The Tour of Algeria, which concluded with the final triumph of local rider Hamza Amari, was Thomas Bolognesi's first Under 23 race. Ten days, ten stages, 1403 kilometers. Among African stage races, this is considered the most challenging due to wind and long, endless straights adjacent to the desert. Starting from Guelma and final arrival at Hassin Messaoud, a city located in the Wilaya of Ouargla in central-eastern Algeria.

Bolognesi, 19 years old from Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna of Technipes #inEmiliaRomagna, was among the race protagonists: with three fourth places, a fifth, two sixths and a ninth, he was the best performer in his team, which in Algeria was led by former professional and Under 23 world champion Francesco Chicchi. Even before the Tour, Bolognesi had nearly reached the podium at the Grand Prix Sakiat Sidi Youcef, finishing fourth.

"It was a beautiful experience," Bolognesi recounts, "challenging but at the same time rewarding and promising for the continuation of my season. The wind was the master, so in the plains we were pulling, me and my teammates, and perhaps we did more than others. I tried in every sprint, but the Algerian riders are truly very strong and fierce. I swear I tried to surprise them, but the athletes from Continental Madar Pro Cycling, who in their parts are considered a powerhouse, dominated."

Bolognesi and the other Technipes #inEmiliaRomagna riders yesterday competed in the Gran Premio Sonatrach (112 km) where Matteo Gabelloni conquered an excellent sixth place, Luca Bagnara the 12th, Polish rider Adam Bronakowski in 16th place while Bolognesi stopped in 26th position, 3' behind the winner: 29th Luca Martignago.

"Blame the wind, which around here is a characteristic of cycling races. I had to chase all day, I arrived tired at the finish line, but the day was positive considering that more than half the group withdrew. I would say that as a team we defended ourselves well, with some attacks, then Gabelloni managed to get into the top ten, conquering a precious sixth place".

The Romagnolo team's Algerian campaign, which began last February 8th at the Grand Prix Sakiat Sidi Youcef, will end tomorrow with participation in the Grand Prix de La Ville D'Alger, class 1.2.