Sunday 6 October, 2024
After his sixth place at the home world championships in Zurich, Marc Hirschi had strength and tactics to take a fine victory at the Coppa Agostoni in Italy today.
Hirschi attacked 41 kilometers from the finish, initiating the group of four that ultimately fought for victory in the Italian one-day race. At one point they were able to gain almost a minute on their pursuers, but five kilometers from the end their lead shrank to 15 seconds.
Hirschi: “With a four man group it’s always difficult to get a good collaboration as everyone is playing for the podium spots. I knew Aranburu was probably the fastest but I think maybe his legs were heaviest. He attacked but we spoke behind and worked to bring him back which was good. It was a long final with a slight headwind and we nearly got swallowed up by the group behind, but thankfully I could hang on for another win.”
The podium was completed by two Frenchmen : Romain Gregoire (Groupama FDJ) and Paul Lapeira (Decathlon-AG2R).
Meanwhile Brandon McNulty finished safely in the bunch on stage 6 of the CRO Tour, Sveta Nedelja to Zagreb (157.5km), to cement his overall win in the race.
The American, who now holds 8 wins to his name in 2024, left his mark on the race on stage 3 with a solo breakaway which saw him build a lead which the team would defend for the week.
McNulty : “In my last race of the season it’s nice to end on a high. The team worked really good defending the jersey all week and covering the bonus sprints etc. so all in all it’s been a really nice week and a super season for me and the team. Looking back on this season I think I can be really pleased.”
Coppa Agostoni results
1.Marc Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates) 3:59:08
2.Romain Gregoire (Groupama FDJ) s.t
3.Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R) +1”
CRO Race final results
1.Bandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) 17:23:53
2.Tobias Lund Andresen (DSM firmenich) +8”
3.Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious) +27”
