Development Jarno Widar showcases his class among the pros and secures second place in the second stage of Coppi e Bartali

With 3,400 meters of elevation, the second stage promised to be a stage for climbers. Despite several attempts to break away, the race was decided on the final climb to Sogliano, where the road winds steeply upwards and the gradients reach up to 15%. It was there that Widar comfortably moved with experienced riders like Magnus Sheffield and Aleksej Lutsenko, but unfortunately, he missed out on his first professional win.

"Of course, there's a feeling of disappointment right now, because I was really close. When we hit the final 500 meters, I was just a position too far back, which is why I missed out on the win," said Widar. Despite missing the victory, Widar still has a positive outlook on the second stage. "However, this result also gives me confidence. It was a tough day, and on paper, the course seemed suited to me, but you never know how it's going to go. My legs felt much better than in La Classic Var and the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes, and that progress reassures me."

A special mention goes to Widar's teammates, who supported him throughout. "I definitely want to thank my teammates. It's obvious that this wouldn't have been possible without them," Widar added.

Tomorrow, another tough climbing stage awaits from Riccione to Cesena (142.1 km). The race once again offers a day full of climbing and descending, with a particularly challenging finale.

Photo: Brecht Steenhouwer