It was a second place that could not take the smile off Fracesco Gavazzi's face. The Southeast rider had to settle for the place of honour in the GP Lugano behind a strong Niccolo Bonifazio.

Having stepped down from the podium, Gavazzi who was also second in the Trofeo Laigueglia, was "satisfied with the condition" because he could stay with the best on the climbs.

"I was good and managed to stay with Basso on the climb," he told Spaziociclismo. "I was surprised to be in front. I crested the summit in fourth. I didn't think that Bonifazio would be there but he is faster than me so I tried to anticipate the sprint. He beat me and won clearly. But I'm really satisfied to have been able to stay with the best and the win is only postponed."