Maestri and Pietrobon keep the Giro alive and accumulate 160km more in breakaway
Last days of the Giro d’Italia, but identical attitude of Team Polti Kometa in the race, trying to show off the jersey at every opportunity. Mirco Maestri and Andrea Pietrobon jumped out of the big group after 16 kilometres to try his chance with Honoré (EF) and Fiorelli (Bardiani). This was the 12th team’s breakaway during the Giro.
The main group never gave them enough of an advantage to dream of any chance. In fact, the maximum gap they accumulated was 2 minutes 30 seconds, although in the last 60 kilometres it was always under 30 seconds.
Pietrobon and Maestri accumulated 160 kilometres of breakaway at almost 47km/h on average. It showed the enormous pace, and the great effort that secured Pietro as the leader of this classification of the king of breakaways in his first Giro d’Italia.
Despite the fight, although Affini (Visma) joined the leading four with 50 kilometres to go, the breakaway was neutralised 10 kilometres from the finish line in a very fast and twisty finish in which Lonardi tried to place in front, but was unable to position himself to contest the sprint.
Andrea Pietrobon: ‘The idea this morning was to get into the breakaway. And although the beginning was chaotic and very hard, then we were able to form that breakaway in front that allowed us to add many kilometres ahead with Mirco. All day at full speed, with no margin, and despite our collaboration, from the peloton they controlled us. I have good legs and I will try again if I can in the remaining stages’.
Mirco Maestri: ‘I’m happy with the stage we did, showing once again the great moment of form. We spent a lot of energy today and tomorrow I think it will be again the chance for the breakaway, although there are team-mates who are much better suited to it’.
Stefano Zanatta, sports director: ‘We were able to get into the breakaway, which was the objective, and although they didn’t give them any margin they fought very well. The average speed shows their effort. Then, we tried to help Lona at the end to compete in the sprint with Fran, Davide and Mattia, but it wasn’t possible. We are focused on the three stages and three opportunities that we have left’.
This Friday the Giro d’Italia faces its 19th stage starting in Mortegliano and finishing in Sappada after 155.5 kilometres, which includes the final climb of more than 7 kilometres at an average of 6% gradient.
