Astana Qazaqstan Riders Yevgeniy Gidich and Artyom Zakharov Make Impressive Breakaway at Milano-Sanremo

Two Kazakh riders, Yevgeniy Gidich and Artyom Zakharov, showcased their strong form at the prestigious Milano-Sanremo race by spending around 270 kilometers in a breakaway. Zakharov initiated the attack at KM 0, forming a group of four riders, which Gidich joined after a powerful counterattack. The duo quickly built a significant lead, ultimately reaching a seven-minute advantage with 150 kilometers to go.

“Well, I felt quite good today and I am really happy with the way I spent this day. It was our plan to go in the break, and I am happy I could join it, spending a tough and long but at the same time very nice day in front of the race. Milano-Sanremo was the first cycling race I watched on TV when I just started practicing cycling. On that time I even could not imagine how it is possible to ride 300 kilometers in one day… Today, I spent 270 km in a breakaway, and I am happy about that,” said Yevgeniy Gidich.

Zakharov added, “Before the start, together with Yevgeniy, we decided that it would be good to try to join the daily breakaway, and shortly after the race started, we both were able to attack at the right moment. Well, it was quite a long day, and in the end, I just gave my all trying to stay in front as long as possible. I had to give up somewhere with 30 km to go, but I think it was a nice race for me, for Yevgeniy, and our Astana Qazaqstan Team.”

The breakaway group split near the Cipressa hill, with Gidich leading the way. However, the break ended for Gidich with approximately 20 kilometers to go on the descent from Cipressa, while the last two riders from the leading group were caught back at the beginning of the Poggio climb with 9 km remaining.

Astana Qazaqstan’s best performer was Fabio Felline, who finished in one of the chasing groups behind the solo winner, Matej Mohoric, a Slovenian rider.

Photo credit: @Gettysport