Attacking Polti Kometa midway through the Settimana Coppi e Bartali: Alex “escapes” and Paul “shells”

The Team Polti Kometa was on the offensive during the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali 3rd stage, not too long but very intense as tradition dictates. First, Alex Martín joined the 8-men breakaway who tackled the San Marco pass and the climbs of San Leo, Montemaggio, and San Marino together. When the group caught up with them as they exited the small and ancient Republic, team leader Paul Double forced the pace to thin out the peloton on the Montescudo climb, 30 kilometers from the finish.

Ultimately, the English climber was one of the main chasers of the two riders who made the winning move on the San Clemente wall, and he crossed the Riccione finish line in 17th place, which is now his overall position too. “Very well done Alex, for going on the attack as we asked, and great action from Paul,” says sports director Giovanni Ellena. “Such a pity for the route change in yesterday’s stage, the one originally planned would have been even more suitable for him…”

Now, the word from today’s two Polti Kometa protagonists:

Martín – “I started fast from the beginning because we believed it was a good day for breakaways. I managed to get in front and we were doing well up there, but there was someone well placed in the GC among us and from behind they didn’t give us much room. Anyway, I’m happy to have played my cards and we’ll all continue with this spirit.”

Double – “We knew the key point was the penultimate steep ascent, so I pushed hard on the descent from San Marino to take the road uphill and make only the GC men follow me. The plan worked perfectly, as we were left with about twenty riders. Unfortunately, cramps (unusual for me) hit me towards the end and prevented me from sprinting properly. Still, I got a good result and the form is there. Now, onto the last two stages!”