MAESTRI WEARS THE ORANGE JERSEY AT TIRRENO-ADRIATICO
THANKS TO ANOTHER BREAKAWAY MIRCO TAKES ENOUGH POINT TO WEAR AGAIN THE ORANGE JERSEY
Mirco Maestri reopens the challenge for the orange jersey at Tirreno-Adriatico. With the fourth breakaway (170 km on the front today) on five stages, the Italian rider of Bardiani-CSF regains the first place in the points classification. The 10 points achieved in the two intermediate sprints of stage 6 from Matelica to Jesi have been decisive to bring the loot to 31 and keep behind Yates at 27, Alaphilppe 26, Fuglsang and Roglic at 22.
“The energy to attack today, after all the efforts of the previous days, came from the hope to take a a great result for me and the team,” explained Maestri.
“Compared to two years ago, when I played my chances challenging a super Sagan, I’m going to face the last stage wearing the shirt. I am first, I gave everything, now I can only wait, entrust myself to fate and hope to have that bit of luck”.
Looking to the numbers, five riders can mathematically pass Maestri tomorrow after the time trial in San Benedetto del Tronto (10 km): Yates, Alaphilippe, Fuglsang, Roglic and Viviani (sixth at 20 points). By regulation the arrival of each stage assigns 12 points to the first, 10 to the second, 8 to the third, 7 to the fourth and so on to tenth which takes 1 point.
On paper, considering the route suited to pure chronoman, the strongest contenders is Roglic, who must finish at least first or second to pass Mirco. Of course also Yates, who must still close within sixth place, is a true contender, while the chances of Alaphilippe, Fuglsang and Viviani appear remote.
The final verdict is thus postponed until tomorrow, around 4.30 pm, when the last rider, the general leader Yates, will finish the stage.