Moscon wins in Innsbruck

19 Apr 2021

Moscon wins in Innsbruck

Related riders

Tour of the Alps - Stage 1 » Brixen › Innsbruck, 140.6km

Gianni Moscon launched a gutsy late acceleration to go clear and claim victory on the opening stage of Tour of the Alps.

Putting his local knowledge to good use, Moscon launched his move on the race's brief final climb with 3.8 kilometres to go, just as the peloton caught a late group of escapees.

Using the descent to build out his advantage, Moscon also used his experience to work with Idar Andersen (Uno-X) when the young Norwegian bridged over in the final kilometre.

Narrowly holding off the peloton in Innsbruck, Moscon's victory elevates the Italian into an early four-second race lead.

The Grenadiers rode the final well, with Sebastian Henao alert to bridge across to a move. And when that didn't stick, Leonardo Basso and Salvatore Puccio combined well to help shut down a dangerous counter-attack - setting up the perfect launchpad for Moscon.

A bunch sprint behind also ensured that defending race champion Pavel Sivakov finished with the same time as Moscon and the rest of the bunch.
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Reaction

- Gianni Moscon

"There's no better way to get back racing after two months away due to an injury. I've lived in Innsbruck for three years and so I was really motivated to try to win at home.

"It gave me that bit extra that made the difference. Knowing the roads was an advantage, especially psychologically. I knew what was coming and knew how to judge my effort. Of course you need the legs too and it worked out perfectly.

"The battle for the GC will be hard because some of the best climbers in the world are here as they get ready for the Giro d'Italia. We'll try to defend the lead, but I know I might struggle. I just want to enjoy doing the second stage in the leader's jersey."
Stage one result:

1. Gianni Moscon (INEOS Grenadiers) 3:29:24
2. Idar Andersen (Uno-X Pro Cycling Team) s.t 
3. Alexandr Riabushenko (UAE Team Emirates) 
4. Fabio Felline (Astana - Premier Tech)
5. Nick Schultz (Team BikeExchange)