Remi Cavagna pulls off impressive solo victory in the opening stage of Coppi e Bartali

Soudal - Quick Step cyclist Remi Cavagna claimed victory in the opening stage of Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali after launching a decisive attack at the 42-kilometer mark and holding onto his lead to the end. Mauro Schmid and Rick Pluimers secured second and third place, respectively.

A breakaway group of five riders, Alessandro Fancellu, Lennert Teugels, Marco Murgano, Didier Merchan, and Gabriele Petrelli, managed to distance themselves from the peloton and establish a substantial lead of over 6 minutes. However, the peloton caught the group with 46 kilometres remaining.

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Remi Cavagna initiated an attack with 42 kilometres to go, and Lennert Teugels followed suit to build a lead of over a minute. Nonetheless, Teugels was caught by the peloton with 16 kilometres left.

The Frenchman held onto his lead in an exciting chase, with the peloton pushing hard and narrowing the gap. Nevertheless, he defended his position and crossed the finish line to claim the win. Mauro Schmid finished second and Rick Pluimers completed the podium.