“The situation was almost the same as last year" - Marc Hirschi part of a UAE Team Emirates one-two at the Veneto Classic for the second straight year

Although Marc Hirschi was unable to retain his Veneto Classic title, the Swiss national champion finished second behind his UAE Team Emirates teammate, Davide Formolo.

“The situation was almost the same as last year. This was perfect for us," recapped a delighted Hirschi in his post-stage interview with Wielerflits. Twelve months ago the roles were reversed between the UAE Team Emirates duo as Hirschi himself was victorious and Formolo took the second spot on the podium.

After being the only rider to live with Filippo Zana's savage attack on the climb of Diesel Farm, Hirschi was joined by his teammate on the descent, making it a leading trio. With Zana outnumbered, Hirschi and Formolo played the numbers game, attacking and counter-attacking until Zana's will finally gave out and Formolo rode clear to a solo victory.

"I chose a good pace for myself, on the limit, but knew I could come back," Hirschi recalls of the brutal Diesel Farm climb. "Then we could take turns attacking, so Zana had to work. It was almost impossible for him to win like that.”