With more unpredictable weather on the horizon for Sunday, race organizers made the call to make changes to the race order for the second day in a row. The steep hike a bike to Stage 5 and the ensuing stage were cut and in place racers would race stage 6 twice, with Stage 4 sandwiched in the middle. Confused? The race length stayed almost the same, as there were still three full stages, and the racing certainly wasn't any easier. As the day progressed, drama began to unfold on track as the chase for the podium spots heated up under the Italian sunshine.
For the women, it was Cecile Ravanel who continued to run away with it, followed by Isabeau Courdurier in tow as usual this season. Behind them, a battle was building between Melanie Pugin and Ines Thoma for the final podium spot, with Ines making time back through the day. Unfortunately for Melanie, a big crash and a damaged drivetrain on stage 4 meant the battle would end without a fight, ensuring Ines 3rd.
There was an equal amount of position swapping in the men's race, as a charging Martin Maes passed Eddie Masters in the overall and began to pressure Sam Hill for the win. But Sam was having none of it after the first stage and countered the Belgian's charge to take his 4th win out of 5 races this season. At this point, it is looking like Sam is untouchable for a repeat world title with just three rounds to go and a massive lead in the points.
The weather held almost to the very end, saving up all the rain just to dump it down in time for the podium. But with all the champagne flying, no one really seemed to care all that much
Also Eddie Masters lookin majestic as f*ck
And yes... little drones that follow already exist... so I tink at some point they will perfectionize the tech for it... Wouldn't that be awesome!
"perfectionize" this needs to officially be a new word!
But it is a nice word huh?
But having ridden with him, he could ride a shopping trolley faster than most on any terrain!!
Looks epic, wish this was my backyard!