well to represent Team Polti Kometa in all the breaks, so that his team-mates did not have to work behind him.

At the finish, his power in the final metres was not enough to beat Nique-Olden, although second place is still a great result. Peñalver contested the bunch sprint to take second place as well, 9th in the stage classification. Great sensations, no doubt, for the remaining days.

Davide de Cassan: “It was a very fast stage, with the wind pushing us and that make very tough to form a breakaway. I went to the front with ten riders and we agreed to work together until the end. I launched the sprint to be second, I’m very happy because it’s my first podium as a professional. It’s always a pity finish so close to winning, but you have to appreciate what you have achieved”.

Biagio Conte, sport director: “We are very happy because Davide de Cassan managed to get into the breakaway on several occasions, and also in the one that finally reached the finish. Behind, Team Israel pulled with many other squads to control and keep the leader’s jersey. In addition, Peñalver has been very good, without getting dropped in the hardest parts of the stage and that is important for the opportunities that remain. Second place for Davide, it’s always a pity not to win, but satisfaction and a lot of desire for the two remaining stages”.