Eternal model teammate Simone Petilli achieved his first professional podium on the occasion of the seventh stage of the Tour of Italy this Friday, thanks to a long breakaway to the top of Campo Imperatore.
The climber of the World Team was the prime mover of the breakaway, which escaped just after the start of the stage. The group of four riders gained a comfortable advantage, culminating to more than 13 minutes.
As best placed rider in the breakaway, 7 minutes 49 down on pink jersey Leknessund, Petilli spent most of the day in the virtual lead of the Tour of Italy.
The leading group lost one element on the first climb of the day towards Roccaraso, with its top more than 100 kilometer before the finish. Despite this, the trio composed of Petilli, Vacek and Bais started the final 40 kilometer on the flanks of Gran Sasso d’Italia with an advantage of more than 10 minutes.
The three men battled for the stage win and after an effort of more than six hours, Simone Petilli reached the top at more than 2100 meters of altitude in third position.
In this way, he offered Intermarché-Circus-Wanty a first podium in this Giro and became the fifth different rider of the team of Jean-François Bourlart to finish in the top ten of a stage.
« In contrary to my numerous attempts in the fourth stage towards Lago Laceno, I quickly obtained a ticket for the early breakaway today. We knew that it would be a difficult day for the breakaway, especially because it was composed of only four riders. At the start of this Tour of Italy, I dreamed of wearing the pink jersey and for a long time today it seemed like my wish could come true today, but in the end Team DSM didn't offer us this privilege. I worked hard in the breakaway to maintain our advantage, the cooperation was good. In retrospect, I probably have been too generous with my efforts to keep enough power to sprint to the victory in the final hectometers. The predominant feeling at the finish is disappointment. We were close to achieving our goal for this Giro, but the team and myself are determined to keep trying! »
