In the 19th edition of the Italian spring race, ten riders quickly made a break. The breakaway group created a solid gap, but they were soon doomed against the rapidly thinning peloton, where Valter was still prominently placed at the front. On the famous Monte Sante Marie, the race completely exploded.

Pogacar and Tom Pidcock attacked, and this move was ultimately too much for the rest of the favorites. The two riders stayed together for a long time, but the Slovenian proved to be the best – despite a crash – and triumphed in Siena. Valter was the first rider for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, finishing in 22nd place.

"I have to accept the result", the Hungarian begins his story. "I'm not really happy with the result. I felt good, but I couldn’t make the difference, unfortunately. On Monte Sante Marie, I hoped to come back, but the leaders were going too fast. We encountered a lot of bad luck along the way, which didn’t make it any easier. Fortunately, my form is good, but I would have liked to do more today."

Jørgen Nordhagen made his season debut for the team today, after he was unable to start in Oman due to illness. "It was a tough and especially long day. I felt pretty good, but I was too far back at the decisive moment. This is the longest race I’ve done so far, and with no ideal preparation, I’m glad I managed to finish this race."