For the first time in its history, Lampre-Merida rode above the Arctic Circle. The team made their debut in the 1st stage of the Arctic Race of Norway.

The course profile was suitable for sprinters who are not scared of hills and Lampre-Merida gave Bonifazio the opportunity to honor the Arctic debut. The three hills of the course decimated the group so only 50 riders sprinted on the uphill finishing straight.

Bonifazio who received good support from Cimolai and Serpa in the final 10km, managed to be in the front group and he approached the sprint in good position

The blue-fuchsia-green rider had good speed and he battled for a place on the podium, missing it for few centimenters. Bonifazio was 4th and Bennett 3rd.

“Bonifazio did a good performance, especially taking into account that the finish was complicated,” sports director Bruno Vicino commented. ”We opted for nominating Niccolò as captain because his legs were more suitable for the race rythm than Cimolai's as the latter was at his first race after the Tour de France.

“The team supported Bonifazio well after Mario Costa had given his contribution at the front of the group to chase the main breakaway of the stage“.