Team Polti VisitMalta, “legs and head” on the tough day of Marche climbs

The feared climbing stage through the Marche region saw Team Polti VisitMalta active in the fight for the breakaway for as long as ninety kilometres: Davide Piganzoli and Alessandro Tonelli (wearing the red bib number for combativity for the third time) crossed the Croce di Casale in first and second position, then Mattia Bais made a determined effort to reach the front group on the ascent to Sassotetto. In the second half of the route, the squad focused on saving energy and reaching the finish without issues. As Plapp (Jayco) took the win, Ulissi (Astana) is the new maglia rosa.

Sports Director Stefano Zanatta: “It was a really tough day, with the peloton taking almost half the stage to settle down. Our guys were part of several lead groups during the long opening phase. In the end Bais joined the strong breakaway that managed to get clear, but he had spent a lot chasing and had to sit up on the steepest gradients. Credit to him, to Piganzoli — who once again showed good form — and to the teammates who helped him stay up there with the other GC contenders. Tomorrow, the first part of the Giro d’Italia will come to an end on the gravel roads of Siena.”