CYCLING – Team Bahrain Victorious are set to compete today in Gran Piemonte in Italy – the traditional classic before the final ‘Monument’ of the season, Il Lombardia.
This year, the event will serve as especially fitting preparation for riders targeting ‘The Race of the Falling Leaves’, as the course does not favour the fast men. Today’s 109th edition runs 179.4km from Dogliani to Acqui Terme, with 2,743 metres of elevation-gain and four categorised climbs.
“In past editions, the course was often easier and suited more to sprinters,” explains Bahrain Victorious sports director Roman Kreuziger. “This year, they’ve designed a very demanding route in a beautiful area, with a hilly and technical profile.
“Riders will face narrow, twisting roads and constant undulations, which will make the race exciting. It will be perfect for riders with a good punch and climbing ability, especially on the tough final circuit.
“Positioning on the smaller roads will be vital. We have a mixed line-up, with riders like Robert Stannard and Fred Wright suited to the flatter sections, alongside some strong climbers.
“I strongly believe Lenny Martinez didn’t have his best day on Tuesday at Tre Valli, but in Gran Piemonte he should be ready to follow the best on the steep three-km climb which averages around nine per cent.
“If it comes down to a reduced bunch sprint, we have Edoardo Zambanini, who has shown excellent form recently, and Matej Mohoric, who is also eager to perform ahead of Sunday’s Gravel World Championships.
“It’s a well-balanced team, with Damiano Caruso as road captain. We’ve made a last-minute change after Nicolo Buratti’s crash at Bernocchi – he will be replaced for Gran Piemonte by Rainer Kepplinger, who is returning to racing. It’s great to see him back, and I’m confident he can show his strength on the climbs.”
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