The Italian championship could go both ways between Bassano del Grappa and Cittadella.
The only climb per lap La Rosina (2.9 km and 6% average) was ideal as a trampoline for the aggressive climbers.
Fausto Masnada rode in the shirt of Deceuninck-Quick Step for the first time and did not want to wait for the final. But as with Ballerini, De Marchi, Ciccone and Formolo, his attempt was halted.
A thinned group remained on the climb, which was also strewn with cobblestones. When cat-busting men like Nizzolo and Colbrelli rejoined, Ulissi threw himself on the offensive twice in the last 5 km.
But Deceuninck-Quick Step kid Andrea Bagioli whistled Ulissi back. Great work by the neo-pro, who spread the bed for his fast team mate Ballerini.
Colbrelli was the first to start the sprint, but was overshadowed by Ballerini. Nizzolo had timed his jump the best of everyone and whizzed past Ballerini. Also in 2016, Nizzolo already took off with the Italian tricolor.
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