A Tirreno-Adriatico by… protagonists, for real

Let’s not forget this week. Let’s not forget what we did, let’s not forget the fatigue, the rain and the cold wind, let’s not forget the breakaway kilometers. Let’s not forget the green jerseys and podiums of Davide Bais, the attacks of Fortunato, the gritted teeth and the kilometers covered, the work of everyone. Let’s not forget this Tirreno-Adriatico run by authentic protagonists and let’s remember it, in the coming weeks, when the decisive days come and the races to try to win.

Because we did something special. Special was the week of Bais, who was able to go in the breakaway four times (600 km on the attack) and come close to winning the green jersey (preceded by a whisker, only 5 points, by a certain Roglic…), cradling a dream until the last meter. Fortunato’s race was special, as he took another step on the road to his maturity: up front with the big boys on the toughest climbs, splendid today in the last day’s breakaway that didn’t want to know about being caught and surrendered only with 3 kilometers to go.

Now, the head is to the next races: there is no time to look back, only to look forward. We want to win, all of us.

Stefano Zanatta: “Today was a fast stage, we kept the line of the other days trying to put a man in the breakaway: today we sent Fortunato, who won the only GPM and then together with his companions was caught a few kilometers from the finish. He was great, a performance that closes a positive Tirreno-Adriatico for the team as we had hoped. The guys did well, now we think about the next races: the head is already there.”

Lorenzo Fortunato: “Today I felt like struggling. That’s all. That’s why I took that breakaway away on the first climb and then pulled until the end. I needed to make an effort, and I did it.”

Davide Bais: “My balance is quite positive, because when you get so close to a big finish line like the green jersey then you really believe in it and a little bitterness remains in your mouth. For sure, I gave everything and tried everything to get it and keep it, but let’s remember that Roglic won it… I’m happy anyway, because I managed to run on the attack as I like: now, the head goes to the next races.”