A great podium has been conquered today by Sonny Colbrelli in the GranPiemonte, an Italian classic that has returned after two years of abscence. Against several World Tour teams, the Bardiani – CSF puncheur took 2nd place in the reduced group sprint behind Belgian Jan Bakelants (AG2R) who took the victory with a late attack, thanks to a tricky finale due to strong rain.

”After the long American trip for the World Championships, I tried to recover as much possible in the last days and yesterday at the Milano – Torino I felt good legs even though the race didn't suit me," he said. "So this morning I was at the start with the confidence that a positive result was possible.

"The race was tougher than expected due to the rain and in the finale Bakelants deserved the victory with this solo attack. Behind, I came out from the last corner in a good position. I launched my sprint early because I wanted to catch Trentin who pulled away with 1km to go. I came close to him, crossing the finish line behind.

"If we see the teams at the start and the riders in the peloton, I’m happy with this third place. A good boost for the last races of the season.

" It gives me a bit of morale after the disappointment of the Worlds because I had hoped to do the race. I knew I could go fast but I had some doubts because I have not trained so much this week. After the Worlds, I was not on the bike for 4-5 days . I did not want to ride the Three Valli Varesine because I was not feeling so well. 

"Today we believed in it , in fact I immediately put two teammates on the front to pull with Movistar but in the finale Bakelants has made ​​a great coup. I tried with 500 meters to go because now Lampre - Merida were cautious in the turns with curves and I left. Now, however, Bakelants and Trentin were already gone.

"Now I will do Lombardy and then we will go to Peccioli and Beghelli. I want to try to finish the year in the best way, it is a great start but we hope to finish it with at least another success."