<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:18.4px;margin:0cm 0cm 8pt;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">Stage 16 of the Giro d’Italia, which opened the final week of the Italian Grand Tour, ended in a double triumph for XDS Astana Team: Christian Scaroni claimed the stage win, while the King of the Mountains leader, Lorenzo Fortunato, finished second.<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:18.4px;margin:0cm 0cm 8pt;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">The stage, ending in San Valentino, was the first truly mountainous stage of this year’s Giro – over a 203 km course, the riders tackled four major climbs, including an 18-km summit finish.<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:18.4px;margin:0cm 0cm 8pt;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">Three XDS Astana Team riders – Lorenzo Fortunato, Christian Scaroni, and Fausto Masnada – made it into the breakaway after attacking on the day’s first climb, the Carbonare. On the way to the finish, Fortunato won all the mountain primes, significantly strengthening his lead in the King of the Mountains classification. On the final climb, attacks from first Scaroni and then Fortunato proved decisive – the two XDS Astana Team riders dropped all their rivals and finished together, securing a brilliant one-two victory.<blockquote><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:18.4px;margin:0cm 0cm 8pt;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">“I’m still trying to realize that we won today! It was an amazing day for the whole team. We worked perfectly from the start, got into the breakaway at the right time, and did a lot of work at the front to help Lorenzo (Fortunato) score maximum points for the mountain classification. It was a really tough stage – long climbs don’t suit me much – but together with my teammates we executed the perfect strategy. On the final climb, Lorenzo and I attacked at the right moment and ended up alone. I want to thank Lorenzo especially for this stage and this victory. We won it together! I dedicate this win to the whole XDS Astana Team, my family, and my girlfriend”, – said Christian Scaroni.</blockquote><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Aptos, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:18.4px;margin:0cm 0cm 8pt;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">Photo credit: ©SprintCycling

large_IMG_6887.JPG

medium_IMG_6887.JPG

small_IMG_6887.JPG

thumbnail_IMG_6887.JPG

IMG_6887.JPG

Giro d’Italia. Double win for Scaroni and Fortunato

The rider of XDS Astana Team Diego Ulissi is the new leader of the Giro d’Italia, with his teammate Lorenzo Fortunato now sitting in second place overall.Stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia delivered a brilliant result for XDS Astana Team: Diego Ulissi claimed the maglia rosa after finishing third on the stage, while Lorenzo Fortunato moved up to second place in the overall standings and successfully defended his lead in the KOM classification. &nbsp;<blockquote>“It was an incredible day! It took a huge effort to make it into the breakaway. We knew this stage was perfect for an attack, so we committed fully to the plan. In the final, (Luke) Plapp was stronger, and it came down to the two of us. At some point, I realized I had a real chance to fight for the GC lead, so I gave absolutely everything I had. The fans on the roadside were shouting that I was racing for the pink jersey — it was just amazing. To wear the maglia rosa at almost 36 years old is an unforgettable achievement. It’s one of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m proud to share it with XDS Astana Team. Choosing to join this team was absolutely the right decision, and today’s result proves it. We now sit first and second in the general classification, and Lorenzo (Fortunato) also delivered an outstanding performance today”, - said Diego Ulissi.</blockquote><blockquote>“Tomorrow we start in Tuscany — my home region. That’s something I couldn’t even dream of. I want to thank all my teammates, the staff, and our sponsors for their incredible support”, - added Diego Ulissi, the rider of XDS Astana Team and the new leader of the Giro d’Italia.</blockquote><blockquote>“Today’s success is also symbolic for us: May 17 marks the Birthday of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. XDS Astana Team proudly dedicates this sporting achievement to this important occasion and congratulates the President on his Birthday”, - added Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of XDS Astana Team.</blockquote>Photo Credit: @SprintCycling

Giro d’Italia. Double win for Scaroni...

Giro d'Italia. Ulissi is in pink

Giro d’Italia. Double win for Scaroni... Read more

Giro d'Italia. Ulissi is in pink Read more

Giro d’Italia. Double win for Scaroni...

Giro d'Italia. Ulissi is in pink