NetApp-Endura had lined up all their climbers for Tre Valli Varesine but it wasn't Leopold König or Tiago Machado who did best for the German team. Instead, Austrian Gregor Mühlberger launched a late attack to finish just outside the top 10.

The final race of the Trittico Lombardo, the Tre Valli Varesine, was decided today in a sprint by a small group. Swiss rider Michael Albasini (Orica Greenedge) prevailed just ahead of Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani CSF) and Filippo Pozzato (Lampre Merida). Gregor Mühlberger, stagiaire with Team NetApp – Endura, broke away from a chase group just before the finish and took a good 11th place in this top-notch race.

“Gregor had really bad luck today. While we were supporting David [de la Cruz] up at the front, who was able to break away at the beginning of the race, Gregor crashed back in the field. His bicycle was damaged and he had to catch up with the field without our help. That took a great deal of strength, and this bad luck cost him a better result at the end. This was an important race today for Gregor in order to make an impression. Because of the preparation for the World Championship, we didn’t risk everything on the dangerous descents with our top riders. Gregor did a very good job with his attack at the end,” says a delighted Sport Director Christian Pömer.

The 11th running of the Memorial Marco Pantani will be held as the next classic in Italy.