On the hilly roads around Imola, Italy, the race broke open at about sixty kilometres from the line. After the early breakway had been caught, the pace picked up. There were several attacks during the race. Tom Dumoulin, Primoz Roglic and Wout van Aert rode in the front. On the last climb of the day, Alaphilippe attacked, after which Van Aert had to settle for second place in the sprint for the other podium places.

Van Aert was proud of his Belgian team, but he was disappointed with the second place. “I don’t have to blame myself or the team. We rode the way we wanted. When Alaphilippe attacked, I could not join him. He was the strongest. He showed that on the climb. Primoz did his best in the chase, but we all were on the limit. This second place is painful. Just like Friday, one rider was better than me. I would have liked to give the team more than this silver medal.”

Dumoulin was unable to catch up with the chasing group on the last climb. “If I had only been half a percent better, I would have joined the group with Wout and Primoz. During my attack I hoped to get a few more riders along, but unfortunately that did not happen. Nevertheless I can be satisfied with the shape I am currently in.”