Bardiani delivered a superb team performance in the 106th edition of Milano – Sanremo. In the Classicissima, Stefano Pirazzi was part of the early breakaway while Sonny Colbrelli was strong enough to hold onto the best until the finish on Via Roma.

The race started under the rain and after a few kilometers 11 riders attacked, with Pirazzi being part of the action. The attempt was good and the breakaway gained 11.30 minutes. On the Passo Turchino the gap started to come down and at the start of the Capi with 53km to go, it was less than twominutes.

During the last one, the Capo Berta, Pirazzi attacked, followed by only three escapees. Unfortunately this new attempt didn’t have enough space and the leading group was caught on the Cipressa after more than 220km on the attack.

On the Cipressa the peloton lost several riders and at the top, a select group of about 50 riders emerged, with a surprising Sonny Colbrelli still there. On the Poggio with 5km to go, there were some attacks but no one got clear. Colbrelli was always in the first part of the leading group that was down to 30 riders at the top.

Milano – Sanremo was decided in a sprint on Via Roma. The victory was taken by John Degenkolb (Giant – Shimano) who oustprinted fomer winner Kristoff (Katusha) and Matthews (Orica – GreenEdge). Colbrelli crossed the line in 18th place. 

”This morning a small part of me believed that could stay with the best until the finish on Via Roma," Colbrelli said. "On the Cipressa I was held back by a crash and I started the descent in the last positions. Then in the flat sector before Poggio I had enough time to recover and there I felt quite well. But again on the descent I was lucky to avoid a new crash in front of me. I closed the gap but then I didn’t have the legs to join to battle for the victory. Anyway I can be satisfied with how it went today because if I look at my shape last week, I never believed to do this kind of race."

”The early breakaway was important for us and I’m happy to be part of that," Pirazzi said. "I was one of the most active on the few climbs that we found on the road to Sanremo. When we arrived on the Capi and the peloton was close, I raised the pace, trying to arrive with a few seconds at the bottom of Cipressa. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. I also suffered from cramps and I had to slow down. Anyway, the goal was to be there and be visible. I think I hit the target."

”I am satisfied with how the guys raced today and how they honored this important event," manager Roberto Reverberi said. "Pirazzi, despite still suffering from the crash at Strade Bianche and a little flu he had during the last few days, made a really good effort and he was one of the best in the breakaway.

"In the finale when the race was decided, Colbrelli did really well. Ten days ago he had to abandon the Tirreno with the flu, coming back home ill. He came to the start this morning with a lot of question marks. But today, kilometer after kilometer he got better and in the finale was with the best. His tenacity was super today. In the next few weeks, he will be able to show his big talent."