30 Sep 2024

Cro Race, last stage race of 2024 for Team Polti Kometa

Cro Race (2.1)

1st to 6th october

Simultaneously with the Malaysian adventure and as a springboard towards the final series of Italian classics, Team Polti Kometa will cross the Adriatic Sea to compete from tomorrow to Sunday in a six-day event: the Cro Race. The squad owned by Ivan Basso and the Contador brothers has participated in the last two editions, securing two top-10 overall finishes and two stage podiums.

It’s not a course for grimpeurs except for Friday’s fourth stage, which starts from the island of Krk (connected to Rijeka by a spectacular bridge) enters Istria through the ascent to Poklon (12 km at 6%) then tackles two walls before the final cobbled uphill in Labin. The rest of the profiles are suited for resilient fast men, culminating with a flat finale in Zagreb.

For this reason, Polti Kometa is fielding a versatile squad: Giovanni Lonardi as the pure sprinter, Javier Serrano for reduced sprints, Jhonatan Restrepo (returning after nearly two months) for explosive finishes. Joining them are very reliable guys like Mattia Bais, Fran Muñoz and the newly promoted Gabriele Raccagni. Last but not least, Mirco Maestri is ready to shine in any situation that arises.

Restrepo: “Since April I’ve been dealing with knee pain, but I continue to train hard and receive treatment from Dr. Giulio Tempesti’s team whom I sincerely thank. I’m giving my all in Croatia and hope to be in top form for the upcoming fixtures in Italy!”

Regarding the other six riders, here are the words of sports director Biagio Conte: “We know the Cro Race well and come with athletes in great shape, especially Bais who’s performing strongly as well as Maestri, Lonardi and Serrano, fresh off the Skoda Tour of Luxembourg. Muñoz’s support will be crucial and we’re excited to see young Raccagni in action again after his debut in the Limousin in August.”