photo credits @ RSC
Davide Bais (Eolo-Kometa) claimed an impressive win in stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia today, after the Neo-pro soloed to victory atop the summit finish of the Gran Sasso d’Italia.
Bais rode out of a 200km-plus breakaway effort alongside Simone Petilli (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) and Karel Vacek (Corratec-Selle Italia), before executing his winning move with 200 meters to go.
Even when the escapee’s lead exceeded 20 minutes, no one expected it would hold. But, the trio held on, delivering a miracle win for Bais.
Meanwhile, there was almost no movement among the GC favorites until Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) opened up in the closing kilometer. Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) was glued to his wheel, and there were no conclusions to draw from the dampened day of racing.
Overnight leader Andreas Leknessund (Team DSM) was more than happy with the stage dynamics and finished with the main bunch to stay another day in pink.
Race Highlights
Strong winds buffeted the peloton as it tapped away behind the leading trio. The gap was shrinking, but it wasn’t shrinking fast enough.
The four riders peeled away early, while the surviving three rode at the front for more than 200km to hit 10km to go with a lead north of six minutes.
The long, grinding climb to Gran Sasso didn’t really present a chance to break up the peloton.
There were some late-stage flares when the last 5km kicked up, but the breakaway defied the odds.
The Giro continues tomorrow with a 207km eighth stage from Terni to Fossombrone. The stage ends with a circuit course, hitting the Cat. 2 Monte delle Cesane (7.8km at 6.5%) once, and the Cat. 4 I Cappuccini (2.8km à 7.9%) twice.
With Sunday’s looming time trial, the profile suits a non-threatening breakaway to have a chance for the spoils.
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