LAMPRE-MERIDA was on the podium at the Coppa Agostoni, whose course was more demanding than in 2014 which was won by Niccolò Bonifazio. Today, the Italian sprinter was protagonist again, obtaining 3rd place behind winner Rebellin and Nibali.

Bonifazio won the sprint of the group which was chasing the leading duo of Rebellin and Nibali who had attacked 55km from thevfinish together with Scarponi. LAMPRE-MERIDA's sprinter received an impressive support from his team mate Edward Ravasi who is riding as stagiaire, led the chase of the bunch and succeeded in limiting the gap to the three attackers. Unfortunately, the performance was not enough to close the gap.

"The race was selective, also because of the bad weather conditions, so I appreciatedthe performances of Bonifazio and Ravasi even more," sports director Daniele Righi explained. "Xu Gang and Mario Costa were delayed when crashes broke the group, anyway we received good help from Feng and mostly from Ravasi. The podium is a good result, even if the missing victory left a bitter taste."

Bonifazio said: "I knew the course was more demanding than in 2014, but during the race I had good feelings, so I tried to achieve a top result. I limited the losse on the climbs, trying to come back on the descents. I thank Ravasi for his generous support, unfortunately the leading trio rode very fast. I'm satisfied, the victory would have made me even happier.

"The course was harder than in 2014. But I was fine and so I tried to hold on on the ascent. During the last passage of Lissolo I lost to 20 seconds to the group and I managed to get back on the descent. I have to congratulate Nibali, Scarponi and Rebellin because they went really fast on the climb and were able to resist on the flat. It lacked a little, it is true, but I'm so happy. 

2The worlds? I thought about it, but it's an appointment that you have to prepare well and now I'm not at one hundred percent. Rebellin won when I was not yet born?  Well, he is still a champion and it shows."