"We wanted to show that we are still in the race" - Davide Ballerini and Pieter Serry make breakaway appearance for Soudal - Quick-Step at the Giro d'Italia

Soudal - Quick-Step may have just three riders remaining at the 2023 Giro d'Italia but they are still trying their best to be active in the race with both Davide Ballerini and Pieter Serry in stage 14's breakaway.

“The last couple of days weren’t easy for us after all that has happened, but we wanted to show that we are still in the race," Ballerini told the official website of Soudal - Quick-Step following the end of stage 14 with the Italian finish 5th and Serry coming home in 17th behind the eventual winner, Nico Denz.

"It wasn’t an easy day, but I was motivated, especially as I’m not that far from my hometown. I wanted to be in the breakaway and did my best to get there. It was nice to have Pieter with me and I want to thank him for his help," Ballerini continues. "I gave everything out there and believed in our chances, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. There are seven stages left and we will continue to try.”

Serry meanwhile was left lamenting the wet weather that continues to plague this race. "I don't feel like the very best Serry at the moment, but I am motivated. That's why I also joined the breakaway today," he says. "But I soon felt that my legs were suffering from the cold. I was shivering on my bike. Fortunately it was a bit warmer downstairs. The feeling in my hands is not quite back yet, but luckily I'm going to take a hot shower now."