ProTeam Simone Gualdi claims first top ten in first Grand Tour

As he gets closer to his family and friends in northern Italy, Simone Gualdi is gaining even more motivation to successfully complete his Giro d’Italia. The second part of his very first Grand Tour has already started well, as the 21-year-old rider finished eighth in Chiavari today. “My first top ten in my first Grand Tour, in my home country, feels really good,” he explained. “Especially because I haven’t had the easiest first week.”

Lotto-Intermarché animated stage 11, with Lennert Van Eetvelt spending some time in the breakaway. “At first, I tried to get into the early breakaway- it was full gas from kilometre zero today- but my legs just weren’t there. At one point Lenny did make the right move and was riding strongly at the front, but unfortunately he then crashed heavily.”

Gualdi managed to stay in the pink jersey group throughout the stage and the ‘bad’ legs he experienced at the start gradually disappeared. “When the peloton decided to ease the pace on the final climb, I didn’t hesitate and immediately launched an attack. I managed to catch two early breakaway riders and eventually finished eighth. I’m very happy with that. Now, of course, I want to aim for more.”

Lennert Van Eetvelt suffered a heavy crash in the descent with around 30 kilometres to go. He sustained abrasions to his elbow and forearm and is currently undergoing further medical examinations. More information will be communicated once those examinations have been completed.

Picture: PhotoNews