Ilan Van Wilder is sixth overall after the first two stages.
Filippo Zana came close to his fourth podium of the season Thursday afternoon, when the breakaway managed to survive for a handful of seconds and fight for victory in Locarno, where the second stage of the race concluded. It was also thanks to his efforts that the small group made it, as a late-ditch attack just as the chasers were closing in helped the five-man move make it for a few seconds.
The former Italian Champion was part of the large 14-rider breakaway that built a three-minute buffer and somehow arrived at the bottom of the first climb with more than one minute in hand despite a furious chase behind. The two hills that came in quick succession made a selection, both in the front group and the bunch, and Zana - one of the strongest riders of this stage was at all times there - continued to dig deep and eventually came away with fourth on the stage.
“It was hot and hard, but I was determined to make it into the breakaway. We worked really well together and believed in our chances of going all the way, and that’s what kept us going. Inside the final kilometers, our advantage came down, but we survived for a few seconds. I did my best in that reduced sprint, but I didn’t have much left after this tough day. Nevertheless, I’m happy with my day at the front and with being named most combative rider of the stage”, Filippo said after the podium ceremony.
In the general classification, Ilan Van Wilder continues to be Soudal Quick-Step’s best placed rider, sitting in sixth with three stages to go.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
