Trouble-free day in Coppi e Bartali keeps Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s ambitions alive

# Team Visma | Lease a Bike Maintains Focus Amidst Challenges at Coppi e Bartali

In the latest stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, Team Visma | Lease a Bike showcased resilience despite the absence of Tijmen Graat. Stepping into the spotlight was 20-year-old Patryk Goszczurny, who sported the mountain jersey at the start in Lodi, however, his efforts to secure more points fell short. Sports director Robert Wagner explained, “When a group of five riders went clear, Patryk was boxed in. He later tried to bridge across and eventually came very close, but just fell short.”

Wagner acknowledged the fierce competition, particularly from the Italians who were targeting the mountain jersey, making it difficult for Goszczurny to defend his position. He noted, “We also knew that with the Italians targeting the mountain jersey yesterday, it would be difficult to defend it today. Everything would have had to go our way.” The team’s primary focus, however, was on the overall general classification, with hopes pinned on their leader Anton Schiffer. “We’re here with Anton aiming for a strong overall result. This was a very risky stage. There was a lot of wind, which made the peloton quite nervous,” Wagner added.

The five riders representing Team Visma | Lease a Bike maintained vigilance throughout the hilly terrains, ensuring Schiffer remained well-positioned at the front of the pack. As the race approached its flat finish in Massalengo, excitement grew for a potential sprint finish. However, it was Filippo D’Aiuto who stole the spotlight, clinching his first professional win. “Our goal was to bring Anton to the finish without losing time, and we achieved that,” Wagner commented on the team’s strategy.

Looking ahead, Team Visma | Lease a Bike shifts its focus to challenging climbs in the upcoming stages. Wagner expressed optimism for Schiffer, stating, “Hopefully we’ll see a strong Anton again, just like in the first two days. Alongside Anton, we have a young group here, and we’re deliberately encouraging them to take their chances. We saw that with Patryk’s mountain jersey, but also in the hard work from our riders for our leader today. That’s something I really enjoy,” he concluded.

### Stage Results Summary

**Stage 2 Results:**
1. Filippo D’Aiuto (General Store – Essegibi – F.Lli Curia) – 03:43:06
2. Matteo Moschetti (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) – +00:00:09
3. Tommaso Bessega (Team Polti VisitMalta) – +00:00:09

**Team Visma | Lease a Bike Highlights:**
– Anton Schiffer finished in 27th place with a gap of +00:00:09.
– Elliot Rowe also secured a strong position at 41st.
– Patryk Goszczurny fell back to 111th after struggling to maintain pace.

The stage results herald an ongoing fight for Team Visma | Lease a Bike as they prepare for more demanding challenges ahead.