Italian rider Alessandro Covi claimed an impressive victory at the one-day Giro del Veneto with a gutsy long-range sprint.
The 28-year-old had been waiting all season to take a win in Team Jayco AlUla colours and today he proved he had the legs. With a brave and early sprint, Covi’s rivals were unable to come around in the closing metres of the uphill drag to the line, allowing the Italian to take a special win in his home country.
The riders started the 167km race in Verona and arrived in Vicenza with five local laps awaiting them. Compatriot and fellow team leader, Andrea Vendrame admitted he wasn’t feeling ready for the sprint during the finishing laps, giving Covi the opportunity to try for the victory.
Biding his time and saving his energy in the peloton, Covi raced smart and waited for the final kick to the line. Surfing the wheels through the last kilometre until the road dragged up and Covi opened up his powerful sprint to take everyone by surprise.
Flying ahead, no other rider was quite able to get on terms with the Italian’s blistering acceleration and the Team Jayco AlUla rider was able to holding on to claim a well-deserved late season win in style.
Alessandro Covi – First place
“It’s a nice race; I’ve been here a few times. It’s the end of the season; a lot of guys are tired – me too – but it’s nice to win and with the Team Jayco AlUla jersey. It has been 10 months waiting for this victory and it is a super feeling. In the plan, Andrea Vendrame was the guy for the sprint but in the middle of the circuit he came to me and said that he didn’t feel super good and told me to stay calm and don’t move and we wait for the sprint in the end. I did exactly what he said. I didn’t move, I always stayed in the front group, and I just tried for the sprint and, in the end, I won. It was super nice that Andrea gave me this chance.”
Valerio Piva – Sport Director
“It was a real masterpiece. Finally, at the end of an unlucky season, Alessandro has shown his true worth. He and Andrea Vendrame were our men for the win, and I asked them to communicate with each other during the race. Andrea wasn’t feeling great, so Alessandro made his move and attacked on the left, catching everyone by surprise. I think it’s a great victory.”
2026 Giro del Veneto Results:
Alessandro Covi (Team Jayco AlUla) 3:35:52
Antony Charmig ST
Benoît Cosnefroy ST
