Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali

Forli – the town formerly ruled by the famous Caterina Sforza, one of the Renaissance’s most powerful women – welcomed the peloton, just like in recent years, for the final stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. It was an intense day of racing, animated in the first half by Pascal Eenkhoorn, in the breakaway for the third consecutive stage, and Federico Savino, whose efforts helped them stay at the front until the last 80 kilometers.

Once the catch was made, the peloton continued as one until they began climbing Rocca delle Caminate, the last ascent of the day. It was there that Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) attacked, taking a solo win in Forli, where a small group containing Viktor Soenens arrived some 40 seconds later. The 19-year-old Belgian – a member of the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team – had another impressive outing, not just on Saturday, but throughout the entire week, and this helped him gradually move up on the general classification, where he finished 11th, just a couple of seconds behind the top ten.

“I’m really happy with this result. It’s nice to have the confirmation after Spain, especially in a race where the level was higher. It was good to ride with the World Tour team, learn from the more experienced riders. I am thankful and grateful for this result, and I’m looking forward to the next races”, said Viktor, who earlier this season took eighth overall and the best young rider jersey in O Gran Camiño.

Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images