After a fast and attractive start in Bergamo, eleven riders managed to get in the breakaway. Team Jumbo-Visma was always in the front of the peloton. The yellow and black brigade put Bennett in a good starting position for the final of the race. In the company of two Astana riders, Bennett turned up the last climb at full speed. An attack by Fuglsang at a few kilometres from the finish proved decisive. The Dane and Bennett both crossed the line solo.

“It was a great day”, says Bennett. “I have done this race many times, but the pace was never so high in the opening stages. The team dropped me off perfectly at the begin of the Madonna del Ghisallo. Some teams were in the final with several riders. I did everything I could to take advantage of it, but at some point it became too much. Fuglsang was able to follow my attacks and turned out to be stronger. It’s a pity I couldn’t win, but I’m still proud of my performance. I am happy how we, as a team, have ridden the past Italian races.”

Sports director Addy Engels was full of praise for his team. “It is a great podium place for George after a great Italian campaign for us. George had already shown in Gran Piemonte that he was good, but this is a different story. It was wonderful to fight for the victory again, in the end one rider was better.”