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Rookie among the pros: Davide Donati celebrates stage win in Belgium
Davide Donati has won the 3rd stage of the Tour de Wallonie (2.Pro) in a bunch sprint and thus celebrated his first victory among the pros.
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The 20-year-old Italian is actually part of the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies U23 team, but proved to be an old hand in Belgium.
As so often this season, the rookies also integrated themselves into the WorldTour team in Wallonia, this time with particular success. After 165 kilometres from Estinnes to Antoing, Davide came out on top ahead of the pros Milan Fretin and Anders Foldager. The fact that the rookie even got the chance to prove his power in the sprint was thanks to his team-mates, who helped to catch a breakaway group just a few metres before the finish line.
Davide Donati celebrates his first professional victory.
© Getty Images
Davide Donati: "Our primary goal was to protect Roger Adria. But then the team gave me the opportunity to sprint. And I didn't want to let that opportunity slip by. I found the right wheels in the final and am now very proud of what I have achieved: my first professional victory! I will now try to enjoy the moment as much as possible."
DS Christian Pömer: "We already realized on the first stage that Davide moves very well in the field and tried it out with him yesterday. Just for practice, without any pressure. Today we wanted to try again and prepare for the sprint. There was a moment of panic when a breakaway formed ten kilometres before the finish, but with our help, they were caught just before the finish line. Hats off to Davide for being able to sprint so well. We are delighted to have the winner today."
Can hardly believe it: Davide Donati wins his first professional title.
© Getty Images
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