Team Visma | Lease a Bike starts Coppi e Bartali with mountain jersey for Goszczurny
# Patryk Goszczurny Claims Mountain Jersey in Coppi e Bartali Opener
In an exciting start to the Coppi e Bartali race in Barbaresco, 20-year-old Patryk Goszczurny of Team Visma | Lease a Bike claimed the mountain jersey, showcasing his talent and determination. As part of an eight-rider breakaway, Goszczurny focused on accumulating points in the pursuit of the coveted jersey in the picturesque region of northwestern Italy. “For our young riders, this week is all about development,” said sports director Robert Wagner, highlighting the team’s commitment to nurturing budding talent.
Goszczurny will wear the special mountain jersey in tomorrow’s stage, a title previously held by Ben Tulett, the race winner from last year. Despite the breakaway being caught before the finish, the reduced peloton engaged in a sprint for stage victory, with Frenchman Axel Laurance ultimately securing the win. Other Team Visma riders, including Anton Schiffer and Tijmen Graat—both aiming for strong general classifications—managed to finish among the leading group, even after Graat faced a crash.
“Patryk showed himself really well today. It’s not easy to take the first mountain jersey, especially with the Italians also eyeing that in their home country. We definitely want to hold on to that jersey,” Wagner added, reflecting on Goszczurny’s effort. The director also praised the assistance from teammates, noting, “Sven Mernik did a great job bringing Tijmen back to the front group after his crash.”
With additional opportunities ahead, Wagner remained optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We wanted to try to sprint with Elliot Rowe, but unfortunately, that didn’t work out. That’s not a shame, though, as it’s Elliot’s first time in the pro peloton. There will be plenty more chances for our team this week. Maybe even tomorrow, as there’s likely to be another sprint,” he concluded.
As the Coppi e Bartali continues, Team Visma | Lease a Bike looks poised to make their mark, with young riders eager to demonstrate their capabilities on one of Europe’s prestigious cycling stages.
