Francesco Manuel Bongiorno has long been regarded as an excellent climbing talent and yesterday he proved his skills when he emerged as the strongest climber in the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. Unfortunately, the young Italian was caught by Peter Kennaugh (Sky) on the downhill run to the finish line but the showing confirms that much is to come from the future Italian climbing star.

A superb Manuel Bongiorno fulfilled all the expectations, making a stunning performance in the most demading Settimana Coppi e Bartali stage, from Sant’Angelo di Gatteo to Sogliano al Rubicone of 160km and with the Monte Tiffi climb featuring five times. The Bardiani rider made a strong solo attack on the final climb, but in the following descent he was joined by Kennaugh who beat the italian climber in the final sprint.

52km from the start 12 riders pulled away, composing the early brekaway. Behind Team SKY led the peloton, while Bardiani – CSF Pro Team took the front during every passage of Monte Tiffi, setting a really fast pace.

On the penultimate climb, the breakway was caught and ahead remained only 9 riders included a brilliant Bongiorno. During the following descent some riders, including teammate Angelo Pagani, joined the leading group, but on the last Monte Tiffi, Kennaugh (SKY) and Bongiorno attacked. The duo kept  a fast tempo and in the steeper section, Kennaugh fell off. Bongiorno continued alone and arrived at the top with 15 seconds to Kennaugh and more than 30 seconds to the other chasers.

With 10km to go, Kennaughbridged the gap to Bongiorno. On the cobblestone straight in the centre of Sogliano al Rubicone Kennaugh took the victory over Bongiorno who suffered some cramps.

”I’m sad for missing the victory because I was really close to taking my first pro success," Bongiorno said. "My teammates did an outstanding work, making a hard race. During the last passage of Monte Tiffi, I followed Kennaugh’s attack, then I made my action going solo. But on the next descent and flat road he came back really fast and then he beat me in the final sprint, thanks to more power than me  and also some cramps in the my legs.

"Anyway I am satisfied for what I did today on the climb and how much I have improved compared to last year. Now the goal is to keep the 2nd place in the GC”.

"All the team made a stunning work and a great Bongiorno showed all of his talent," sports director Roberto Reverberi said. "The only problem was the 10km from the top of the climb to the finish.

"Our strategy today was clear: to make the five passage of Monte Tiffi as fast as possible. Then it was time for Bongiorno to do his job and attack. He was really strong and we can be really happy with what he did, considering his young age. Now we must stay focused to take home the 2nd place."

The race continues with a flat stage and ends with a short time trial.