The Queen Stage from Wiltz to Diekirch covered 179.6 kilometers and featured 3,171 meters of elevation gain, making it the toughest stage of the Tour de Luxembourg. A large breakaway formed early in the stage, with Pietro Mattio among the riders up front. As the race progressed, the pace continued to increase. Timo Kielich and Tijmen Graat made the jump across to the front, while Piganzoli later launched an attack from the peloton.

Piganzoli moved from group to group, picking up a teammate along the way each time. In the finale, Pepijn Reinderink eventually attacked from the breakaway. Piganzoli gave it everything to chase down the race leader, but ultimately crossed the finish line in second. Tijmen Graat also had a strong ride, finishing ninth.

“The victory was within reach, so it’s a little disappointing that I just missed out. At the same time, I’m very happy with the leader’s jersey. The team did an incredible job today, and thanks to their efforts, we came very close to the win. Taking the lead in the GC makes me very happy.”

According to sports director Gaëtan Pons, the team had a clear plan going into the stage. “The plan was to attack early in the race. We had a few riders positioned as satellites up the road, so they could help Davide later when he made his way across to the breakaway.”

That plan worked out perfectly. “Davide was incredibly strong today. He went from group to group, and every time he was chasing, he picked up another teammate who could help him. The team was everything today. Davide taking the leader’s jersey is really thanks to his teammates.”

Pons is not surprised to see Piganzoli performing at this level. “We know Davide can perform at this level. He has already shown that in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. What is perhaps even more impressive is that after riding those two Grand Tours, he has been able to recover and perform at this level again. That is a huge achievement for such a young rider.”