200km on the attack was rewarded with a third place for Alessandro Malaguti (Nippo-Vini Fantini) in stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia which finished in his home city of Forli.

Malaguti grew up in Forli and so he wanted to be on the attack After a few kilometres he joined the right move with Gatto (Androni), Busato (Southeast), Boem (Bardiani-CSF) and Marangoni (Cannondale). They stayed in front for 200km and suceeded in making it to the finish line.

The third place left a bittersweet taste because he was really close to victory which would have been a unique experience in his home team.

However, a podium in Giro d’Italia has an enormous value for a rider who is usually ready to work  for the leader of his team.

"It was a great break, " he said. "When I realized that we could make it to the finish line, I had goosebumps. It was a dream that was about to realized. After crossing the finish line I was in tears. However I took a great third place in the Giro d’Italia in my home town and this is something special."

Sports director Stefano Giuliani praised his rider: "He did a great performance. Not many believed that the escape could make it to the finish line. What a pity to miss this opportunity. Everyone likes to win, even us, but we are happy. A lot of people have told us that our team is the one with the highest rate of enthusiasm and this enthusiasm gives us the strenght to try these actions".