Albanese 11th in the race of “last times”

This was the race of the last times, capable of leaving you inside that nostalgia that comes when something good ends. The last race of the season, Vincenzo Albanese’s last race in our jersey, the last race in the career of our captain Francesco Gavazzi. All this and more, in an edition of the Veneto Classic that as per tradition proved to be a tough and demanding race, reserved for people with good legs. 

The chronicle, before the emotions. The chronicle says that the finish line in Bassano Del Grappa seemed a photocopy of that of the Agostoni last September 28: first Formolo, second Hirschi for a UAE one-two similar to last year when the order of arrival was simply reversed (first Hirschi, second Formolo). After an initial three-man breakaway capable of reaching a 5-minute lead and holding on until the first passes on the Rosina when the lead collapses thanks to the work of Alpecin. On the Tisa wall here Formolo, Tesfatsion and Oldani manage to cancel the breakaway and go away with a small group reduced to just over 30 riders including our own Albanese and Piganzoli. On the Diesel Farm climb the race is decided: attack by Zana to which Hirschi responds, with Formolo able to recover on the trio on the descent. And it is Formolo himself who greets his two companions with 4 to go to the finish line to arrive alone: well our Albanese (11th) and Piganzoli (17th).

Biagio Conte: “Also today we had the confirmation that our riders are all great professionals, because until the end they raced with great desire and attitude, they supported Albanese in the best way and were exemplary. It was great to see Gavazzi emotional at the start of his last race, then he gave it all while he had it and on the Rosina climb he stopped to give himself to the embrace of his family waiting for him at the side of the road. We moved first with Fetter on the Tisa, then we ran a bit defensively because Albanese was not having a great day although in the end he brought home an 11th place which is a lot for us. Also very good Piganzoli and Sevilla, who showed that they are really good professionals.”