Giovanni Lonardi, fifth in the opening stage of CRO Race
Top-5 in the sprint finish of the first stage of CRO Race, with a long day of headwind and protagonism also in the breakaway for Simone Bevilacqua. The worst news was the fall of David Martín in the final kilometres, with many injuries.
181 kilometres and time for everything to happen. A breakaway of five riders was quickly formed with the presence of Bevilacqua, determined to be part of a very difficult day for the brave riders. Their group quickly took 4 minutes and the peloton played with the gap, knowing how to keep them under their control at all times.
The front group was being selected, until only three riders remained in front with our Simone. The Italian rider fought to become the leader of the mountains, but finally he was only 1 point away from a classification that he fought for, and in fact he even won the climb to Klis (2nd category). It was not enough, nor was his effort, and with 20 kilometres to go they were absorbed by the main group.
From then on, EOLO KOMETA took the lead of the bunch, inspired and confident of their chances in the sprint. When three riders were leading the perfect placement at the head of the peloton, a fall affected David Martin. Hitted in their arm, a lot of pain and waiting for the doctors to evaluate his condition, to decide whether he can continue in the race.
The team did not give up and maintained its front position, with Mirco Maestri placing Giovanni Lonardi and the rider looking to get into the finish. Thanks to the good situation he was able to finish fifth, behind the winner Viviani (INEOS) and with several days left to keep trying.
Giovanni Lonardi: “Today was a fairly smooth race, with the breakaway going away and the peloton controlling. In the final kilometres I stayed ahead with Maestri and we tried to be in the last kilometer at the front of the group, but maybe we moved too early because the Ineos train passed us. I still jumped into the sprint and tried to do the best possible result, I hope in the next few days to do more”.
Jesús Hernández: “We have to highlight the work of the team, they have raced very well positioned, with attitude, and the result is the image that has been given. We have seen them great and they have carried Lonardi on the final sprint with a fantastic job”.
