The GP Citta di Lugano ran its course on Sunday 2 March with Mauro Finetto (Yellow-Fluo) taking the win ahead of pre-race favourites Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani) and Diego Ulissi (Lampre) respectively.
The Swiss race saw an early move of 8 riders go clear after 20km of racing. They were able to enjoy a lead of around 6 minutes before the Italian teams started to reel them in. With 10km to go the escapees were finally caught.
Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung tried to get a man in the move early in the day, but to no avail, as Songezo Jim explains. “The plan was to try and get someone in the break. Sergio, Daniel and I missed the initial move and tried to get across but didn’t make it and came back to the bunch. Plan B was to then look after Sergio and Daniel for the final,” said Jim.
“The 2nd last lap the pace was very high and by the last lap the race was in pieces,” continued Jim. “Sergio attacked the group in the final kilometres but he couldn’t get away. Personally my legs are coming around slowly and I hope to have a good result soon,” concluded Jim.
GP Citta di Lugano (Switzerland) – (1 March/UCI1.1)
Sergio Pardilla (ESP)
Daniel Teklehaimanot (ERI)
Jani Tewelde (ERI)
Meron Russom (ERI)
Dennis van Niekerk (RSA)
Songezo Jim (RSA)
Adrien Niyonshuti (RWA)
Staff: Thomas Campana (Sports Director), Paolo Baldi (Soigneur), Raul Matias (Soigneur), Daniele Nieri (Mechanic), Andreas Black (Mechanic)
