Nicolas Roche was in confident mood after one of his best performances of the season. And with just one week to go before the Tour of Lombardy he says he is looking forward to the big Italian classic.
Nicolas Roche feeling good for Il Lombardia
Ireland’s Nicolas Roche has expression his satisfaction with his form ahead of the Tour of Lombardy next weekend.
The BMC Racing man was 4th in the 223km Giro dell’Emilia in Italy today. Giovanni Visconti (Bahrain Merida) took a lone victory with a 16km solo attack.
On the final climb to the finish Gianni Moscon (Team Sky) attacked, marked by Visconti’s team mate Vincenzo Nibali.
Nicolas Roche would jump across from the depleted peloton with Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac).
Roche then went for broke in the final kilometre with an attack from the four-man chase group.
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And when he was covered by Nibali he was eventually forced to settle for 4th.
It was a very strong ride in a race that ended on a circuit with a steep finishing climb.
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“It was a good test after the World Championships and before Il Lombardia,” Roche said afterwards.
“When Visconti went, I thought he could maybe stay away. Bahrain Merida had a really strong team.
“And they did a smart move by sending him up the road. It took a long time for teams to react.
“Once he opened a gap, it was too late. He did well to keep it up as it was a long way out.
“Then Alessandro De Marchi took control of the chase in the last few kilometers when the crash happened.”
Esteban Chaves (Orica-Scott) came down with 5km to go; crashing hard and bringing others with him.
Nicolas Roche continued: “The team did a good job to position me well for the final climb. I hung in there when Nibali and Moscon went.
“I was happy with how today went. The climbs in Emilia are the climbs I enjoy; 2km and steep, just the way I like them.
“I was a bit worried doing it five times in a row. But the way the race went we did a steady pace and then flat out on the final climb
“So the racing today suited me. I’m feeling good ahead of Il Lombardia.”
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