Aleksandr Vlasov explains why Ilan Van Wilder won Tre Valli Varesine: "The cooperation in the group with favorites was difficult"

In the Tre Valli Seresine, won by Ilan Van Wilder, Aleksandr Vlasov finished third. The Russian from BORA-hansgrohe looked back on his race with Eurosport after the 196 kilometer race in Lombardy.

"It was a difficult day. Actually, we would go for Sergio Higuita in the team. He was the leader on duty. I had more of a free role," said the Eastern European. "In the end it went quite well and I finished in a nice third place."

When Van Wilder took off, the rest of the favorites remained in the saddle. This resulted in the Belgian youngster opening up a large gap in no time and ultimately being able to solo to victory. "We were in a difficult position. The cooperation in the group with favorites was difficult," says the 27-year-old climber.

Il Lombardia will be held on Saturday, October 7. Vlasov is one of the top favorites, as he himself agrees. "The shape is there, so that's nice. Hopefully I'll get there."