KOM jersey reclaimed, double top-10 for the sprinters, Maestri 6th overall: triple mission accomplished in Poitiers

Team Polti Kometa‘s triple mission in the Tour Poitou Charentes final stage was successfully completed. Firstly, reclaiming the KOM jersey: David Martín achieved this by joining the breakaway with four other riders. With the group regrouped just 6 kilometers from the finish, it was the sprinters’ turn: Manuel Peñalver finished 6th and Giovanni Lonardi 9th in the slightly uphill sprint in Poitiers. The two Polti Kometa sprinters, who had each secured a top-10 finish before, achieved it together today!

Meanwhile, supported by Mattia Bais, Diego Sevilla and Fran Muñoz on the tricky French terrain, Mirco Maestri avoided any issues and confirmed his 6th place overall, built with his excellent time trial performance yesterday. He even made a late attack with 5 km to go, leaving nothing to chance. The stage was won by Demare (Arkea) while the GC winner is Waerenskjold (Uno X).

Martín: “The initial rain made the situation chaotic, but I managed to get into the breakaway as soon as I saw it forming. Later I was able to lend a hand in the peloton. I’m quite satisfied!”

Peñalver: “We could have done even better in the sprint but, in any case, a double top-10 combined with other results is a great way to end a tough race that leaves us with positive feelings.”

Sports Director Giovanni Ellena: “Well done to David for reclaiming the lead among the climbers, to Mirco, Manu and Lona, and to everyone for staying in the right positions in the pack when a strong wind picked up.”