As Mareczko abandons, Mathieu van der Poel confirms stage wins become main goal

Alpecin-Fenix have had a very eventful day, as Stefano Oldani seeked a stage win in the slopes of Mount Etna. The Italian's plan didn't prove successful, however he's shown good form which will come useful for the team's new plans of chasing stage wins alongside Mathieu van der Poel. With Jakub Mareczko abandoning during today's stage - due to a late call to the race and lack of specific preparation - the sprints will no longer be a priority.

As for the Dutchman, he let off the pace as soon as the ascent to Mount Etna began and lost the pink jersey, as "it was difficult to keep pink, that's how realistic I am, and I decided to go at my own pace from the foot." After his win on the opening day, the Alpecin-Fenix rider has carried the race lead however today was too mountainous for van der Poel to keep the pink jersey in the view of most.

He attempted to join the breakaway early on, as he was aware the breakaway would have the day's success. However, he found difficulties: "I tried to jump in an escapee group, but they wouldn't let me," he said - having had been marked by Biniam Girmay upon attacking early in the day. The team didn't commit to any sort of chasing, as Stefano Oldani led the team's hopes until late in the day as he led the race for half of the final ascent.

“Stefano Oldani did well in the break after that. Now I have my focus on the coming days. The main goal is stage wins. My goal is not the purple points jersey, but if I'm in good shape in the final week then I can go for it," he added. Whether van der Poel will target the bunch sprints is to be seen today, however there will be some opportunities for him to battle for stages later on in the race.