When radio communications announced his attack, it immediately seemed like a reckless move, but Filippo d'Aiuto believed in it until the very end. The General Store rider caught the peloton off guard at the Massalengo finish line, turning a stage that on paper was made for sprinters into a beautiful upset. 

"It was a very nervous day, especially because of the wind. There were several crashes and I found myself dropped at the end of the circuit, but fortunately I managed to get back on. About 8 km from the finish, a group of about ten riders had just been caught after a split, we were practically flat out, but suddenly we eased up. Nobody in the group was moving, everyone was watching each other, especially because the wind was against us. I immediately understood it was the only possible moment to try. I believed in it until the end even though I thought they would catch me. They didn't expect anyone to be able to hold on, and I have to say things went pretty well for me," Filippo explained after crossing the line. Today's victory represents his first professional win and an excellent showcase for him and his team. 

He hasn't quite realized what happened yet. On the Massalengo straightaway, many thoughts crowded Filippo d'Aiuto's mind as he let out a liberating cry.  "In the final kilometers I gave absolutely everything. I knew I had a bit of a margin but it wasn't enough. Then with the right turn 300 meters from the finish I saw the line and that's when I started to believe a bit more. I got goosebumps and in that moment I believed in it completely. This victory gives me incredible motivation. I'm so happy, even though I don't think I've fully realized what I've accomplished yet," concluded the Friuli-born rider, who will start tomorrow from Erbusco wearing the leader's jersey. There could be other opportunities for him to try attacking, and given what he demonstrated today, we're sure he won't want to miss any chance.