Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development was at the start of the Coppa Citta' Di San Daniele, a 160 kilometer one-day race in northern Italy. Last year, the yellow-and-black formation claimed the entire podium of the U23 race. Then Archie Ryan, Tijmen Graat and Darren van Bekkum formed the top three in the tough, hilly race.  

Once again, the riders from Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development took firm control of the race. Huising and Van Bekkum were part of a large leading group. Nordhagen was surrounded by his other teammates in the peloton. After 135 kilometers, the riders began the local laps in San Daniele del Friuli, where the double climb of the steep Monte di Ragogna awaited.  

During the first climb of Monte di Ragogna, Nordhagen impressively made the jump to the front from the peloton. In no time, the Norwegian managed to join the leading group. During the second passage on the steep hill, he attacked again. Nordhagen then rode solo towards his sixth win of the season in his first year as an U23 rider. Huising won the sprint for second place. Van Bekkum finished eighth.  

“I didn't feel good in the opening phase”, Nordhagen responded afterwards. “In the first hour I felt bad. I tried to survive in the peloton. Luckily we were in an excellent situation with Menno and Darren at the head of the race. That way I could save myself in the peloton, where I waited until the final climbs to place my attack.”  

Nordhagen took his sixth win in his first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development. “I'm happy to get another win in Italy. Earlier this year I also won the GP Poggiana and the Giro della Regione Friuli, so racing here suits me. There are still some Italian races to finish the season. Also there we will try to go for the highest possible.” 

Photos: Coppa Città di San Daniele