For the first time, the Pisa-Volterra race for juniors concluded in the historic center and the magnificent Piazza dei Priori, a popular tourist destination. Unfortunately, the heavy rain and wind made the final stretch on stone from Porta San Francesco to the finish line challenging. Standing out above all was the 16-year-old Australian Monty Manion from Asd Coratti, a Lazio-based team, and younger brother of Nicholas Vinnie, recent winner of the Giro della Valdera stage race for juniors.

A mountain bike enthusiast like his older brother, Manion was incredibly lively and brilliant from mid-race onwards. In the final uphill section from Saline to Volterra (about 10 km), he took the lead alongside Tuscan champion Favilli and Florentine rider Pavi Degl'Innocenti (who dropped back during the climb), while only the Prato rider Spanio remained with Manion. Another acceleration saw the Australian break away alone, crossing the finish line with arms raised in this classic race that celebrated its 30th anniversary with a finish in the historic center, also serving as the Ettore Stefanucci Memorial, honoring a long-time president of Coltano Grube, the organizing society. An irresistible winner, with many compliments also to Spanio, who fought with grit until the end and finished 2nd, followed by Fiacco, Abella, Ferraro, Fogli, and Scappini. 105 junior riders started from the Coltano velodrome.

FINAL STANDINGS

1) Monty Manion (Asd Coratti) km 75,300, in 2h04'21", average speed 36.333 km/h; 2) Marco Spanio (Iperfinish) at 26"; 3) Andrea Fiacco (Work Service Coratti) at 32"; 4) Gabriele Abella (Gi Esse Pro Cycling) at 35"; 5) Lorenzo Ferraro (Work Service Coratti); 6) Fogli; 7) Scappini at 40"; 8) Cappelletti Tamashiro; 9) Gabbrielleschi; 10) Limonta.