The Russian Team Katusha did a very good race today in the Trofeo Laigueglia (191,8 km) in Italy. In the last 10 km Ilnur Zakarin attacked three times, becoming one of the most aggressive riders in the peloton, while in the final Alexey Tsatevich managed to take the 3rd podium place in the bunch sprint.

"Honestly, I did not really consider that I could take part in the massive sprint. Today we planned to attack which is why Maxim Belkov and I worked in front for Katusha chasing the breakaway of the day. I spent a lot of energy, but I found some more power in my legs for the final after a tough day. Ilnur did a very strong attack, so the peloton caught him with only 1 km to go. When I realized everything would be decided in the sprint, I tried to get the maximum possible result. My team supported me, so I was able to take 3rd place. In general, I am happy with the result. The podium in a race such as Trofeo Laigueglia just before the start of the classics season shows I have reached a really good level," explained Alexey Tsatevich.

On the climb Colla Micheri with 10 km to go Ilnur Zakarin attacked for the first time. He was able to get some space, but was caught on the top by the chasing group. Later, Zakarin attacked again together with Linus Gerdemann from Cult Energy Pro Cycling and Simone Stortoni from Androni Giocattoli. Three riders managed to get 12 seconds of advantage, while later Ilnur Zakarin went away again in a solo break on the final hill of the day, the Capo Mele. It was a powerful attack, but the bunch managed to catch him with only 1 km to the finish line.

The Trofeo Laigueglia was decided in the massive sprint, where Alexey Tsatevich was really strong, taking 3rd place just behind race winner Davide Cimolai from Lampre and Francesco Gavazzi from Southeast, who finished second.