One of Team Sky's new young stars Christopher Lawless (22) wins after a late crash took out Aqua Blue Sport's effort in an instant.
Aqua Blue Sport’s hopes of a win were ended by a late crash on stage 3 of Settimana Coppi e Bartali.
The 171km stage into Crevalcore was flat and one for the sprinters. However, when a seven-man escape went clear the pace was ramped up in the peloton.
After they were caught the main field split, with a group of about 40 riders forming at the front. Aqua Blue Sport did very well by placing no fewer than five riders in that front group.
Unfortunately, having ridden so well yesterday Irishman Eddie Dunbar missed the boat today.
The breakaway never got more than 2½ minutes and they were caught with 35km to go.
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In the large front group that would form shortly after, the Aqua Blue Sport riders were working to set up Danish fast man Casper Pedersen.
However, inside the last 3km a crash took down several riders. Among the fallers were Aqua Blue Sport’s Pedersen, Mark Christian and Michel Kreder.
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While they escaped serious injury, the team’s lead-out and sprint plan was ended. Larry Warbasse avoided the spill and he was the Irish squad’s best placed rider on the day; taking 14th place.
Christopher Lawless (Team Sky) took victory in the sprint from Paolo Toto (Sangemini) and Lorenzo Rota (Bardiani).
With just one stage remaining Diego Rosa retained the race lead, making it a fantastic day for Team Sky.
Eddie Dunbar would finish in the second large group on the road; placing 43rd at 1:06.
“The peloton was split in the crosswinds in the final 25 kilometres but the team did an excellent job,” said directeur Nicki Sorensen.
“We had Casper, Michel, Larry, Mark and Calvin in the 44 rider group. But with two kilometres to go there was a crash and most of our guys went down.
“We were going all in for Casper. So it’s a huge disappointment. But at the same time we are very proud of the riders in this race. They showed an excellent team work and really animated the final.”
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