The Giro Next Gen ended in the name of the Belgian Jarno Widar which dominated the pink race of the champions of the future, and saw the MBH Colpack Ballan CSB team close the 2024 edition with a very respectable result. Last in order of time, today comes 8th place for Lorenzo Nespoli who, at the end of a day of attack, wins the best climber’s jersey.
However, broadening our gaze, it must be said that there are 2 jerseys won by the team of Antonio Bevilacqua, Gabor Deak and the Ballan and D’Aprile families. In fact, Florian Kajamini is the best Italian in the race and gets the special tricolor jersey.
Looking at the general ranking, the most important placing is that of Pavel Novak, 5th at 1′:36″ from the pink jersey, while Kajamini is 7th at 2′:14″.
Furthermore, the team is in 2nd place in the general team ranking, behind VF Group Bardiani.
BALANCE: It is up to the Bevilacqua team manager to comment on these data. “Two ranking jerseys, 5th and 7th in the general ranking, 2nd in the team ranking, I would say they represent an excellent balance. We gave everything, staff and riders. Even today, with a great action, we achieved the leadership in the GPM which we were aiming for decisively. We were always present, attentive and concrete. The only flaw was the prologue, but we had a team of climbers. However, I underline the importance of finishing second in the team ranking, behind a professional team and beating the strongest development teams.”
In the flagship, the couple Gianluca Valoti and Davide Martinelli. “Today the goal was the climbers’ jersey. For this reason, immediately after the start, Bagatin, Nespoli and Ambrosini went on the attack. We had to win at least 3 GPM to succeed in our aim and we did it.”
The technicians add an important detail: “The team has invested a lot for this Giro, allowing us an internship at altitude. We say thank you to our sponsors who allowed us to prepare at the top, and the boys did their part. Congratulations to everyone.”
ATHLETES: The hero of the day is Lorenzo Nespoli with his great little feat: “I worked so hard. My goal was to win the best climber’s jersey, a goal born almost by chance in the Fosse stage in which I was shooting for Kajamini. I found myself on the run with Mattio and Raccagni, thus gaining the first points. A result born along the way, taking advantage of the opportunities that arose.”
Nespoli is a long-distance climber who also won a time trial this year. “My season so far has seen ups and downs with the injury in March where I dislocated my shoulder. Then from there you could get more results, plus some bad luck here and there. However, I am growing and the Giro comparison was formative.”
KAJAMINI: Best Italian. “Being the best Italian is a source of pride and now I look to the Italian Championships in the Vicenza area, which feature an arrival on a steep climb and an important final climb. They are particularly suited to my characteristics. I’m already dreaming. Round? All we needed was a stage win.”
NOVAK: The Czech, a man of few words, offers an interesting series of considerations. “My dream was initially to finish in the top 10. The closer I was to that goal, the happier I was. For me the top 5 was a great achievement.”
Novak doesn’t seem to have any regrets: “There have never been moments of weakness on the part of the pink jersey Jarno Widar and personally I feel like I gave everything.”
On the future: “I feel like I can still grow. In 2024 I want to do well at the Giro della Val d’Aosta, the Tour de l’Avenir and the World Championships. Now I’m going to Czechia for the time trial and the national title with the professionals.”
