Paul Double tops the Bocchetta and finishes 7th in the Giro dell’Appennino, 3 Polti Kometa riders in top-20

Team Polti Kometa aimed to shine after the rejuvenating training period in Valtellina, and they did just that at the Giro dell’Appennino. After 150 kilometers of routine racing, where the peloton allowed and then reeled in a 7-men breakaway, the crucial phase of the race began. Well-protected by his excellent teammates, Paul Double claimed the special prize for being the first to reach the top of the legendary Bocchetta.

In the descent a quartet that included Andrea Garosio pulled away but, on the decisive ascent to the Madonna della Guardia, Jan Christen and Double counterattacked and overcame them. Midway through the climb Christen broke away for a solo victory, while Polti Kometa’s leader battled for the remaining podium spots with eleven other riders, ultimately finishing 7th in the Genoa sprint.

Double: “We suffered a lot in the heat today! But I really like the Appennino and I’m particularly keen to do well here, even though I know that with the final uphill 25 km from the finish it’s tough for me to win. I did my best to stay with the UAE talent as long as possible and then launch a long sprint to achieve a great result.”

Sports director Giovanni Ellena: “The guys rode incredibly well and our English climber gave his all, confirming his excellent form. We stayed united throughout the race, with Garosio even staying with the immediate chasers to place 16th and Germán Gómez finishing 19th with another group shortly after. This way of working not only gives a good image of the squad but can also lead to success!”