Colorado, Conti is 8th in Denver

Stage 3 of the Colorado Classic, 127,8 km with start and arrival in Denver and two categorized hills, was suitable for climbers and Conti demonstrated his skills, obtaining the 8th place at 55″ to the winner Tvetcov.

The race was immediately enlivened by an attack of 13 riders after 9 km in the race: Conti was in this leading group and he also counter-attacked on the climb of Coal Creek Canyon (50,5 km).
The action of Conti and other two riders was neutralized in the downhill and Tvetcov and Senni sized the moment for going clear and reaching the arrival: the Romanian cyclist won the stage, the Italian one became the leader of the general classification (Laengen is the best placed for UAE Team Emirates, 9th at 2’21”).

“I usually suffer the altitude and today we climbed up to 2800 meters, however I had pretty good feelings and I my legs supported me properly and gave me the opportunity to attack – Conti explained – In the descent, the road were wet and the chasers bridged the gap from our leading trio”

Stage 4, Denver-Denver of 120,7 km, will be the last one of the American race (photo Bettini).

Stage 3 results
1 Serghei Tvetcov (Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis) 3h02’45”
2 Manuel Senni (BMC) 1″
3 Travis McCabe (UnitedHealtcare) 54″
8 Valerio Conti (UAE Team Emirates) 55″

General classification after stage 3
1 Manuel Senni (BMC) 9h27’45”
2 Serghei Tvetcov (Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis) 15″
3 Alex Howes (Cannondale Drapac) 31″
9 Vegard Stake Laengen (UAE Team Emirates) 2’21”