The #OrangeBlue leader of the Italian-Japanese team is back on Giro d’Italia podium, 12 years later his last time on podium in 2004. Again on podium after 12 years. A Blue Jersey strongly desired by the team, before with Giacomo Berate actions and today reached with Damiano Cunego.
Praia a Mare, 10th of May.
4th stage of the Giro d’Italia, with final arrival in Praia a Mare, where the blue of the sea will not be the only one to remember for the NIPPO Vini Fantini team and his leader Damiano Cunego, that whit his action on the San Pietro GPM goes on podium as new King of the Mountain at Giro d’Italia 2016 at the end of 4th stage of Giro.
The stage has been a wonderful race, with a good escape. Eduard Grosu tried to get inside, but without catching the escapers. On the second GPM of the day, the group was again compact and Damiano Cunego made the action that gives him the chance to be on the top of San Pietro for first, getting the King of The Mluntain, Blue Jersey, at the end of the stage.
Damiano Cunego is happy for his action and promise it is just the begin. I’m happy of this action, I feel good. It’s a pity to not stay in the final group after many little actions of many rider, finally Ulissi made the right and strong one. I’m happy of the emotion of being again on podium in Giro d’Italia, also if we are just in the real begin, it is great to wear the blue jersey of king of the mountain. Last time I wear it, it was the 2004 and had another color. Later than 2004 I won a lot around the world, but I didn’t get the opportunity to be again on podium. Everything has changed from the 2004, but not the emotion to be on podium in this wonderful race. My big thank is for my teammates for the DS Giuliani that strongly believe in me and for Francesco Pelosi, the general manager that make me feel important part of this project since the begin. This is a good way to start this Giro, but it is only the very first begin.”
Stefano Giuliani is happy for the jersey, but launch also a message to the team: “I see the eyes of Damiano Cunego and he is happy, so am I. This jersey we would like to wear it with Berlato in last two stages, finally we get it with Damiano Cunego. At the begin of the race maybe somebody didn’t like our action, and I want to say sorry to my colleagues. It was not an action to close on the escape because of who where inside, but it was a signal I launched to my team that didn’t do what I asked in the morning meeting. We are in a top level competition as the Giro and we have to honor this invitation day by day.”
Tomorrow the 5th stage of the pink jersey, from Praia a Mare to Benevento.