Having crashed out of the Giro d'Italia under dramatic circumstances, Giampaolo Caruso is back on his bike and building form for the Vuelta. Today he showed that he is reaching his best form when he finished with the best in the first mountain stage of the Tour de Pologne.

The fifth stage of the Tour de Pologne became the first mountain stage of the race, which immediately impacted the general classification. As a result of today’s stage Team Katusha’s rider Giampaolo Caruso moved up to 6th place in overall.

"For me today’s stage was the first test of my condition before the Vuelta," he said. "In general I am satisfied with the race. For me it was the first hard stage after my crash in Giro d’Italia, so everything went well.

"The final of the race did not suit me well, but I finished in the main group. I hope, tomorrow’s stage will be much harder and the fight will be really tough. While Saturday will be a day to give 100% in the time trial."