At a certain point it was not clear whether the Deceuninck-Quick Step had ordered him not to shoot to allow Alaphilippe, who was the team leader at the start, to return. The fact is that the Frenchman behind kept urging the riders of other teams to pull for their side, while Masnada was in front of him, talking nervously on the radio. To the point that at one point the flagship came alongside him. If that was the plan, it didn't work. The advantage of Pogacar and the Bergamo rider dropped to 28 seconds as long as the world champion was also involved in the chase., then it started to grow back.
High voltage finale
And so Fausto Masnada – from Laxolo in Bergamo, 28 years old on November 6th – faced the final part of the race knowing he had only one chance: to drop Pogacar on the slight slope after the Città Alta climb (Opening photo). Any other solution, even if feasible, would have seen him lose. Memories of the sprint with Colbrelli he was too fresh to have been forgotten in the Italian championship.
«I'm happy – he says – It's my first podium in a monument race and getting it in my city makes everything even more special.I know that second place is not a victory, but I know that I was overtaken by one of the best riders in the world, who was impossible to beat today."
Agreed attack
His words after arriving somehow clash with what was seen on television.
«During the race – he says – I spoke to Julian (Alaphilippe, ed.) and he told me to try something if I felt I had the legs. So I went full throttle after the Ganda pass, with confidence at the maximum because I knew the descent and those roadsThis season has not been one of my best, with several injuries that have caused me to miss many races, so ending like this is fantastic».
For Bergamo and the people of Bergamo
Gang is the first Bergamo native in 22 years to finish in the top three of the Il Lombardia that ended in Bergamo. For this reason, his dedication to the city inflamed the many fans who cheered him on throughout the final.
«It was the first time I did the Colle Aperto in a race – he admits – and The atmosphere in that narrow street with these fantastic fans is something that will stay with me forever.I shudder just thinking about it. This place on the podium is for them and for the entire city of Bergamo, so hard hit during the pandemic. I will never forget this incredible day».
