Bardiani – CSF sprinter Niccola Ruffoni was really close to podium in Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali stage 3.

11 riders attacked after the start forming the break of the day. The peloton always managed the gap thanks to the work in front of Team Sky for GC leader Swift and Bardiani-CSF.

The escapees saw the end of their attempt inside the final three laps of the finishing circuit, with the last rider caught with 7km to go. The race was back together for a classic bunch sprint. Unfortunately, there was a heavy crash in the first positions which influenced Nicola Ruffoni and his lead-out man Sonny Colbrelli who had to brake and lost positions.

The Bardiani-CSF sprinter didn’t give up and passed several riders in the last meters, crossing the line in 4th place, a few inches from the podium. The victory was taken by italian Francesco Chicchi (Androni Giocattoli), with Colbrelli in a good 10th place.

”I am quite satisfied with today, especially with the good feeling that I had. The bronchitis seems to have gone and my shape is coming back. I wanted reach the podium because my teammates made a great effort during the whole stage. Due to the crash I had to brake and I lost Colbrelli’s wheel. It wasn’t possible to sprint for the victory but thanks to a good comeback I achieved a positive 4th place,” Nicola Ruffoni said.

”Since the start we managed the pace in front the peloton together with Team Sky. Also in the last decisive lap we were in a good position with our fast riders. Unfortunately, the crash messed up our sprint strategy. Nicola and Sonny did the best and I can be happy with team performance. Now we look with huge confidence to tomorrow's final stage. We know that our climbers Bongiorno and Zardini have a great possibility and we’ll do all to lead in the best way to lead them to the bottom of the last climb,” sports directot Mirko Rossato said.