Rain and cold don’t stop Polti Kometa on a shortened stage of the Giro d’Italia
The very harsh weather conditions, with cold and rain throughout the stage and even snow at the start, meant that today’s day was shortened, eliminating the climb to Giogo di Santa Maria/Umbrailpass and riding the final 118 kilometres.
With temperatures below 5 degrees and the rain not letting up, the riders climbed into the race vehicles to move to Laas, where the stage started.
The Team Polti Kometa riders were brave as always, ambitious in their quest for the limelight, and with Mirco Maestri they managed to form a group of four riders that also included Alaphilippe, who made his way through the Bolzano sprint.
But Movistar left no option to this breakaway, which they controlled always under 2 minutes. Near the Intergiro, Andrea Pietrobon also tried his luck and rode alongside Mirco. Both continued to score points for the classification of the king of the breakaways that they lead, with an advantage for Pietro. Although the peloton did not allow the success of this movement, which was neutralised in the Passo Pinei.
Davide Piganzoli was the best in his fight for the top-10 overall, 18th at the finish in the second group behind the favourites. He hardly gave up any time to his rivals for this goal and confirmed his high level in this Giro d’Italia.
Davide Piganzoli: “We made the penultimate climb very fast, the group accelerated to neutralise Maestri’s breakaway, Pietro also tried to score points for the Intergiro but on the final climb, the UAE Team set a strong pace for their interests and we tried to get as far ahead as possible. I’m quite satisfied”.
Stefano Zanatta, sports director: “The race was very fast, with attacks and movements from the beginning. We were able to be there with a very brave Mirco Maestri in a breakaway of four riders that Movistar didn’t give more than 2 minutos gap. For his part, Piganzoli has managed to hold on with the leaders, saving a very complicated day and trying to keep his chances for the top-10”.
A fight that will continue this Wednesday with the five climbs between Selva di Val Gardena and the top finish at Passo del Brocon, after 159 kilometres in which again the weather can condition the development of this Giro d’Italia.
