Manuel Bongiorno (Bardiani) narrowly missed the podium at Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali after the queen stage. In general, the result, the same as last year, is really good as it comes on the back of the injury that forced him to quit Tirreno – Adriatico and bodes well for his big goal that is the Giro d’Italia.

With 25km to go on the steep climb of Sassostorno, the race had a first key passage when South African climber Louis Meintjes (MTN) attacked solo. At the top, he was twenty seconds ahead of his nearest chasers and 1:15 ahead of Bongiorno who was with GC leader Swift (SKY)

The race finished on a final climb where Meintjes continued his solo effort, going on to win the stage and the general classification of by just two seconds. On this climb Bongiorno tried to drop Swift twice but it didn’t work and the Bardiani – CSF climber who ended the stage in 7th, 1:17 behind Meintjes.  

”This morning I hoped to confirm a spot on the podium," he said. "Anyway to be honest my shape is not a the top, it’s only 60-70% and before this race I didn’t think I would be so competitive. Meintjes made an outstanding effort, he deserved the double.

"Regarding my performance, I tried to drop Swift twice on the final climb but he was always able to follow me, thanks also to his teammate Henao. My road to Giro d’Italia will continue with an altitude training camp on the Etna mountain with Zardini."