Outstanding performance by Martin Marcellusi in the penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia.For the third consecutive day in the breakaway — and the second in a row alongside Manuele Tarozzi — the two riders from VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè were among the main protagonists of the day. The duo claimed two of the four KOMs (King of the Mountains) on the route, confirming themselves as some of the most active and aggressive riders in the peloton.

The break formed early on and managed to reach the Colle delle Finestre with a significant advantage. Thanks to that gap, Marcellusi was able to stay in contention even after the GC contenders made their move, rejoining a group that included Simon Yates.

Marcellusi ultimately finished 6th on the stage, marking the team’s eighth Top 10 result in this Giro d’Italia.

These were Martin Marcellusi’s words after the stage:“We went out really hard, as always. The group split on a cobbled section — Tarozzi was already up the road, and I managed to bridge across with about twenty riders. At first, I struggled on the climbs and thought it wasn’t going to be my day. But then, on the Colle delle Finestre, I realized it was all in my head. I pushed through, crested near Yates, and then on the descent we caught Van Aert. We worked together, even though on the final climb he dropped me a bit. Still, I gave it everything to finish well — and I did. Tomorrow we race close to home: I’ll try to get in the break again, even if the fatigue is starting to build.”

RESULTS – 20th STAGE – GIRO D’ITALIA:

1 HARPER Chris Team Jayco AlUla 05:27:29

2 VERRE Alessandro Arkéa – B&B Hotels 01:49

3 YATES Simon Team Visma | Lease a Bike 01:57

4 GAROFOLI Gianmarco Soudal Quick-Step 03:52

5 ROCHAS Rémy Groupama – FDJ 03:57

6 MARCELLUSI Martin VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè 04:31

7 VERONA Carlos Lidl – Trek ,,

8 POOLE Max Team Picnic PostNL 06:45

9 DEL TORO Isaac UAE Team Emirates – XRG 07:10

10 PELLIZZARI Giulio Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe ,,