Mattia Bais shows his agressiveness on the first trophy of the Challenge of Mallorca
Italian Mattia Bais was the protagonist for Team Polti Kometa in Trofeo Calvià, the opening race of the Challenge de Mallorca. Fighting for the breakaway of the day, in one of the hardest races of this competition, he tried to ride for the places of honour until the final part. Álex Martín was the best of the team, in the select main group that crossed the finish line after the winner Simon Carr (EF Education First).
A demanding start to the Challenge de Mallorca, with a Trofeo Calvià full of alternatives and always with Mattia Bais looking for the leading positions. With a breakaway of two riders in the lead, the Italian tried to join the pack attacking from the bunch in Coll den Claret with Juaristi (Euskaltel). Almost two minutes of disadvantage that in the Coll de Sóller was reduced to 1 minute. In front, they did not let the chasers caught them.
Behind, the main peloton lost 6 minutes, but on the Coll den Bleda, UAE Team Emirates made a move. That momentum allowed six riders to join the lead with 50 kilometres to go, with our Mattia Bais in the lead.
Again, attacks and more attacks that, after many kilometres in pursuit, the Team Polti Kometa rider could not hold on. In the other hand, Alex Martin was the best rider at the finish line in Palmanova, in a group that fought for the sixth place of the race.
Mattia Bais: “Today’s goal was to get into the breakaway, we couldn’t be in the initial attacks but we tried afterwards and at the top of Soller climb we were able to hook up. We got together six riders, there was a high level, and although I tried to hold on when the group was selected it wasn’t possible. I also had cramps on the last climb, so in the end it was difficult to hold on in the group, but I’m happy and we’ll keep trying”.
Jesús Hernández, sports director of Team Polti Kometa: “The balance is positive after this first trophy of the Mallorca Challenge. We had Mattia Bais all day in the breakaway, Álex Martín in the select group after the five riders who have played the race and also Garosio and Pietrobon have shown a good performance. We still have four more opportunities!”.
