After the most prestigious classics in the Under category, the World Championships of his age group, the stages and the general classification of the Giro d'Italia Next Gen, at the Sibiu Tour Lorenzo Mark Finn has added another important achievement to his rising path of growth towards the heights of international cycling by securing the first professional victory of his career.

To accomplish this, the nineteen-year-old Italian raced with authority towards the first uphill finish of the Romanian stage race, attacking almost from the start of the concluding climb towards the finish line at Păltiniș Arena where, releasing a justified roar of satisfaction, he arrived solo after dropping everyone and holding off, in the final section, the determined Byron Munton behind him.

In this way Finn, who became the youngest stage winner in the history of the Transylvanian race, was able to add to his collection a result that was missing (but was destined to be added) to his palmares, celebrating it, the cherry on top, in front of his mother Chiara, his father Peter and his girlfriend Fabiana who, after not missing following him during the Giro d'Italia a few weeks ago, rushed to Romania to continue supporting him up close.

"It's really nice to have my family here, it's a first pro victory that I'll remember for a long time. Yes, it's special, I'm super happy" Finn told us before collecting jerseys on the podium where, among others, he also received the symbol of the general classification lead which, over the next 48 hours, he will try to defend from potential attacks by the riders closest to him in the standings.

"Who should I keep an eye on? I think today's finishing order and the classification speak pretty clearly. The riders who finished ahead today will be the ones to watch out for tomorrow. Munton? Today he was always there ten seconds back and he maintained them all the way to the top, so he went strong" said Lorenzo, called upon tomorrow (like everyone) for another important effort on the steep slopes of the Transfăgărășan, one of the most beautiful roads in Europe which, once again, will be the setting for a finish (at the 2035 meters of Bălea Lac) that is decidedly anticipated and spectacular.

To listen to the full statements released to us by Finn at the end of the stage, we refer you to the next episode of our Bla Bla Bike podcast.

Photo Credit: Focus Photos Agency