After a fantastic lead-out, Giacomo Nizzolo made it look so easy. With around 200 meters to go, the Italian sprinter launched his final push to the line and supremely won the opening stage in the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon, distancing all the other sprinters in the race.
It was Nizzolo’s first victory of the season.
Israel – Premier Tech made sure that only a small group of riders went up the road early on the first stage of Castilla y Leon in order to ease the chase, which was also under IPT’s control. All of that was for the team’s Italian sprinter Giacomo Nizzolo, who delivered at the end of the day.
The course suited the Italian perfectly, as it was predominantly flat. The final was fast and furious, partly caused by a tailwind and a crash with fifty kilometres to go. Supported by his teammates, Nizzolo exclusively raced from the front, which allowed him to stay in position.
“The team worked hard all day”, Nizzolo confirmed. “We controlled the whole race, all day long, also because there were not a lot of teams who wanted a mass sprint. I am very happy to deliver and give this victory back to my team.”
Nizzolo will wear the leader’s jersey in the second (and final) stage of the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon. Of course, Israel – Premier Tech will attempt to defend the jersey on the significantly more challenging stage.
“I think I am in good shape”, Nizzolo says. “Tomorrow is going to be challenging, but I am going to give it my all to be there. I have nothing to lose.”
