The new leader of the Internazionali d’Italia general classification is Giorgia Marchet.
The second race of the day ended with Sofie Heby Pedersen (Wilier (Vittoria Factory Team Xco)) crossing the line in Esanatoglia ahead of Giorgia Marchet (KTM – Protek – Elettrosystem) and Lucia Bramati (Trinx Factory Team).
The U23 European Champion, the big favourite of the day, took the lead from the very first lap, followed by Giorgia Marchet (KTM – Protek – Elettrosystem): “It was an important race because it’s the last one before the start of the World Cup. It’s my first year in the Open category so I had to test a few things and I’m really happy with how it went. This year with the Olympics is even more exciting,” said a delighted Sofie Pedersen.
The U23 world champion, in her first season in the Open category, completed the six laps of the second stage with a best time of 1h 24’18”, 40″ ahead of Giorgia Marchet, the current Internazionali d’Italia leader. “I am definitely happy with this result. I tried to pick up the pace from the start and give everything, knowing that Sofie (Pedersen) always had this 20/30” advantage and I really couldn’t close the gap. She was really good. Now I will try to keep the jersey for the next stages, which will also be close to home, on Montello and Alpago, and there will be a lot of cheering. It will be fun. “
Lucia Bramati (Trinx Factory Team), Giulia Challancin (BCL Factory Team) and Marika Celestino (Scott Racing Team) took the podium in the U23 category. Giada Martinoli (Scott Racing Team), second in San Zeno di Montagna, instead literally dominated the race in the Junior category, placing first with a best time of 56′ 58″ ahead of Nelia Kabetaj (Zhiraf Pagliaccia) and Myrtò Mangiaterra (Team Cingolani).
“I really like racing here, it’s a really nice track. I started off quite well, I tried to follow Giorgia (Marchet) as much as possible. During the third lap I went into a bit of a slump and had to slow down a bit to recover and do the last few laps at my best. The condition is slowly growing and I am very happy. I really hope the season can continue in this way,’ confirms U23 winner Lucia Bramati.
