It was a wave of emotions at the five-day stage race Tour of the Alps, which concluded in Riva del Garda (Italy).
Team Bahrain Victorious leader Pello Bilbao ignited the race with a series of exciting moves to take a stage win and secure second place in the general classification.
The conclusive fifth stage (Valle del Chiese, Idroland – Riva del Garda 120.9km), took on Passo Duron (1st cat.) and Lago di Tenno (2nd cat.), and featured a thrilling final 20-kilometre circuit repeated twice, which included the Pranzo climb and a fast descent towards the finish line.
Once again, it was up to Hermann Pernsteiner to join the day’s breakaway, from which Großsshartner (Bora Hansgrohe) jumped clear on the final circuit’s climb to take a solo win in Riva del Garda, ahead of Roche (Team DSM) and De Marchi (Israel Start-up Nation), both survivors of the breakaway. The group with the GC riders, including Pello Bilbao, came 40” behind. Mark Padun was also part of that group, taking a top ten result (9th) at the finish line.
Pello Bilbao sealed his second place overall: “We can all be proud and happy with the final result. We achieved our goals that were one stage victory and the GC podium. Today was just the day to defend it in this tricky and risky final. We wanted to try to be in the breakaway and fight for the stage. But it was difficult today. Anyway, Pernsteiner was super once more in the breakaway.
I can only praise each one of my teammates. It’s been a pleasure to race with them and for them, and everything has been really nice here. A great experience, and now we’re ready for the Giro”.
Team Bahrain Victorious Sports Director Franco Pellizotti is more than glad about the race’s outcome: “All in all, it was a good Tour of the Alps. We took a stage win, the second place overall, and today the 9th place with Padun, who just lost some positions in the tricky final part. I’m very happy with our results”.
Team Bahrain Victorious Technical Director Vladimir Miholjević also shared his thoughts about this race: “All the team showed good condition and good team spirit. The way we raced here is an example of the way we’re aiming to participate in all the races. The emotions we experienced yesterday after the win of Pello are something we’re living for, and we’re working hard for. The way he won was incredible, showing his great skills in riding the bike. He was brave enough to impress everybody, other riders, fans, teammates, and staff. We’re happy, and above all, we’re also confident that we are on the good track to Giro d’Italia.”
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