Published on : 05/18/2022
The Italian sprinter, who already had 3 top 10 finishes in this Giro, has done a great sprint. In the streets of Reggio Emilia, he took 3rd place, just a few centimeters behind the winner, Alberto Dainese. Well protected by all his team-mates, Guillaume Martin keeps the 6th place overall.
Anyone who likes to get on a bike and take to the roads knows that every pedal stroke and every kilometre is no picnic. This is even more the case in the middle of a big Tour and even more so when you have to ride 203 km. This 11th stage between Santarcangelo di Romagna and Reggio Emilia was indeed the second longest of this Giro.
First podium for Simone Consonni
Of course, there were no difficulties to face and the outcome was already known: a bunch sprint. But as always, vigilance and concentration are required. The Cofidis team worked hard to support Guillaume Martin at the front of the peloton during the whole day. Then, the sprinters of the team took over. After 3 Top 10 finishes in the beginning of the Giro, Simone Consonni, well placed in the wheels of the sprinters, took the 3rd place. This is his best result in this Giro 2022.
Tomorrow, the road will climb
After this long day, the stages will be steeper and more dedicated to the climbers. Until the next rest day on Monday, 12 climbs are scheduled. And it all starts tomorrow, between Parma and Genoa, on the longest stage of this Giro 2022. Over the 204km, there will be a long climb to the Passo del Bocco before a new climb to Monte Becco. A profile that could be suitable for a long breakaway where surprises could be in store.
THEY SAID
Simone Consonni, 3rd: "It wasn't an easy day because the wind was strong and we were all apprehensive about having to deal with the edges. We tried to put Guillaume in a good position to avoid this risk. I was in a good position in the last kilometre and I tried to make a good sprint. I felt good, I was well placed but it wasn't enough to win. I am still very happy with this third place which shows that I am in good shape. We have to stay focused and try to fight for victory tomorrow. This is the main objective for the team and for me. "
Guillaume Martin: "Today we knew it was a tricky day and we took it seriously. There was a lot of wind, a fairly urban course, we couldn't take this stage, even if it was flat, lightly. We stayed together at the front all day and were very vigilant. I would like to thank my team-mates who made a lot of effort to avoid the traps and to allow me to spend a relatively calm day. Simone's third place is a reward for the team's efforts. It's a great day for the team!
Tomorrow, there should be no change. It's a perfect stage for a breakaway and we'll also have our cards to play."
Roberto Damiani, Directeur Sportif: "It was the goal of the day to fully protect Guillaume in a flat but very dangerous stage with the wind and the risk of a crash. The team worked really well around Guillaume and Simone for the final sprint. It is important to value this good work. For his part, Simone took a superb 3rd place. He shows his good condition and his progression on this Giro. It's a great day and it gives us a lot of confidence for the days to come."