Lonardi sprints to the podium in Slovakia

Okolo Slovenska (2.1)
Stage 1: Samorín – Trnava (142’3km)

Full protagonism and a new podium for Eolo Kometa, who got involved in the sprint of the first online stage of the Tour of Slovakia with Giovanni Lonardi. The sprinter showed his ability not only to position himself, but also to hold the wheel of the winner in the sprint (again Vernon, from QuickStep) but without managing to overtake him.

Earlier, the breakaway of the day was led by Diego Pablo Sevilla. The rider from Madrid wanted to try his luck in the group of 6 riders who rode ahead of the bunch during the whole day but was neutralised with less than 15 kilometres to go.

Giovanni Lonardi: “Today was quite calm with Quick Step controlling the gap to the breakaway at all times. At the end, and after losing some meters in the last corner, I tried to sprint but it was difficult to get more than a third place today. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow the general classification will be decided and we will always ride together taking care of Fortunato”.

Giro della Toscana (1.1)
Pontedera-Pontedera (199’2km)

A tough climb to be repeated twice, World Tour teams arrived to do battle, a challenging race that EOLO-KOMETA tackled with a young team. Showing off, however, was one of our veterans: Mirco Maestri, protagonist of the day’s breakaway that reached over 5 minutes ahead. In the final, with the big ones playing for the victory (success for the Swiss Hirshi), to be reported the good performance of young Alex Martìn who was one of the last to surrender.

Stefano Zanatta: “With the level of the race, which was very high, we did what we had to: Alex stayed in the small group of chasers, Maestri showed off. With Astana, UAE and Ineos arrived to make the race, without Fortunato who could have stayed with them, it was difficult to do more. Experience for our young people, optimism for the future.”

Sprint Cycling