2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 19 | Highlights
Report
Andrea Vendrame delighted local fans with a sensational victory on home soil at the Giro d’Italia, executing a perfectly timed descent attack to clinch the stage. This marked his second stage win of the Giro and underscored the strength of his team, who have now achieved a historic double victory in this edition of the race.
“It’s a really special feeling,” said an elated Vendrame after the stage. “The aim was to be in the breakaway; I’d had this stage in my sights since the start of the Giro, and we’d discussed it with the team managers over the last few days. I was in the early breakaway, so the objective was met, but we got caught. After that, I was able to emerge with a good group and I managed to control my effort throughout the day.”
With 30 kilometers remaining, Vendrame made his decisive move. “I attacked on the descent. It was a bit crazy, but I’m nicknamed ‘the Joker’ for it,” he added with a grin. “Arturas (Kasputis) in the car encouraged me and gave me the right information to take me to victory. We’ve won two stages here and we’re still placed overall with Ben (O’Connor) fourth. Tomorrow, the race passes by the house, with today’s victory, it’s a really special feeling.”
Vendrame’s daring descent attack and strategic acumen paid off, allowing him to break away from the pack and cross the finish line solo, much to the delight of the local crowd.
This victory adds to the team’s momentum, with Benoît Cosnefroy maintaining his lead in the Boucles de la Mayenne despite a dramatic first stage that saw Pierre Gautherat crash just before the finish. Fortunately, medical checks were reassuring, and Gautherat is set to race again tomorrow.
Vendrame’s win not only highlights his personal achievement but also marks a significant milestone for the team, celebrating their second victory in this year’s Giro d’Italia – a first in the team’s history. As the race continues, all eyes will be on Vendrame and his teammates as they strive to build on their success and secure further glory.
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