The sixth bunch sprint finish of the Tour of Hainan saw a fourth different winner as 21 year old Italian neo-pro Jakub Mareczko of Southeast claimed his first real pro victory after Andrea Palini, Sacha Modolo and Benjamin Giraud took the laurels on the Chinese island. Modolo retained the overall lead with an advantage of nine seconds over Palini.

 “I really wanted this first win today after I failed in the first two stages due to crashing”, Mareczko reacted. “I came third in stage 3 but I was still missing the top spot. I’m happy. Since day one, my team believed in me and they kept believing in me until I achieved it. This victory means a lot to me. I’ve had some time at home to gear up for the Chinese races. After Hainan, I’ll do Taihu as well. I’m improving. At the beginning of the season, at Le Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia, I’ve been close to winning for the first time in HC race [twice second and third]. Now I’ve made it but I don’t want to stop here. I’m hoping for more before I return to Europe.”

Mareczko’s four previous victories were acquired at category 2 level at the Vuelta Tachira and Vuelta Venezuela. In Sanya, he was led out by Andrea Dal Col. He was smart enough to wait till the last minute after Drapac led the field in the run in to the final sprint with a curve 700 metres before the line. Modolo looked to have taken a good advantage of the Australian again before his young compatriot passed him. Palini completed the fully Italian podium.

Mareczko added that he was also unaware of the head wind. “I won because I was in a really good shape today”, said the Polish-born Italian sprinter who lives in Raffa di Puegnago near the Garda Lake. “The crashes didn’t affect me too much. I got cured. I’m not in pain anymore. I just have some bruises left.”