Our feeder team almost made it back-to-back victories at the prestigious race.
Federico Savino came agonizingly close to becoming the first Italian in five years to take the victory at the Piccolo Il Lombardia, mere centimeters separating the 20-year-old from what would have been his second success of the season, after the one in Grote Prijs Stad Halle.
Starting and finishing in Oggiono, this 96th edition came to life on Madonna del Ghisallo, where the peloton split following a series of strong attacks. Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team was in the first group that went clear with two riders, Gauthier Sevranckx and Federico savino, the latter booking a place in what turned out to be the winning move, which went clear on Muro dell’Alpino, a short but incredibly steep climb.
On the descent, two men attacked and put 15 seconds into Savino and Embret Svestad-Bårdseng (Arkea-B&B Hotels Continental), a gap which looked to be decisive as they started the fast descent to the finish. Savino refused to give up and produced an immense effort in the closing kilometers, clawing back time and joining the duo just under the flamme rouge. On the finishing straight, Federico waited for the last 150 meters to pounce, unleashing a powerful sprint that almost netted him the win, a hair’s width separating him from Brieuc Rolland (Equipe Continentale Groupama-FDJ), who prevailed after 170 kilometers.
“I have mixed feelings about today, because for a moment there, I thought I that had won, which would have been amazing, but then, to find out I was actually second just before the podium ceremony was disappointing. On the other hand, I will try to keep my chin up and look on the good things of today, such as feeling strong the entire race and being in the top three for my team, who believed and supported me”, said Federico after the finish.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
