Having been forced to step down to continental level, Grega Bole proved that he is still able to mix it up with the best when he finished second in the Coppa Agostoni. The Slovenian regarded the result as a big achievement for his small Vini Fantini team.

One year ago, Grega Bole was forced to step down to continental level when the Vacansoleil team folded. Vini Fantini threw him a late lifeline but the former Dauphiné stage winner and winner of the GP Plouay was no longer able to do the biggest races.

Today he proved that he is still a very classy bike rider when he finished second behind Niccolo Bonifazio in the 50-rider sprint at the end of the Coppa Agostoni.

"I tried to anticipate Bonifazio be he knew how to take my wheel and make a strong acceleration," he told Tuttobiciweb. "I had already sprinted against him in Japan so I knew how strong he is. Yesterday I did my first race for more than two months and I had a hard time. Today was much better.

"Anyway, I am happy with this result, both for myself and my team that has shown that we can do well and hold our own against the bigger teams."