Team Polti VisitMalta shines in Reggio Calabria: Tercero in the breakaway, D.Bais 2nd, Serrano 9th

In ancient times, Scilla — together with its Sicilian counterpart Charybdis — struck fear into the hearts of sailors. But for Davide Bais, from today it becomes the launchpad of an all-out offensive with 22 kilometers to go in the Giro della Città Metropolitana di Reggio Calabria, where he went on to take second place on the Lungomare Falcomatà.

But let’s take a step back, because Team Polti VisitMalta was a key protagonist in this southern Italian race, despite racing with one rider less due to Aidan Buttigieg’s injury. The squad, directed from the team car by Stefano Zanatta, took control of the long ascent to Piano Maschera, neutralized the early breakaway and initiated a new one in the descent featuring Fernando Tercero and five other riders. At kilometer 105, when one of them launched a solo move, Tercero and the rest opted to sit up and wait for the peloton, which then reeled in the lone leader at the top of Monte Sant’Elia.

On the flat run-in, with mild weather and a useful tailwind, there was a sharp acceleration from Finn (Italian National Team) followed by the 27-year-old from Polti VisitMalta and Colnaghi (VF Bardiani) who ultimately crossed the line first. In the sprint for the remaining top spots, Javier Serrano placed 9th while several teammates narrowly missed out on the top-10.

Bais: “It was a race of attacks and counterattacks, breakaways and chases. Even though I came straight from the Pays de la Loire where I crashed on the first day, I found the right moment to follow Finn when he jumped. We went full gas all the way, and even though there’s a bit of regret when you come so close and don’t win, I’m happy with the podium and with the form I’m building for the important races ahead.”

Zanatta: “We came here aiming for a result and we played our cards very well. We were aware of Colnaghi’s speed, so we’re satisfied with Davide’s final position, with two riders among the ten best-placed riders, and with the overall team effort — Tercero, Martín, De Cassan (12th) and the returning Crescioli and Serrano all did a great job. After the 2nd places from Lonardi and Peñalver in France and China, this is our third runner-up finish of the week. It shows we’re on the right path to hit the big target, starting with the Giro d’Abruzzo from Tuesday.”