Simone Velasco wins the Italian National Championships

Simone Velasco of Astana Qazaqstan Team became the new Italian National Champion, winning the road race of 227 km in Comano Terme.

Velasco arrived at the finish in a small leading group of 6 riders, taking the title in a perfect powerful sprint.

“It was a very tough race but as a team we managed to do it in a right way. We were always up there in front, working hard and controlling the situation. It started with Leonardo Basso, who worked absolutely impressive, pulling in front of the group and later all other guys helped and supported me a lot during the whole day. Also, Samuele Battistella made an amazing job in the break, allowing me to save some energy and to come quite fresh to the final. It was a great day for us as a team, we stayed united and focused. I am so happy and proud with this victory, but also with the way we spent this day together with my teammates. This victory is very emotional to me, and it gives me a great motivation to the future, to continue working hard pursuing the next big goals”, – said Simone Velasco.

For Simone Velasco it is the second success of the season after his victory in Stage 3 of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.

Two more Astana Qazaqstan Team riders, Christian Scaroni and Samuele Battistella finished the race in the Top-10: Scaroni took 9th, while Battistella did 10th.

Photo credit: @SprintCycling