During the penultimate stage, the riders tackled 3,400 altitude metres, with the final ascent of the Frontignano as the ultimate challenge. Eight strong riders formed the early breakaway and took a maximum lead of five minutes. Halfway up the final climb, the escapees were reeled in by the reduced peloton.
Uijtdebroeks soon found himself in a difficult position. The young Belgian did not have the best day and had to concede a lot of time on his competitors. "It just didn’t go well. I’m very disappointed", was his first reaction. Yates, riding his first race of the season in Italy, also had no answer to Ayuso’s attack. He eventually finished 14th. In the general classification, he also holds the 16th spot.
"Simon is showing an upward trend."
Marc Reef
"It should be clear that we started with more ambitions than how we are now", race coach Marc Reef said. "Simon is at least showing an upward trend. Although he hasn’t had an ideal run-up, he seems to be getting better and better. I think he can look forward to the next period with confidence. With Cian, disappointment prevails at the moment. We will have to see what exactly is going on."
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