Team Giant-Shimano went into Milan-Turin with a young team but the youngsters failed to make an impact. Neither Chad Haga nor Daan Olivier had the legs to follow the best.

Team Giant-Shimano came away from the 95th Milano-Torino with little to show for their efforts after a hard day in the saddle at the tough one-day Italian race.

The team were left with just three riders in the race after the first of two ascents of the finishing climb, with Chad Haga, Thomas Damuseau and Daan Olivier, but none of the three made the select front group at the base of the final climb to the finishing line.

Four riders spent the vast majority of the race out front, but the gap was well controlled behind and their chances were always slim. With 20km to go the front of the race was back together and from the select front group Giampaolo Caruso (Katusha) came through strongest to take the win.

Team Giant-Shimano coach Addy Engels spoke of the team’s race after the finish: “After the first time up the finishing climb Chad and Thomas were still there in the front group but there were splits all over. After the descent they were in a small group not far behind but didn’t make it back on.

“Daan was going OK but was suffering and didn’t have the strength today to make the group on the climb.”

Haga added: “The team did a great job in getting Daan, Thomas and I to the bottom of the first climb in position. I had really good legs but the climb didn’t suit me well at all. Even still, I nearly made it over the top with the lead group, but it wasn’t to be.

“We did everything right, but my legs just weren’t quite good enough today. I’m pleased with my ride today though.”