The rain and bad weather played an important role in Wednesday’s Coppa Agostoni (198 km), won by Davide Rebellin(CCC-Sprandi), after a long range attack, which saw him leave the peloton together with Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), who came second in the race. Third place went to Niccolò Bonifazio (Lampre-Merida), who won the sprint from a reduced group that included also Daniel Martinez – Team Colombia-Coldeportes’ best placed rider at the finish in 16th place.

During the race, ur stagiaire Felix Baron showed his determination in what was his debut with the professionals, attacking and going in pursuit of the eight-man group that managed to escape from the peloton shortly after a start which saw the Escarabajos being very active. Together with Michele Gazzara (MG-Kvis), the Colombian pulled hard to catch the breakaway and did not give up even after a crash that apparently spoiled all of his chances of succeeding.

Despite the fact that his attempt wasn’t successful, Baron was all smiles after his first race with the pros: “It was great to ride together with the team of my country, where everyone – teammates and staff members – put up for a warm welcome. Today I tried to go on the attack, and tomorrow I’ll try to help my teammates. I want to give my best in order to help the team get a good result.”

The slippery roads made many victims in the one-day race, among the riders who crashed being some of Team Colombia-Coldeportes’ cyclists: besides Baron, also Edwin Avila and Carlos Mario Ramirez hit the deck, fortunately without major consequences.

“It’s a pity for Avila, who was feeling well, and if not for that crash, he could have played an important role in the race’s finale," said Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli. “Another rider who confirmed his good form in this last part of the season there was also Daniel Martinez. Now we’ll focus on tomorrow, for the Coppa Bernocchi, where we will support our sprinters: Avila and Sebastian Molano”.