In a thrilling showdown at Clásica de Almeria on Sunday, Matteo Moschetti narrowly missed out on retaining his title, sprinting to an impressive second place behind victor Olav Kooij.
The event marked Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team's first podium of the season in a one-day race.
The excitement ignited right from the outset in Puebla de Vicar, with six riders forming an early breakaway. The escapees were always kept on a short leash and were reeled back in with just under the 15km to go mark. As the pace intensified approaching the flat finish in Roquetas del Mar, the sprinters' trains surged forward. Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team maintained a vigilant presence, ensuring our sprinter, Matteo Moschetti, remained well-positioned at the forefront of the action.
Former Irish Champion Rory Townsend and Italian lead-out Nicolò Parisini diligently shielded Moschetti until the critical penultimate turn, 500 metres from the finish line.
Parisini's astute maneuvering guided Moschetti onto Kooij's wheel, setting the stage for a thrilling sprint finale.
Launching his sprint with 150 metres to go, the Italian sprinter displayed remarkable speed and timing, coming agonisingly close to overtaking Kooij at the line and clinching victory for the second consecutive year at Clásica de Almeria. A photo finish confirmed Moschetti's second-place finish by the slimmest of margins.
“It was a good day! We helped control the breakaway with Filippo Conca and in the end the boys did a great job! I have to thank all my teammates, especially Parisini who was amazing! I was on the wheel of Kooij and when he launched the sprint I closed in fast but in the end he was still faster so congratulations to him.
Maybe I should have launched a bit earlier but the speed was high. I gave my all until the last centimetre but today it was not enough! I'm disappointed because I would have loved to win, instead I go home with a second place which isn't too bad.” remarked Moschetti at the conclusion of the race.
For Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, this podium finish marks our maiden podium at a classic in the 2024 season, while for Matteo Moschetti, it was his 10th second-place finish in his professional career.