One of the oldest races on the calendar, Milano – Torino, saw the peloton return to route they last did in 2021 with two ascents of the Superga climb and its steep gradients. Team Picnic PostNL rode well together throughout the day on the flat approach; keeping each other safe and saving energy. After being well positioned by the team,Juan Martinez and Kevin Vermaerke climbed strongly to make it over the climb in the reduced peloton of around 30 riders. From there, a fast descent followed before an infernal pace was set on the last ascent. Both Martinez and Vermaerke gave it their all but had to let go of the wheels of the leaders, riding it to the finish line as best as they could.
Team Picnic PostNL coach Phil West expressed: “We made a plan where everyone had a role to play in what was a flat first 140 kilometres before a difficult climbing circuit to finish. We showed some nice teamwork during the day and were able to bring Kevin and Juan to the first time up the Superga in a good way. Both of them then were in the selection of around 25 riders going over the climb the first time. From there, they came onto the climb the last time and at that point a super strong pace was set. The guys then just dug in and did their best they could on the climb. Overall we can be happy with the teamwork and the effort from the guys today.”