The race of the “Falling Leaves” race is already a tradition in our calendar. Although we enjoyed more summer than autumn this time becuse of the high temperatures. The line up was top. Practically all the big U23 teams were at the start: Jumbo Visma, Lotto, Soudal, FDJ, AG2R, Isreal, ….. All our riders – Alexander Hajek, Marco Schrettl, Sebastian Putz, Simen Hegreberg and Mattie Dodd – did Piccolo Lombardia the first time. The motivation was correspondingly great, as one of the Five Monuments of cycling was on the program and one of the great classic climbs,:Madonna Ghisallo.
Alex Hajek did a very solid race with his 17th place. With his talent, perhaps a little more would have been possible. For Alex it was also the last race in the Tirol KTM jersey. He will continue in the WorldTour with BORA hansgrohe in 2024. Marco Schrettl unfortunately suffered from stomach problems, which is why he only came in 46th place. Sebastian Putz was doing well, but he had technical problems at the foot of Ghisallo. So race over. The youngsters Simen Hegreberg and Mattie Dodd did good help until Ghisallo and then turned away.