After his second place a year ago, the former European champion won the classic organized by PP Sport Events beating four breakaway companions.
"It was an unlucky season, every time I set my sights on a goal I got one, this victory was really needed".
Season closing at Veneto Classic.
VICENZA. Last year he had been anticipated only by the Belgian Meurisse, this time Matteo Trentin did not fail: the 85th Giro del Veneto finally shines in his palmares. After 160 kilometers, five riders played for the victory to compete for the classic in the sprint, the UAE Team Emirates rider was the fastest on paper and he was also the fastest on the asphalt of via Roma: first Trentin, second Rochas, third Vercher.
After the meeting in Prato della Valle, 115 riders representing 20 teams took off (literally) at the official start in via dell'Armistizio in Padua. Among them: Uae Team Emirates, Astana Qazaqstan Team, Trek Segafredo, Lotto Soudal, Cofidis, Time BikeExchange Jaico, Israel Premier Tech and Alpecin Deceuninck. All eyes, needless to say, were on Mathieu Van der Poel, who remained in Veneto after taking third place in the Gravel World Championship last Sunday.
After ten kilometers, the attack by the Belgian Robeet of Bingoal Pawvels, the Vicenza native Zurlo of Zalf Euromobil Desirèe Fior and the Frenchman Vercher of TotalEnergies took shape. Pietrobon of Eolo Kometa was also with them, until he was slowed down by a fall.
The first hour of the race went by at an average speed of 46 kilometers per hour. The advantage of the three reached a peak of 4’30”. With the Euganean Hills behind them and the Berici Hills in front, the first climbs in the Vicenza area are tackled: Ca’ Lerna, Bocca d’Ansiesa, Perarolo. It is here that the escapees see their advantage reduced by a small group of twelve pursuers, which also includes Matteo Trentin, Diego Ulissi and Davide Formolo (Uae Team Emirates), Alessandro De Marchi (Israel Premier Tech) and Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana Qazaqstan). Upon first entering the city of Vicenza, the reunion takes place and 15 riders are in the lead. Meanwhile, Mathieu Van der Poel’s withdrawal is reported.
There are 14 left in the lead after Jay Vine, the revelation climber of the Vuelta, raises the white flag. The climb to Arcugnano is for the last time, Ulissi puts himself at the service of Trentin, while Cofidis leads the pursuit of the group. At the top of the hill, Trentin, Lopez, De Marchi, Rochas and Vercher escape. Rochas tries to get ahead and Trentin is in his wake, ready to overtake him in the sprint.
WINNER'S STATEMENTS
"Today I played my chances in the best way. I must say that I was helped a lot by the team and in particular by an exceptional teammate, Diego Ulissi. My two sports directors, Fabio Baldato and Marco Marcato, live in these parts and know the route meter by meter. We decided to push around the 80th kilometer, in a point that lent itself to making the difference, and we managed to escape. We tried to make the others work. In the final breakaway I was particularly afraid of Alessandro De Marchi, when he started I closed immediately, I couldn't let him escape. 2022 was not an easy year - added Trentin -, every time I got into shape, then I had a problem. I've been fine for a few months, I really wanted this victory". For Trentin, the last event of the season will be the Veneto Classic, scheduled for Sunday. "Afterwards I'll go on holiday happy".
The Giro del Veneto program ended with a leap back in time of 50 years. During the awards ceremony in Viale Roma, the mayor of Vicenza Francesco Rucco presented a plaque on behalf of the city to Marino Basso, world champion 50 years ago. Another short ceremony shortly after in the Stucchi room at Palazzo Trissino, in the presence of Francesco Moser.
Ride The Dreamland 2022 continues on Friday 14 October with Serenissima Gravel, from the Po Delta to Piazzola sul Brenta, on Saturday 15 October with the social ride VENEtoGO, with the participation of Sonni Colbrelli, Fabian Cancellara and Fabio Aru and, grand finale, on Sunday 16 October with the second edition of Veneto Classic, 199 kilometers from Treviso to Bassano del Grappa.
FINISHING ORDER
1 – Matteo Trentin (UAE Team Emirates), 159,8 km in 3:37:54, media 44,001
2 – Rémy Rochas (Cofidis) a 1”
3 – Matteo Vercher (TotalEnergies) a 2”
4 – Miguel Angel Lopez Moreno (Astana Qazaqstan)
5 – Alessandro De Marchi (Israel Premier Tech) a 4”
6 – Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) a 21”
7 – Nicola Conci (Alpecin Deceuninck)
8 – Davide Bais (Eolo-Kometa)
9 – Alexandre Balmer (BikeExchange Jayco)
10 – Andrea Kron (Lotto Soudal)
