Team Polti VisitMalta and Crescioli start with a top-10 in the Camp de Morvedre

Team Polti VisitMalta kicks off its season with a top-10, Ludovico Crescioli begins his professional journey with a top-10. The Camp de Morvedre, first road race of the season in Europe, was won by Berrade (Kern Pharma) with a perfectly timed counterattack just after the four-man breakaway was reeled in and shortly before the final summit, 21 km from the finish. Behind him, Breuillard (Saint Michel) and Chumil (Burgos) launched their attacks, as in the sprint from the main group — whittled down by the double ascent of the Garbí — the 21-year-old talent secured 8th place.

“I stayed in the first chase group alongside Fernando Tercero, whom I thank for his support,” said Crescioli. “I achieved a result that makes me happy on a course very suited to me. It was the best I could do today, as I had a puncture on the descent and, in the final 8 kilometers, I focused mainly on holding my position and managing to sprint.”

Sports director Jesús Hernández commented: “The first race of the year is never easy, especially without radios as this is a 1.2 event, however our riders rode cohesively under the experienced guidance of Mirco Maestri and Ludovico showed great solidity. I also want to congratulate Fernando, who finished 18th, and I believe Pablo García would have been in the mix as well if he hadn’t suffered from cramps. We bring home our first points and, most importantly, our first positive signs from all the guys.”

Today Polti VisitMalta competed against other Professional and Continental teams, tomorrow in Castellón the WorldTour squads will take the stage.