Vincenzo Albanese, second in Sicily on his return to the competition

It only took one stage of the Giro di Sicilia to see the strength and ambition of Vincenzo Albanese. He is back. Second place on the uphill terrain to the finish in Agrigento, but above all a great demonstration that he is hunger for success. That is the best news.

It was a quiet day, with a breakaway always under control and the EOLO KOMETA waiting for their moment in the final part. They knew that the finish was perfectly suited to Albanese. Vincenzo knew it too. That’s why, in the decisive kilometres, they looked for the leading positions of the main bunch. First to position themselves, then to protect Albanese’s chances and finally to try to hold off the movements on the climb.

A powerful Fisher-Black surprised even his UAE Team Emirates teammates to take the win, cutting the group with 1 kilometre to go. Behind, our Vincenzo Albanese controlled his distance to perfection, started looking for the finish line and showed that his power in those final metres are still unrivalled. A second position that tastes really good, but the victory was so close. That means so much at the same time, after overcoming injuries, and fills with hope, with illusion, to all the EOLO KOMETA.

Vincenzo Albanese: “It was difficult to fight against so many UAE riders, but I showed that I’m very good, beating the others in the sprint behind the stage winner. I felt good, very good, but that’s not enough in the race. First race this year, second place… It’s good, but I’m sure we will do better”.

Stefano Zanatta: “The race went as we thought it would, the guys worked very well and tried to support Alba together. It was a very fast day and we tried to avoid the crashes. On the climb, we were well placed and Albanese showed the great physical condition that we saw before his accident. Second, with the feeling of having done well and with the guarantee that the way to the Giro d’Italia is going well. It’s time to keep trying”.