Published on : 10/03/2020
Today the team made its first laps at the Giro, ten years after its last participation. Regardless of complicated by the wind conditions, the Cofidis riders managed to be in the front of the race. Nicolas Edet crashed but was able to get back on time. Tomorrow already, the road will rise up.
The movements are confident, meticulous and identical in each time trial. The riders refine their work at home trainings: they take off from a ramp and try to find the best approach. The mechanics prepare the bikes at dawn. It's a historic moment for the Cofidis team: it's been ten years since they last took part in the Giro d'Italia.
Nicolas Edet, a fall without gravity
Quickly, it was necessary to dive into the race and face the particularly delicate conditions, mainly due to a strong wind whose intensity has not diminished since the beginning of the day. As a result, and in agreement with De Rosa and the sports management, three riders decided to set off with road bikes.
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With these conditions, it was hard not to take risks, especially when the strong wind was sideways," said Marco Mathis, the first Cofidis racer to start. A little later, Nicolas Edet slipped on the course but managed to get back and finish within the time limit. Even if his fall was not serious, Nicolas Edet will have to undergo additional tests at the end of the afternoon. Elia Viviani, who was the last Cofidis rider to start, found that he was still popular in his home country, which is an encouraging sign for the future.
IN ELIA VIVIANI WHEEL
"I tried to make my best all the way throughout the stage. We had identified the dangerous parts of the root and we didn't want to take any risks. But I really wanted to start this Giro well to be ready for the next stages. The sensations are good and the atmosphere on these roads is fantastic with all the fans around. Tomorrow it starts for real!"