After four hard days of racing, Tiago Machado (NetApp-Endura) lost his overall podium spot at the Giro del Trentino at the very end of the race. Having been able to follow the favourites until the final 500m, the Portuguese got dropped in the finale and dropped from third to sixth in the final overall standings.

 

Tiago Machado ends the 38th Giro del Trentino in sixth place in the general classification. The 28-year-old NetApp - Endura rider from Portugal climbed to 9th place on the Monte Bondone and thus achieved a Top10 placement in each of the demanding stages of the tour.   Mikel Landa (Astana) claimed today's stage victory in front of Louis Meintjes (MTN-Qhubeka) and Franco Pellizotti (Androni). There were no more changes at the top of the general classification, such that Cadel Evans (BMC) defended his leading jersey and won the tour.

 

"That was quite a difficult stage today and Tiago rode a strong race. The team supported him very well and in the final ascent he gave it his best. He was able to keep up with all the favorites and it was only over the last 500 meters that unfortunately he lost a few seconds, preventing him from defending his podium spot. That's simply a question of strength reserves. We are more than satisfied with the tour's terrific result.”, Enrico Poitschke drew a positive conclusion from the Giro del Trentino.

 

A group of three riders formed already at the start today. But already at the first ascent, 26 kilometres after the start, this group fell apart due to the very demanding profile.

 

In the descent a new group came together with 12 riders that determined the race to the final climb. At the foot of Monte Bondone the bunch had caught up with all the breakaway riders such that the favorites were able to position themselves for the general classification.

 

The race-deciding group of favourites had established itself nine kilometres before the finish line. Sixteen riders, including Tiago Machado, attacked the final kilometres together. Due to a consistently sizzling pace the group had been trimmed to ten riders just four kilometres later.

 

Individual riders made attacks from the group and thus managed a slight lead for the final stretch. Due to these attacks the day's later winner was able to reach the finish line as a soloist.