He was the most anticipated rider at the eve of the race and did not disappoint expectations: Alessandro Covi took advantage of the great work by his UAE Emirates XRG - Oliveira was excellent - and put his signature on the first stage of the Abruzzo Tour, starting from Scerni and concluding in the heart of Crecchio after 151 kilometers of racing. The 1998 rider from Varese conquered his fourth career victory, preceding Filippo Fiorelli from VF Group Bardiani CSF Faizané and Alessandro Fancellu from JCL Team Ukyo, with George Bennett from Israel Premier Tech in fourth place.

THE STAGE - After a fast start, at the twentieth kilometer of the race, three men break away: Cristian Remelli, a 19-year-old from Mantua of General Store - Essegibi - F.Lli Curia, second-placed at Coppa San Geo; Diego Bracalente, a 20-year-old from MBH Bank Ballan CSB and Matteo Zurlo, a 26-year-old from Bassano of S.C. Padovani Polo Cherry Bank. A few kilometers later, the Finnish rider Sampo Malinen, a '99 class athlete who this year defends the colors of Monzon - Incolor - Gub by Stefano Giuliani, escapes to chase the leading trio.

The peloton lets them go and, almost disinterested, accumulates a 5'20" delay. Then, around the fiftieth kilometer, it attempts a reaction, reducing the gap and just before Guardiagrele catches Sampo Malinen, forcing him back into the ranks. Zurlo, Bracalente, and Ramelli continue by mutual agreement and present themselves in order at the GPM climb of Bocca di Valle.

About seventy kilometers from the finish, on a descent with hairpin turns, the young Remelli crashes. He returns to pedaling shortly after but fails to rejoin his breakaway companions and is soon caught by the peloton. Arriving 55 kilometers from the finish, Bracalente and Zurlo form the leading duo with a 2'30" advantage over the group. Ben Granger from MG K.Vis launches in pursuit, but the entire group, with thirty kilometers to go, first returns to the Briton and then to the two courageous early escapees.

Entering the last twenty kilometers of the race, attacks begin, the main group selects itself, and eight riders remain at the front: Louis Meintjes (Intermarché - Wanty), Luca Cretti (MBH Bank Ballan CSB), Damien Howson (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), Harm Vanhoucke (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), Alessandro Tonelli (Team Polti VisitMalta), Ludovico Crescioli (Team Polti VisitMalta), Ivo Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates - XRG), Martin Marcellusi (VF Group - Bardiani CSF - Faizanè).

The advantage is not sufficient to worry the favorites. UAE Team Emirates, Tudor, and Visit Malta keep the pace high and target the leading group, which in the meantime has lost some units. Under the 7 kilometers to arrival arch, the group of the best returns compact, and the "Puma of Taino" prepares to strike the winning blow. A very long sprint, all opponents behind, and arms raised to celebrate a new victory after the one obtained at the 2022 Giro d'Italia at Passo Fedaia.

Tomorrow at the start of Tocco da Casauria / Penne, Covi will present himself wearing the leader's jersey, 4" ahead of Filippo Fiorelli and 6" ahead of Alessandro Fancellu.

FINISH ORDER

1. Covi Alessandro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) in 03:34:10

2. Fiorelli Filippo (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè)

3. Fancellu Alessandro (JCL Team Ukyo)

4. Bennett George (Israel Premier Tech Academy)

5. Brenner Marco (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)

6. Marcellusi Martin (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè)

7. Raccani Simone (JCL Team Ukyo)

8. Howson Damien (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team)

9. Conti Valerio (Solution Tech-Vini Fantini)

10. Rondel Mathys (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Covi Alessandro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) in 03:34:10

2. Fiorelli Filippo (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) at 4"

3. Fancellu Alessandro (JCL Team Ukyo) at 6"

4. Bennett George (Israel Premier Tech Academy) at 10"

5. Brenner Marco (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)

6. Marcellusi Martin (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè)

7. Raccani Simone (JCL Team Ukyo)

8. Howson Damien (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team)

9. Conti Valerio (Solution Tech-Vini Fantini)

10. Rondel Mathys (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)

updating

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