Several of the  Movistar riders set to do Il Lombardia suffered in the rain and cold during the 99th Gran Piemonte, returning to the calendar after a two-year absence with 185km between San Francesco al Campo and Cirie.

It was a very active Movistar Team in pursuit of the break of the day, splitting the peloton in two on the climb to Alice Superiore. However, the team of Jose Luis aimerena was passed, like their rivals, by a resounding attack of Bakelants (ALM) five kilometers from the finish . Further back, José Joaquín Rojas finished 5th behind Trentin (EQS), Colbrelli (BAR) and Grosu (NIP).

Rojas showed great condition in yesterday's Milan-Turin where he stayed with the best climbers for a long time. He will play a key role for Alejandro Valverde in Lombardy.

"My hand after 185km in the rain in Piedmont. 5th ith good feelings, LOMBARDÍA next destination," he tweeted after the race while showing a photo of his hand.