Bahrain Merida takes second place in Peschici

Manama: With a strong performance Giovanni Visconti was closed to win Stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia (Molfetta-Peschici, 189 km), taking a good second place for BAHRAIN MERIDA.

The stage run from Molfetta to Peschici with the last 100 km constantly undulating and a complex finale, where Visconti turned Pink in 2008 and another BAHRAIN MERIDA rider, Franco Pellizotti, took a win in 2006.

Visco was part of a large breakway. He was one of the most combative (2nd on the top of Monte Sant’Angelo, after a climb of about 10 km) and promoted the action for the decisive attack, then remaining alone in the lead together with Gorka Izaguirre, Sanchez, Conti and Muhlberger, that later would be catched.

The other four succeeded in keeping a good gap over the chasing group, but at one of the last corners before the finish, Valerio Conti crashed and Giovanni Visconti avoided him narrowly. Gorka Izaguirre, took advantage from that and pushed ahead taking a solo win on the hill finish in Peschici. Giovanni Visconti took 2nd place (+5"). Behind him, Luis Leon Sanchez (+10").

"Too bad the crash of Valerio Conti, because I was forced to almost stop and restart" explains the Italian rider "I feel sorry, because I believe that I could win today, but I’m satisfied anyway".

Sports Director Gorazd Stangelj adds: "The second place always leaves a bit of bitterness, but let’s look at the positive side: this is our best result until now and we take it before an important stage".

Tomorrow, indeed, the Blockhaus climb will await the riders and maybe award the new leader of the General Classification.

After Stage 8 any change in GC, where Jungels keeps the Pink Jersey. In Peschici Nibali finishes 7th together with the other favourites.