Conti shows strong kick for Tirreno-Adriatico stage finish

Valerio Conti (UAE Team Emirates) took a seat at the big table in Tirreno-Adriatico, taking sixth place in the stage won by Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) ahead of Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Team).

The group controlled the escape of five today, leaving 33 riders for the tricky finishing circuit in Pomarance. The big sprinters could not maintain their spots and so the climbers and puncheurs had their chance over the rolling final. Conti made his way, also Jan Polanc, 11th, and Rui Costa, 23rd.

Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) took the leader’s jersey with 1-19 minutes on Conti in 24th.

“I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done because all the riders who were here for the finish are strong riders at the top level“ Conti said. “This result confirms that I’m going well, I hope to take advantage of this condition over the rest of the Tirreno-Adriatico. My only regret is that I began the sprint to the line a little bit behind with respect to the front riders, I could have maybe had a better placing”.

The third stage tomorrow will be the longest of this year’s Tirreno-Adriatico, leaving Pomarance for the finish in Foligno. The big sprint stars like Fernando Gaviria will have their chance.

Stage 2 results:
1 Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Deceuninck-Quick Step 4h48’09”
2 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) CCC Team s.t.
3 Alberto Bettiol (Ita) EF s.t.
6 Valerio Conti (Ita) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

Overall classification after stage 2:
1 Adam Yates (Gbr) Mitchelton-Scott 5h10’34”
2 Brent Bookwalter (USA) Mitchelton-Scott s.t.
3 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Team Jumbo Visma 7″
24 Valerio Conti (Ita) UAE Team Emirates 1’19”