Muñoz crashes and gets back up, Lonardi 2nd and Serrano 9th to kick off the Cro Race

Team Polti Kometa started the Cro Race as a true protagonist, with a resilient breakaway and a double top-10 finish. On the roads of Dalmatia, Fran Muñoz broke away with four other riders and gained nearly an eight-minute advantage. On the only climb of the day, the Catalan neo-pro unfortunately crashed in a right-hand corner where two of his breakaway companions also went down, along with the TV motorbike. However, he managed to get back on his bike and his action was neutralized only 14 km from the end.

That’s when the final moves began, with Mirco Maestri directing the squad’s efforts and Javier Serrano leading out Giovanni Lonardi. The sprinter from Valpolicella finished 2nd, just behind Kristoff (Uno X) and Serrano capped off this excellent team performance with 9th place.

Muñoz: “If it hadn’t been for this setback, who knows how it would have gone. Behind they had slowed down a lot, the five of us in front had built a nice gap. While I wait for them to apply some stitches, I can say that I’m still happy with the results achieved by Lona and Javi.”

Lonardi: “The sprint finish was expected and, since last year I launched too early, today I decided to stay hidden and make a late move. It was the right choice, I only missed beating the experienced Norwegian. There will be other opportunities to aim for a victory before the season ends.”

Sports Director Biagio Conte: “We had warned the guys not to let a large group or top-tier riders get away, and we hit the target. As for Fran’s condition, we are currently treating and assessing his injuries. In the peloton his teammates executed perfectly, leaving it to the WorldTeams to control the race. We should be pleased with this start and also commend the hard work done by Restrepo, Mattia Bais and young Raccagni.”