Heartbreak for Santiago Buitrago in Cogne: "Let’s see if there are other opportunities in the last week"

Young Santiago Buitrago is having a breakthrough season at Bahrain - Victorious, and today he was close to his first Grand Tour victory. Despite a strong performance, the Colombian crossed the line in tears after finishing second to Giulio Ciccone.

“It was another day in the breakaway, and it was really hard to get away," he said. Rightfully so, the breakaway took over an hour of racing to set off, however when it did the peloton never seemed too keen on bringing it back. Away from the responsibilities of working towards Mikel Landa and Pello Bilbao's GC aspirations, the 22-year old had his opportunity to succeed.

He had the legs to follow the attacks of Giulio Ciccone in the second ascent of the day, however in the final climb the Italian's power proved too much in the opening kilometers. He caught up with Hugh Carthy, and eventually went solo for what was a strong second place. However he was visibly sad over the finish, and fought tears when asked by reporters about his thoughts on the day.

"Finally, Ciccone was too strong, and I ended up in second place. Obviously, I’m disappointed not to have won the stage, but it is also an important second place for me," he said. The team has some depth which will be valuable on the third week, however Buitrago is likely to be more focused in support for the team's podium ambitions. Still, he concludes with a sign that he may have another shot: "Let’s see if there are other opportunities in the last week."