Lorenzo Rota showed his form coming into the second week of the Giro d'Italia, and was at the head of affairs during today's stage to Genova where he started the winning move.
"This twelfth stage suited me well and I was happy to be part of the breakaway with Rein Taaramäe. A more hilly final would probably even have been better for me, but I’m happy that I was in the mix for the victory and offer the team a new result" Rota said in a post-race interview. It was a day that suited the puncheurs, and a group of three went up the road early on in which he stimulated.
Rota attacked with 56 kilometers to go, joined by stage winner Stefano Oldani and Gijs Leemreize. The trio collaborated and resisted the approach of the remaining of the chasing group, and went into the finish together to fight for the team in a sprint. "In our leading trio I knew that Gijs Leemreize had to go from far. His attack was painful for the legs after more than 200 kilometer, but with Stefano Oldani we managed to get back rapidly," he said.
However in the small uphill rise to the line, the 26-year old didn't have the legs to take the win: "I wanted to stay in the slipstream of Oldani as long as possible and pass him at the right moment. But he was just faster," he added.
This won't however be the final opportunity for the Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux rider. With Biniam Girmay out of the Giro, the team now carries more freedom to attack the hilly stages in which Rota has a chance of winning."I’m of course disappointed to miss the victory, but I look on the bright side. We’re only halfway though this Giro and my feeling is getting better day by day. More opportunities to embellish our Giro before the finish in Verona will come," Rota concluded.
🥈 @rotalorenzo95: "We are hungry. Losing by a wheel is of course disappointing, but my form is improving every day. We're only halfway through the #Giro, we will have many more opportunities!" 👊 Stage 12 report ➡️ intermarche-wantygobert.eu/news/giro-12/
