After a three-year break, the Giro del Piemonte took place again. The Italian semi-classic started and finished just outside Turin and the riders had to race 185 kilometers through the Piedmont.   Rainy conditions and a hilly profile determined the race that saw a large group of 13 riders taking the lead shortly after the start. And again, Cesare Benedetti was also part of the breakaway. Since there was a danger that such a large group could be successful in these conditions, the field controlled the attackers at any time, leaving the gap at only two minutes.   Shortly after the 100-kilometer mark the group split, Benedetti showed fighting spirit and stayed in front. But with 20 kilometers to go the break was over for the 28-year Italian and he was caught by a small chasing peloton. 10 kilometers later the last escapees were caught and a compact group went into the finale. At the 5 kilometers mark Jan Bakelants (AG2R) made an attack. Despite all the efforts in the field the Belgian managed to save a small lead to the finish and he won the race as soloist.

 

"Cesare rode a very strong race. He was part of the early breakaway group. Even if the big teams in the field responded quickly, it was important to be in front because there was a fair chance that the group would make it to the finish today. But so it turned out to be a very fast race in very bad weather. Although Emanuel [Buchmann] crashed and had to abandon the race, we are happy that none of our riders are hurt. So we are well prepared for Sunday", Bora-Argon 18 sports director Enrico Poitschke concluded after the race.

 

With Il Lombardia, the last cycling monument of the season will take place on Sunday over 245 kilometers. The race is the biggest autumn classic, also named the "classic of the falling leaves".