Julian Arredondo completed the 186-kilometer historic Italian classic Milano-Torino with a strong 15th place atop the punishingly steep climb to the Basilica di Superga. The Italian classic, one of the oldest races on the UCI calendar, is always decided on the tough Superga climb (4.9kms and 9.1%) that the peloton ascends two times in the final 25 kilometers.

The first time up Superga whittled the group to around 30-35 riders with Haimar Zubeldia and Arredondo making the crucial selection from a star-studded field. Missing from the mix was Fränk Schleck, who finished in the top 10 last year, and team director Adriano Baffi explained why:

“Fränk had some intestinal problems today and was not 100 percent so the only possibilities we had were with Haimar [Zubeldia] and Julian. And with a finish like this for Haimar, even though he was there with the first group, it was not suited for him; he has no punch to try for a win on this type of climb.”

On the final climb to the finish there was no more hiding – the steep pitches raced at top speed left only the hardy and punchy climbers – and for Thursday’s first of three historic races included in the Italian trittico di autunno (autumn triptych) it was Diego Rosa (Astana) that out-paced all.

Behind the minor podium places went to Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo) and Fabio Aru (Astana). Julian Arredondo arrived 52 seconds after Rosa for 15th place, a respectable result in a top field preparing for the final Monument Sunday.

“Julian did the best he could, and the people who finished in front of him are some big names that are in shape for this kind of race and preparing for Lombardy Sunday. Of course, we always expect a bit more, but that is the reality for Julian at the moment. We can always hope and try, but that is what his condition permits him," Baffi said

“I am a little bit disappointed for sure, yesterday we went very well and today nothing super, and now we will see tomorrow. Tomorrow will be rain, rain, rain full gas, and it will be special. We will have Giacomo [Nizzolo] and [Fabio] Felline to try for the victory again, but the first difficulty will be the weather.  If we manage to survive the meteo we have a team to try for the win tomorrow.”