Okolo Slovenska / Tour de Slovaquie

Sports Director, Massimo Podenzana (ITA)

“With four categorised climbs in the menu today and a fast finish made for sprinters, today we had the whole team working for David and Andrea.

“The guys did well and gave everything they had. Overall there was a good teamwork, and both David and Andrea managed to stay with the bunch until the last climb.“

“With more than 110km in the legs though, we knew the last GPM was going to be hard. Andrea lost his position just a few meters before the end of the climb, while David pushed until the end and joined the leading group in a fast final sprint bringing home the 22nd place. A good result for this first road stage.”

Andrea Peron (ITA)

“I’m a bit disappointed because I was feeling good and I was with the main group until the last climb. In the last 100 meters uphill I lost my position together with other two guys and finished behind.”

“I am happy for David, he rode strong until the end and seeing him crossing the line with the leaders is an extra boost for the next days.”

David Lozano (ESP)

“Today was tough, but the parcour suited me and I felt good. In the finale I was able to find and hold a good spot in the bunch and find my rhythm.”

“A pity missing the top 20 for just two positions, but we have three more days on the road to chase an even better result.“

Andrea Peron (ITA)

“After yesterday disappointment, my motivation was high and I really wanted to do well.”

“The legs felt good and I was able to keep the pace and stay in the bunch until the very end. There was a crash in the last curve but thankfully I managed to avoid it and didn’t affect my sprint.” 

“A top 10 would have been amazing, but I gave my best.That was a strong group and the 12th place is a good result. I am mostly happy I felt better than the previous days and now I want to stay focused and keep this pace in the two final stages.”

Sports Director, Massimo Podenzana (ITA)

“It was a hard stage for our guys today. Longer than yesterday, with three categorised climbs and another finale for sprinters. Rain and cold didn’t make it any easier!

Our goal was to protect Andrea and have him ready for the final sprint. He did really well, took some risks and brought home a result that means a lot to us. Bravo Andrea! And now focus is on tomorrow stage.”

Andrea Peron (ITA)

“It was a hard one today, no doubt about it. Close to 200km and very wet, cold conditions, but I quite like it when it’s epic and full gas. I’m feeling good and to get inside the top 20 again is very positive.”

“We’ve been working well together the last couple of days and although it would be great to break into the top 10, we have to be pleased. It’s a really competitive field of sprinters here and as we saw yesterday the finals are very nervous. The last few km we were flying and it was a battle just to hold position at the front.”

“One more stage to come tomorrow and one more chance to try and get up there, we’ll give it our all and hope we can leave with another good result.”

Sports Director, Massimo Podenzana (ITA)

“Another tough day on the saddles, with over nearly 200 kilometers and bad weather conditions almost all the way.

But our boys did well, worked together to protect Andrea and to bring him to the final sprint up front. They showed good teamwork which got paid off with the top 20 of Andrea.

Tomorrow is the final road stage and also the flattest. Chances are it will finish in a sprint again and we want to have the chance to go with Andrea and aim to a top ten.”

Sports Director, Massimo Podenzana (ITA)

“It ended up being a tougher final stage than expected.“

“There was an early attack, with a group of 25 riders gaining an increasing advantage over the peloton, which was eventually forced to give up the fight for the stage. Our boys tried but didn’t make it in the break. They did a good job in staying together, keeping the pace, which today was really fast, and crossing the line with the rest of the bunch.”

“It’s not the final we hoped for, but now we need to keep focus and put all our energies on the last race of this season: Tour of Croatia.”

Andrea Peron (ITA)

“Today was crazy, there’s no other way to put it.”

“When we started, we knew it would have been a tough last day. The pace kept increasing also when approaching the climb. I really wanted to have another chance in the final sprint and with my teammates we did our best to keep up and stay up front, but it was absolutely full gas and we didn’t make it.“

“We have now Tour of Croatia coming up. It’s gonna be the last race for our 2021 season and we want to give it all to show what’s possible with diabetes.”