Race report

Lorenzo Milesi climbs to mountain breakaway win at Tour de l’Avenir

Tour de l'Avenir

Photo Credit: Anouk Flesch

Riding for the Italian national selection, Development Team DSM’s Lorenzo Milesi climbed to a brilliant win on the final day of racing at the Tour de l’Avenir this afternoon; after a big day out in the mountain breakaway.

An attacking start to the day saw a large break of riders go clear with Development Team DSM’s Milesi, Enzo Leijnse and Hannes Wilksch all represented in the move; riding for Italy, the Netherlands and Germany respectively. The break worked well together going onto the big climb of the day; the famous Col d’Iseran. Cresting the ascent, Milesi and Wilksch were in the now front group of six as they flew their way down the descent. With the GC group slowing behind, it was clear they would fight it out for the stage win. Wilksch and Milesi battled valiantly before the Italian put the hammer down and managed to go clear; powering his way to the line to take a brilliant victory. 

A smiling Milesi said: “The goal was to try and join a good breakaway, and it was a really strong move with around 20 guys. Then on the Iseran the break split a bit. In my mind I tried to focus on staying with the rest of them until the last climb. I knew that if I could get there with the group then there was a chance I could go solo. I’m so happy to take the win today; it’s special.”