Dorian Godon claimed another second-place finish at the Giro d’Abruzzo, adding to yesterday’s result as a late solo attack held on for victory on stage three.
The Frenchman benefitted from strong work from his Netcompany INEOS teammates on the run-in, but there was no catching solo victor Filippo D’Aiuto (General Store – Essegibi – F.Lli Curia).
Godon won the sprint from the chasing group to cross the line two seconds behind the Italian, while Kevin Vauquelin also finished safely in the peloton to move up to sixth overall, 12 seconds behind race leader Alessandro Fancellu (MBH Bank CSB Telecom Fort).
With 132km remaining, a flurry of attacks saw a six-rider breakaway establish itself at the front, building an advantage of up to four minutes.
As the race entered the final lap of the 25km circuit, two riders went clear from the breakaway, while behind, Netcompany INEOS continued to drive the pace at the front of the peloton.
D’Aiuto attacked again from the break with nine kilometres remaining, this time going clear alone. Milkias Maekele then stormed to the front of the chasing group and produced a huge turn in an attempt to close the gap.
Inside the final kilometre, the solo rider still held a 10-second advantage. Despite the team’s efforts, the gap could not be closed, with Godon once again sprinting to second place from the bunch.