It had never happened before, and that is why the victory of Marta Bastianelli and Alberto Bettiol is even more exciting and prestigious for Italian cycling at the Tour of Flanders.
Among the Belgian roads, in one of the greatest two-wheeled classics, the Tricolore made the big voice in both men and women, with the first major career victory of the 25-year-old Tuscan of EF – Education First and the affirmation of the 31-year-old European champion of Virtu Cycling.
The two pompous ones were united by the Old Kwaremont wall , 18 km from the finish line in Oudenaarde, where they both unleashed the decisive attack for the finish.
ALBERTO BETTIOL
With a bit of disbelief and after six hours and 19 minutes, he finished in front of everyone with a lead of 14 ”over the second (the Danish Asgreen) . The class of ’93 played the best race of his career making the most of his skills, especially those of a cronoman which allowed him to launch the decisive attack.
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Don’t wake me up, don’t wake us up! Don’t wake me up, don’t wake us up! This victory is dedicated to my second family @ ef.educationfirst.procycling All the people working hard behind the scene, I hope we pay them back! For the moment I just enjoy my best moment of my career! THANKS THANKS THANKS #AB
A post shared by Alberto Bettiol (@albertobettio) on Apr 8, 2019 at 12:11 pm PDT
Professional since 2014, Bettiol has never achieved major victories. In 2016 he finished third in the Tour de Pologne and second in the Bretagne Classic Ouest-France ; to the last Tirreno – Adriatica and finished second in the final time trial.
The very prestigious Tour of Flanders represents a great success for Italian men’s cycling since the last blue triumph dates back to 2007 (eleventh blue success). Twelve years ago Alessando Ballan got on the highest podium , this year there was even a double with Bettiol and Marta Bastianelli among the women.
MARTA BASTIANELLI
At nearly 32 years old, on 30 April, the European champion roared again and kept Dutch Van Vleuten and Dane Ludwig at bay. It was since 2015 that an Italian had not won this very classic, then it was Elisa Longo Borghini who won .
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What’s behind an epic victory like this
… much; sacrifice, determination, perseverance, team, passion, people who believe in you … and I could still write a lot but I think these words collect a lot! Meanwhile, I think about what “happened” today, then maybe we’ll hear from you again 😆… Thank you all for your love and thanks to the Bos in flagship #BjiarneRis @smallscoaching @rondevanvlaanderenofficial 👊🏻😎 📸 @barthazen. . . What is behind an epic victory like this
much; sacrifice, determination, perseverance, team, passion, people who believe in you, and I could still write a lot but I believe that these words gather a lot! Now I think a little about “what happened today”, then maybe we hear from friends again 😆 … Thank you very much for the affection 🥰🥰 Thanks Sponsor,Team,Staff and also a two big Boss in the car to day #BjiarneRis @smallscoaching @rondevanvlaanderenofficial 😎👊🏻 . . . @teamvirtucyclingwomen @fiammeazzurreciclismo @waoo.dk @kansasworkwear @sportful @cashback.world @munkebjerghotel @srmpower @boyumit @wurthindustridanmark @multiform @morganbluesportscare @ceramicspeed @storck.world @secrettrainingcc @hedwheels @kask_cycling @prologo.official @cycloposition @schwalbetires @tacxperience @beosilkeborg.dk @sportspharma @boerkopcykler @brdr.plagborg @autocentralen @kedgebike @bontcycling @pinotoni @robertodepatre
A post shared by Marta Bastianelli🚲 (@marta_bastianelli) on date: Apr 7, 2019 at 12:58 PDT
A career not easy for the Lazio from Velletri who, after becoming world champion in Stuttgart 2007 at the age of 20, had lost a some security until the controversial doping episode in which it was found positive.
She was banned for two years and she seriously thought about leaving cycling until the birth of her daughter Clarissa in 2014 , who managed to give a notable boost also at a sporting level. In 2015 she won the GP of the Liberation, then the Ghent-Wevelgem, the Freccia del Brabant, the title of European Champion last season until the triumph in Flanders.
