Jay Vine "looking forward to the Italian classics" as he returns to peloton following breakthrough Vuelta

Jay Vine has had a breakthrough Vuelta a Espana, but abandoned inside the final week with a harsh crash and a wrist injury. It was a unlucky way to finish a brilliant race, but the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is looking to turn the tables around towards the end of the season.

“I took a week off after the Vuelta, so my wrist could recover. I was able to train well at altitude and I'm looking forward to the Italian classics," Vine told CyclingPro before the start of the Giro dell'Emilia. The Australian didn't complete the race, with only two Alpecin-Deceuninck riders crossing the line.

Vine had shown heavy promises of world-class talent, however had all pieces of the puzzle fitting at the Vuelta a Espana, where he won two mountain stages in the opening week, and was well within control of the KOM classification as he kept his form throughout the race. On the 18th stage he was forced to abandon following a crash however.

“After the Vuelta, the focus was immediately on these races. I didn't want my season to end at the beginning of September, so I gave everything to maintain my form and move on to Italy," Vine continued.

"...We have a good team with us and start with the win two days ago with high expectations," he concluded. Il Lombardia will certainly be big goal taking into consideration his climbing prowess, and he may be one of the most dangerous outsiders.