Aleksandr Vlasov won the 2020 edition of the Giro dell’Emilia. The 23-year-old Gazprom — RusVelo rider Alexander Vlasov made his move to Astana Pro Team on 1 January 2020.
In the final 1.5 kilometres the Astana Team pro launched a massive push from behind, moving to the winning position just outside the final 500 metres. It looked all but assured that João Almeida (Deceuninck-QuickStep) would take the stage until the last few kilometres.
Reeling in almost Almeida’s 30-second lead in the final 9 km, Vlasov launched his come-from-behind attack in the final 1,500 m, jumping just beyond 500 m to the winning spot and hanging on for a nine-second victory.
Commenting on the day, Vlasov said, “I am so happy about my win! First of all thanks to my team and also to our sponsor Samruk-Kazyna. I felt good today and the course suited me, so at the final part up to San Luca I gave it a try and as I had a small gap I just went on. Saturday was already amazing and now going home with a win here in Italy feels so good. I am absolutely happy.”
Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) chased after the attack from Vlasov but was unable to stick to the fast-moving Russian.
“Today I gave my all, even though I found myself drifting and coming back to the group at times, I tried to keep a consistent effort for the whole race, especially when it got hard. In the final I used all my remaining strength on the last climb, giving my best and earning a spot on the podium,” said Ulissi.
Vlasov player played a key role in Jakob Fuglsang ‘s win on Il Lombardia Saturday, managing a trio of Trek-Segafredo riders, and George Bennet (Mitchelton-Scott) in the final 50 km, meaning Fuglsang had fresher legs in the final kilometres.
Vlasov has won the Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge, right after the return to the race after the COVID-19 race break.
This is a race usually held in the fall but it was bumped up to an earlier, available date due to the calendar reshuffling.
2020 Giro dell’Emilia results
1. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana Pro Team), 4:59:38
2. João Almeida (Deceuninck – QuickStep), at :09
3. Diego Ulissi (UAE-Team Emirates), at 0:18
4. Eddie Dunbar (Team Ineos), at :21
5. Andrea Bagioli (Deceuninck – QuickStep), at :24
6. Jakob Fuglsang (Astana Pro Team), at :29
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Trek – Segafredo), at 1:32
8. Giulio Ciccone (Trek – Segafredo), at s.t.
9. Giovanni Visconti (Vini Zabù – KTM), at 2:41
10. Gianluca Brambilla (Trek – Segafredo), at s.t.
