After opening the October Italian campaign with a race suited to the climbers, the Giro dell’Emilia, Bahrain Victorious will now turn its attention to the sprinters, targeting a strong result at the Coppa Bernocchi.

The appointment is on Monday, October 5, with the 107th edition ofthe second event of the “Trittico Lombardo”, featuring its traditional start and finish in Legnano and  covering a total distance of 178.14 kilometres.

The core of the race will once again be the Valle Olona circuit, featuring the climbs of Piccolo Stelvio and Caramamma, where the KoM (GPM) point is located. The 16.6-kilometre loop will be repeated seven times, one fewer than last year.

Although the challenging circuit can create a selection, with around 25 kilometres remaining the race enters a final flat section that can allow the peloton to regroup. Unless a late attack or a finisseur move succeeds, a bunch sprint is expected on Via XX Settembre, where the finish will once again be located following its first appearance there last year.

Gorazd Stangelj, Head Sports Director:

“Eight of the last ten editions have been decided by some form of sprint, so our plan is quite clear: we want to support Alessandro Borgo throughout all seven laps and go 100% defensive for him.

“It is an elimination race, so we have to keep fighting and stay in front. The goal is to arrive at the final part with Fran Miholjevic and Edoardo Zambanini alongside Alessandro for a reduced bunch sprint. They will be very important in the last 60 kilometres and in the lead-out. The circuit is technically demanding and we have to repeat it seven times, so we need to keep our focus from the first lap to the last.

“Alessandro knows his role: he has to follow the team and never find himself out of position. Damiano Caruso will again be our road captain, guiding the team and keeping everyone racing at the front. Oliver Stockwell, Leonardo Consolidani, and Max van der Meulen all have clear roles, and if everyone does their job, we can give Alessandro the best possible chance to fight for the result.”