Billed as the oldest race on the cycling calendar, Milano – Torino this year saw a change of route compared to last year’s sprinter’s edition, with some punchy climbs in the finale. There was an air of uncertainty whether the day would be settled in a reduced bunch sprint or if would become a more selective race, so the team set out with two plans where Casper van Uden would be the sprint finisher and Kevin Vermaerke was the option for a tougher day out. The rest of the squad worked well throughout the day to keep the two riders safe but as they hit the hardest climb with 35 kilometres to go it was clear that it would definitely be a tougher day out, as other teams set a searing pace on the front. Vermaerke rode strongly to make it into a very selective front group from where Bettiol would launch his winning solo attack. A tactical game ensued in the chasing group in the finale, with lots of probing moves, but Vermaerke was able to show a good turn of speed to get up and take a strong fifth place in the sprint.
Speaking after the race Vermaerke expressed: “It was a pretty straightforward beginning part of the race, we took control early and put someone in the chase. The team took a good position and looked after me and Casper coming into the final 45 kilometres where the climbs started. Everyone did a really good job leading into the second last climb where we expected it to kick off. I could start the climb in the top five wheels and just follow moves. When Bettiol went there were still quite a few Bora and UAE guys in the group so I sat in and let them do the work. Coming into the final I thought we would bring Bettiol back but it got tricky in the last three kilometres with the tactics. Obviously Bora and UAE had numbers so I had to gamble a bit and play my cards right in the sprint with Bettiol and Christen away. I just couldn’t get out and open up my sprint as I was boxed in a little. I’m disappointed I couldn’t get on the podium today but the legs were really good and we can take confidence from that. With Milano – Sanremo coming up on Saturday we’ll give it another go.”
