Covi: I had to attack early to stay ahead of climbers

Cyclist Alessandro Covi celebrated his first Grand Tour victory on Saturday. The 23-year-old Italian from Team Emirates was the best in the final mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia.

“Last year I was already close to winning a stage of the Giro twice,” said Covi. “I also wanted to win this year, but I cycled for João Almeida.” The Portuguese left the Giro on Thursday due to a positive corona test. Covi, who pulled away from a leading group of fifteen quite early: “So today was a chance for me. I attacked from afar because I’m not a climber. I did quite well in the last climb. It’s fantastic for the team to to win a stage and especially this one in the mythical mountains.”

Covi was 32 seconds ahead of Slovenian Domen Novak. Italian Giulio Ciccone was third in 37 seconds.

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