Rodolfo Torres was Colombia-Coldeportes’ best option for Milano-Torino on Wednesday October 1st, with the classic climb to the Colle di Superga that could have suited the climbing skills of the 28-year-old from Busbanzà. Instead, an ill-timed puncture at the foot of the first ascent to Superga practically cut Torres out of the game, while the climbing challenge upfront was won by Diego Rosa (Astana) over Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo) and Fabio Aru (Astana).

After a long breakaway by five riders, the peloton got back together just ahead of the decisive double climb to Superga. The group got reduced in numbers as riders kept on dropping due to the pace in the first lap, while Diego Rosa made his winning move on the last ascent, attacking and resisting to the comeback of Poland’s Majka.

“Rodolfo’s puncture disrupted our plans,” Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi. “We had been contributing to the chase as we wanted him to be in contention in the finale. Instead, when the race passed on the railways, his wheel got stuck and punctured. Juan Pablo Valencia was quick to give Torres his wheel, but coming back was practically impossible.”

Tomorrow, the team will get back in the action in another Italian classic, Gran Piemonte: “We will field a strong and aggressive line-up, definitely targeting a strong result,” Tebaldi stated.