Team Novo Nordisk’s Javier Megias sprinted to a top 10 finish at the first UCI 1.HC race of the 2015 season.

In the 52nd edition of Trofeo Laigueglia, attacks began as the peloton ascended the first categorized climb of the 192-kilometer race. Four riders gained a seven-minute advantage by the time they tackled the next major climb. At the halfway point, Lampre-Merida took up the chase to reel in the break to a controllable gap.

“On the third climb of the day, the group had a big split and heading into the final climb there were maybe 50 riders left,” said Megias.

With Cannondale-Garmin and Lampre-Merida leading a reduced peloton, the escapees were brought back on the final climb. After a fast and chaotic descent, it was full gas for the remaining 20-km into Laigueglia. A flurry of attacks occurred on the short, steep hills leading to the finish, but Lampre-Merida was able to bring everything together in the final kilometers. Their younger sprinter Davide Cimolai took the win with Megias sprinting to tenth place.

“At the sprint, I was a little bit closed off. It was impossible to get into a better position,” Megias said. “My performance today was good and I will keep improving. I know the best of me is still to come.”

Davide Cimolai (Lampre-Merida) took the win ahead of Francesco Gavazzi (Southeast) in second and Aleksei Tcatevich (Katusha Team) in third.

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes pro cycling squad, will race again at the eight-day Vuelta Dominicana, which begins February 22nd in the Dominican Republic.