Van Der Poel phenomenon, but Rivi is always splendid

Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali
4th stage: Montecatini-Montecatini (158.7 km)

Yes: it was Van Der Poel’s day. He wanted this stage with all his strength, he went to catch the breakaway, then he attacked, then he was caught and then he won in the sprint. Phenomenal. However, in the day of the Alpecin champion, we could also tell our story with a boy that the whole world of cycling is beginning to know better and better. Samuele Rivi, wonderful at the Sanremo with his 280 km of breakaway, also today an attacker of the day able to run away after a few kilometers to surrender only a little from the end. Of course, on one side there is the regret because there is the desire to win. But at the same time, there was satisfaction for another “Rivi style” day: courage, the desire to be seen, and a touch of madness.

“All I can say is – says Samuele immediately after the stage – that I’m a bit tired of being caught by the group when there’s very little left to go: because the closer you get to the finish line, the more you believe in it, even if they’re going strong behind and there are very strong athletes. Then, you know: I really like being in a breakaway because you experience the stage in a different way, there’s less stress, you ride lighter and more serene. So, when I can, I go in a breakaway and I like it. In the end it’s harder, of course, but I think people like to see a rider who likes to be in front, so why not?”.

Sprint Cycling