MTN-Qhubeka tried their best with a mostly African team in yesterday's GP Camaiore but in the end only established star Sergio Pardilla was able to stay with the best on the Monte Pitoro climb. However, the team takes consolation from the fact that their young riders continue to improve.

The GP Camaiore saw the inform Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida) notch up his second victory of the year. The young Italian rider was able to outsprint his 3 breakaway companions to earn himself the victory. Matteo Montaguti (AG2R La Mondiale) was 2nd with Julien Arredondo (Trek Factory Racing) in 3rd.

The race got underway with a flurry of attacks but it was only after more than 50km that a break was able to make their gap stick. Johnny Hoogerland (Androni Giocattoli), Daniele Colli (Yellow Fluo), Silvio Giorni (Area Zero) and Riccardo Donato (MG Kvis – Trevigiani) were the four riders who would animate the race up until 14km to go.

Once the break got a little more than a 6 minute lead, Astana started the chase in earnest with the hope of bringing the break back before the final climb. They were successful and as the break came back at the foot of the final climb, their leader Vincenzo Nibali put in an attack. A number of riders followed the Giro di Italia champion and a counter move of 4 riders was even able to get a gap on Nibali. This would prove to be the decisive move of the day.

Charging to the line, Ulissi, Montaguti, Arredondo and Simon Clarke (Orica GreenEdge) had momentarily put together a team trial effort to stay ahead of the peloton over the final 8km. Try as they might, Astana could not bring the 4 lead riders back and they were allowed to duel it out for the win.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung had a slightly disappointing day with Sergio Pardilla being the highest placed finisher in 21st position.

“The team was very active at the start of the race, trying to get into the break,” said DS, Manel Lacambra. “Unfortunately we didn’t make the break so the team was helping Sergio to stay in a good position for the last climb.”

“At the top of the climb 4 riders went clear and then immediately behind them was a small group with Sergio,” continued Lacambra. “In the last downhill before the finish the main group became bigger as riders were able to re-join on the descent, Sergio did what he could in the sprint but sprinting is not his strong point,” said Lacambra.

When asked if he felt the team should have got a better result Lacambra was more positive.

“You know, this team here is all African with the exception of Sergio. They are developing and racing better in every race. We will still have many opportunities to shine in the races to come,” concluded Lacambra.