It is only the second stage of the Giro del Trentino Melinda, the first one for climbers, and Damiano Cunego already gives a great signal in the race. The Italian finished in third position, behind Richie Porte (Team Sky) and Mikel Landa (Astana).

After the second place in Coppi & Bartali, the result is another great sign for Damiano Cunego as it was the first stage for real climbers in a race loaded with strong rivals. The stage was won by Richie Porte while Mikel Landa was second.

“I was riding to win but this third place tells us that we are on the right path, but also that it is just the beginning," Cunego said. "We must keep working hard. The stage was hard and we were up against top riders, most of them will ride also the Giro d’Italia, like Richie Porte. Congratulations to him. Happy? I’m motivated to do better tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, I will be happy if  win. Today it was important to be among best riders, tomorrow will be another day and another race.

"I was racing to try and win the stage today. I think I raced well but I have to accept the superiority of the young guys in the peloton these days. I can sense that they’re ambitious, like I was at their age when I won a lot. But despite being 33, I’m able to be up there with them when I’m on a good day.

"It didn’t come off today because Porte was just too strong but I’ll try to do something again tomorrow and on Friday. I want to leave my mark on the race. Thursday’s stage to Fierozzo seems tougher than Friday’s final stage in the Val di Non but there’s never an easy day at the Giro del Trentino. I know because I’ve won the Giro del Trentino three times and went close to winning for a fourth time in 2012.

"I hope this is a good sign for the Giro d’Italia, for what I can do at there. I recently spent 20 days at altitude in the mountains and that’s really important these days if you want to go well. There’s still time to wok on my form and so I’m optimistic about the Giro d’Italia."

“The team did a good job, first with Iuri Filosi who tried to join an escape on his home roads, and when it was time for the big comes, Damiano Cunego was ready. A good signal, now it is important to keep the focus on the next stages," sports director Stefano Giuliano said.