After the Giro d'Italia Next Gen and the Slovenian Elite Championship, the nineteen-year-old Jakob Omrzel triumphs in the 53rd International Capodarco Grand Prix for the Under 23 category. The Slovenian talent from Bahrain Victorious Development preceded Czech rider Pavel Novak (MBHBank Ballan CSB Colpack) by a few meters, with both breaking away on the final climb leading to the Capodarco finish line. Cesare Chesini, also from MBHBank Ballan CSB Colpack, completed the podium. Matteo Scalco (VF Group Bardiani Csf Faizan) finished fourth, and local rider Diego Bracalente (MBHBank Ballan CSB Colpack) came in fifth.

In memory of Gaetano Gazzoli, to whom a stele was dedicated near the one commemorating Fabio Casartelli, 176 riders representing 36 teams, 12 of which were foreign, took to the start.

After the unofficial start from the Casartelli Monument, the official start took place on the Porto San Giorgio seafront in the presence of local and regional authorities.

The race was very fast in the first flat section, where sprint hunters distinguished themselves with a ten-rider breakaway that characterized the first part of the race.

With continuous changes in the lead, a group of 14 athletes controlled the situation with two laps to go, passing the Capodarco Wall twice. With 5 kilometers to go, Novak and Elia Andreaus (Bahrain Victorious Team Devo) attacked. From behind, Omrzel managed to catch the two and defend his advantage on the most challenging section of the wall, just enough to arrive solo at the final finish line. With the podium completed behind him by Novak and Chesini, the fifth place went to local rider Diego Bracalente from Casette d'Ete (MBH Bank Colpack CSB Ballan), who rode an aggressive race on home roads.

A comprehensive spectacle: the Capodarco Grand Prix is not just a race, it's a celebration for the entire community, a story continuing full sail thanks to Simone Gazzoli and Adriano Spinozzi, who proudly carry forward the legacy left by Gaetano Gazzoli on behalf of the entire Capodarco Cycling Group - Capodarco Community.

FINAL STANDINGS

1 Omrzel Jakob Bahrain Victorious Development Team 04:06:10

2 Novak Pavel MBH Bank Ballan CSB + 08

3 Chesini Cesare MBH Bank Ballan CSB + 11

4 Scalco Matteo VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizan + 19

5 Bracalente Diego MBH Bank Ballan CSB + 22