Valverde raises his voice, Fortunato fights and resists

25° Giro di Sicilia
Stage 3: Termini Imerese – Caronia (180 km)

A tough stage, as expected. A stage that revolutionized the general classification, as expected. A stage won by Valverde, as expected. Yes, the third stage of the Giro di Sicilia has been beautiful and spectacular, but it hasn’t reserved surprises with the 41 years old Spanish rider able to be the first one to cross the finish line of Caronia conquering also the yellow and red jersey of the leader of the classification. Valverde has been very good in regulating the small group of riders who survived the forcing imposed by his Movistar in the last part of the stage: our Albanese has resisted until the last km (he will arrive then with 1’13” of delay), Fortunato has been very good in staying with the first ones until the end (now his delay in the general classification is 13″).

But there is also the breakaway of the day, that this time saw among the protagonists also our Samuele Rivi: started with other five riders immediately after the start, the group reached a 4” advantage before being caught on the Pollina climb. Well done, Samuele.

And now, tomorrow’s stage: the hardest one, the one that will decide this beautiful race. 180 km from Sant’Agata di Militello to Mascali, with the climbs of Portella Mandrazzi and Sciara di Scorciavacca to make the selection. Valverde remains the favorite, but EOLO-KOMETA will try: as always.

Lorenzo Fortunato: “Today has been a quite quiet stage, at least until the last 3 kilometers: I had a good leg, I was a bit behind in the final part but I’m happy because my leg turns well. And tomorrow I’ll give everything to try to win”.

[ Maurizio Borserini]