Team Polti Kometa in Veneto to crown the season

The last week of the 2024 calendar for Team Polti Kometa begins, with the first of two fixtures in Veneto, organized by Pippo Pozzato (Ivan Basso’s teammate in 2003) which have closed the road season for a few years now. The Giro del Veneto will start from the heart of Verona, facing the climb of Colognola ai Colli in the first part of the route and then the Roccolo mountain, while the second part will consist of the Monte Berico circuit in Vicenza: a succession of two walls with gradients approaching double digits, to be repeated five times. After these laps the finish will take place halfway up the first wall, to set the stage for an explosive finale in case a small group arrives at the line.

Speaking of explosiveness, think of Jhonatan Restrepo. Speaking of endurance and sacrifice, think of Germán Gómez, Fernando Tercero, Mattia Bais, Davide De Cassan (all four of them fresh from Il Lombardia) and Andrea Pietrobon. Speaking of versatility and leadership, think of Mirco Maestri. Yes, this is the lineup that will be led tomorrow from the Polti Kometa car by Biagio Conte.

Ready to conclude a memorable season that has brought him a leading role in the roster, a friendship with Alaphilippe and a valuable European medal, captain Maestri speaks ahead of the race: “After a good period I didn’t have my best day at Gran Piemonte, so I’m particularly eager to give my all and more. I’d like to achieve a good result to thank the team for everything it has given me over these three years and for the trust it continues to place in me.”

Here’s the analysis from sports director Conte: “It’s a unique event, that increases in level year after year. This time it features a finish that will certainly eliminate pure sprinters, but rewards a fast kick uphill. Identifying a key rider isn’t easy, instead we rely on several riders who can find the right action depending on their condition and the situation at that moment.”