The Settimana Internazionale Coppi & Bartali started today with two semi-stages in Gatteo. Bardiani – CSF were pleased with the decent performance by their climbers in the afternoon team time trial where they didn’t lose much time compared to the specialists.

In the morning, the riders rode a 99.5km stage. An early breakaway got clear after the start but the peloton controlled the gap and caught them with about 25km to go. The group arrived all together inside the final km but a crash with 500 meters to go created chaos.

The best rider from Bardiani was Sonny Colbrelli in 14th place. The victory was taken by Manuel Belletti (Southeast) who beat Bole (CCC – Sprandi) and Clausen (Team Trefor).

In the afternoon, the team time trial took place, with all teams divided into two two smaller teams composed of four riders. Bardiani – CSF Team B was made up of Luca Chirico, Nicola Ruffoni, Alessandro Tonelli and Andrea Piechele. They crossed the finish line in 15.36.

One hour later, Team A with Manuel Bongiorno, Colbrelli, Pablo Simion and Edoardo Zardini posted a better time than their teammates, finishing 14th and 28 seconds behind winner CCC – Sprandi (Rebellin, Kiendys, Kurek, Marycz) who beatTeam Sky by one second.

”This morning we were aiming for a better result," sports director Mirko Rossato said. "In the last 3km there were some roundabouts, it was not easy for Colbrelli to stay in front. He lost the right wheels and was too far behind in the final km.

"Regarding the team time trial we did a good performance, especially with Team A where we had our top general classification contenders Bongiorno and Zardini. They rode well and didn’t lose much time to the strongest rivals. Now we’ll focus on tomorrow's stage to Sogliano al Rubicone that will be really demanding and very important for the general classification."