Team Novo Nordisk roll the dice in Larciano

Heavy storms across Italy played a key part in the make up of todays GP Industria & Artigianato in Tuscany, with experienced Italian Andrea Peron leading from the front for Team Novo Nordisk before being caught on the last climb of the day in the shortened finale.

2021 GP Kranj winner Peron and neo pro Antonio Polga were straight into the action from the start, with both TNN riders making it into a 13-rider breakaway and keeping a weather eye on making it the finish ahead of the peloton.

“We knew the forecast was going to be for heavy rain and storms today,” began Peron. “So, if a big group gets away early on this parcours in these conditions, there’s a chance it could go all the way.”

“There was a point where I thought maybe it was possible, but as we hit the first time up San Baronto the group had started to split and even with one lap less it was going to be tough. UAE were controlling behind, and with the weather worsening it all became tougher.”

The extreme weather protocol was rightly brought into action by the race organizers, shortening the final three circuits to two, as the skies darkened and the storms got heavier and heavier. 

Peron was one of the last men standing from the breakaway, but as the momentum started to increase from behind the chances  narrowed and the 35-year-old was swallowed up within the last 20km.

“I’ve always gone well the tougher the conditions are,” concluded Peron. “I like racing in the rain and trying to take our chances by having a go, even on a day like today when we’re always going to be up against it…it’s worth having a go.”

“We head straight to Canada now for GP Quebec and Montreal, big races and very tough. Today was great preparation for what’s coming next week.”

Photo credit: Sprint Cycling Agency