The 49th Giro della Lunigiana opens with a "first time": Anatol Friedl has signed the first stage victory for Austria in the history of the race. The two-time European MTB champion attacked downhill from Bocco Pass together with Riccardo Del Cucina (Lunigiana Representative). The pair was caught near the center of Chiavari by Belgian Seff Van Kerckhove, who was the protagonist of the final action.

The Belgian opened the sprint, but in the final meters he was overtaken by Friedl, who conquered both the victory and the Green Jersey. The main group finished 12" back, led by Magagnotti, with the top 5 completed by Piedmontese rider Scagliola. (complete standings in the attachment)

GENERAL STANDINGS

1 - Anatol Friedl (Austria)
2 - Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium) s.t.
3 - Riccardo Del Cucina (Lunigiana Rep.) s.t.

FINISH ORDER

1 - Anatol Friedl (Austria), 92.4 km in 2h15'24" at an average of 40.950 km/h
2 - Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium) at 4"
3 - Riccardo Del Cucina (Lunigiana Rep.) at 6"

STATEMENTS

Anatol Friedl: "It's a great satisfaction to be the first Austrian to win at the Giro della Lunigiana. I'm going through an excellent period and this result confirms my condition. We pushed hard on the toughest part of the climb, then Del Cucina and I attacked downhill, making the difference. Van Kerckhove came back and launched a very long sprint, but I managed to overtake him. Tomorrow will be a difficult stage, the final circuit is selective: I hope to be ready".

Seff Van Kerckhove: "I felt good on the climb, but I almost crashed and lost positions. I managed to get back and fight for the stage. This result gives me confidence for the next few days".

Riccardo Del Cucina: "I thought I could do it, but I made a mistake on the last turn and lost the chance to win. I'm still satisfied with third place because the level is very high. Norway kept the group together for long stretches, then attacks started on the final climb. The Light Blue Jersey is a goal: I hope to defend it for as long as possible".