Nicola Rutzou
Aussie Caleb Ewan sprinted to win the opening stage of Coppi e Bartali in Italy, taking his first win of the season and the first for his new team INEOS Grenadiers.
Ewan was well protected by the team over the flat 174.5 kilometres from Ferrara to Bondeno, before being delivered to the finish by Ben Swift.
Ewan’s signature speed and power were unmatched, giving him time to cross the line with his arms aloft.
The first 20km saw a breakaway of five riders, who racked up a two-minute lead. The break stayed away until the final 15km as the pace ramped up to the finish, with AJ August leading the chase.
With 7km to go, the Grenadiers took to the front, with Ewan well positioned behind Magnus Sheffield, Kim Heiduk, Brandon Rivera and Swift, before launching his sprint to take the win in a bunch finish.
After his fantastic lead-out, Swift clung on to take fifth place on the stage. The win sees Ewan start in the leader’s jersey for tomorrow’s second stage with a four-second advantage.
“Obviously, no better way to start with the team. I think I came in knowing my form was pretty good, but you know, when you haven’t raced for so long, you don’t really have any gauge of where you’re at,” said Ewan.
“I was a bit nervous this morning but the boys did an amazing job. I think it was honestly one of the best lead outs I’ve ever had so they did a great job. Everyone committed 100% and I’m just happy I could finish the job.”
