Another “sprint podium” for Lonardi at the Cro Race, with Maestri seventh

After two 2nd places in the opening stages and the subsequent days dedicated to GC men, Giovanni Lonardi claimed 3rd place in the penultimate stage of the Cro Race and continues to wear the blue jersey in place of the young holder Andresen (DSM) while Mattia Bais remains 10th overall.

Bad weather shortened another course in Croatia: the riders covered only a hundred kilometers, during which any attack attempts were kept under control. After safely passing the few climbs, Team Polti Kometa took control in the final 5 kilometers. Among the other team trains Fran Muñoz, Jhonatan Restrepo and especially Mirco Maestri stood out, with Maestri ending up 7th in a sprint where only Kristoff (Uno X) and Kogut (Israel) managed to beat Lonardi.

“Good, but the win is still missing,” said the sprinter of Polti Kometa. “I had the legs to position myself and make a good progression, but not enough to catch up with the winner. I have one more chance and I want to take it!”

Sporting Director Biagio Conte‘s analysis: “I’m really satisfied with the attitude shown by all our seven guys, who were 100% focused on often tricky roads. Bravo to Lona for finishing the job, tomorrow we’ll aim to… finish the race well in the capital.”