Having animated Il Lombardia, Miguel Angel Rubiano again put his good condition on show when he finished 12th in today's Giro dell'Emilia. Nonetheless, the Colombia team left the race disappointed and hope to bounce back with a stronger showing in tomorrow's GP Beghelli.

Even in the penultimate race of the year, Colombian National Champion Miguel Angel Rubiano showed condition and motivation by feature promimently in the Giro dell’Emilia, one of the hardest races in the final weeks of the season, finishing twelfth atop the steep Colle di San Luca, the race’s iconic ascent that the riders had to climb no less than five times.

The veteran Davide Rebellin (CCC Polsat) came out on top on the final ascen, after a six-man group had broken away in the chase of the day’s three escapees – Van Rensburg (MTN-Qhubeka), Zilioli (Androni) and Firsanov (Rusvelo) – with two laps to go. The six men caught the final surviving escapee, Zilioli, on the final lap, and went on to contest the win: Rebellin soloed clear with a few seconds over Angel Madrazo (Caja Rural) while Franco Pellizotti (Androni Giocattoli) preceded Zardini and Bongiorno (Bardiani) and Formolo (Cannondale) for third.

In the decisive moment of the race, Rubiano tried to bridge across to Rebellin group but his attempt failed by a few metres. The Colombian followed in the first chasing group, crossing the line 1.54 behind the day’s winner.

“Giro dell’Emilia is a very demanding test, particularly as it comes so late in the season when the energy has been used up," Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli commented. "So Rubiano deserves praise as he almost managed to keep up with the strongest today. After a long and very hard season, to still be there at the front shows his commitment and professionalism as a rider.

“I honestly expected something more out of his teammates, and I hope they can bounce back in the final race of the season, tomorrow (Sunday) in the GP Beghelli. Last year we surprised everyone with Duque’s win, hopefully we can be in the spotlight again this time."