The 105th edition of the Giro dell’Emilia was again decided on the last ascent.
One of the oldest one-day races in the world, created back in 1909 – the same year the Giro d’Italia was born – Giro dell’Emilia marked Julian Alaphilippe’s first outing in more than two years in the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl regular kit, as the two-time World Champion made his first appearance at the Italian event.
Taking place over a 198.7km course, between Carpi and San Luca, the race took in seven climbs, including five ascents of the iconic 2.1km hill lying on the outskirts of Bologna, and was animated by a five-man move until with two laps to go, when they were pegged back by the reduced peloton. A small group then rode away and fought for the win on the double-digit gradients of San Luca, where Enric Mas (Movistar) emerged victorious.
With Julian Alaphilippe out of contention due to an untimely puncture with around 20 kilometers to go, Ilan Van Wilder – one of the seven members of the Wolfpack who helped Remco Evenepoel become La Vuelta champion last month – finished the day as the best Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl rider, in 15th place.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
