Bahrain Victorious Remain in Northern Italy for Gran Piemonte
# Bahrain Victorious Prepares for Gran Piemonte Classic in Northern Italy
Bahrain Victorious is gearing up for the 109th edition of the Gran Piemonte, a prestigious 1.Pro race that serves as a crucial lead-up to the season’s final “Monument,” Il Lombardia. Scheduled for Thursday, this year’s Gran Piemonte promises to be a true test of endurance and skill, with a course designed to challenge even the most seasoned riders.
The race will span 179.4 km, starting in Dogliani and culminating in Acqui Terme, featuring a significant elevation gain of 2,743 meters and four categorized climbs. Sports Director Roman Kreuziger observes, “In past editions, the course was often easier and suited more to sprinters. This year, they’ve designed a very demanding route in a beautiful area, with a hilly and technical profile.” He adds that riders will face “narrow, twisting roads and constant undulations,” making it an exciting event, particularly for those with climbing prowess.
Beginning in the scenic Langhe hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the riders will navigate through the picturesque regions of Langhe and Monferrato, tackling various climbs. Among these, the Bric della Forma and Rocchetta Palafea are critical challenges, leading into a final circuit that features two ascents of the Castelletto d’Erro, known for its steep average gradient of 11% and pitches reaching up to 15%. The course ends with a spirited descent into Acqui Terme, requiring precision and tactical awareness as the peloton approaches the town center along a straight avenue with a subtle uphill drag.
Kreuziger emphasizes the significance of positioning on the smaller roads, stating, “We have a mixed line-up, with riders like Robert Stannard and Fred Wright suited to the flatter sections, alongside some strong climbers.” He also expresses confidence in Lenny Martinez, suggesting that while he may not have had his best outing at Tre Valli, he is poised to perform well on the challenging climbs in Gran Piemonte.
Moreover, the team features Edoardo Zambanini and Matej Mohorič, who are both eager to make an impact before the upcoming Gravel World Championships. Following a recent crash, Nicolò Buratti will be substituted by Rainer Kepplinger, who is returning to competition. “It’s great to see him back, and I’m confident he can show his strength on the climbs,” Kreuziger added.
“The most important thing is that the riders are not just passengers — they must race proactively and be involved in the key moves,” underscores Kreuziger. With aspirations set for a top-five result, he remains optimistic, saying, “When you aim for the top five, you always hope for even more. Let’s cross our fingers and hope for a better result after the last two Italian races we had.”
As Bahrain Victorious looks to harness their team dynamics and tackle the challenges ahead, the Gran Piemonte is poised to be a thrilling encounter in the cycling calendar.
