Peter Sagan won the inaugural Giro d’Italia Criterium in Dubai, triumphing in a two-up sprint against 2021 Giro champion Egan Bernal.
The duo went clear with just over a kilometre to go on the final lap of the 63km event, powering away from their breakaway companions Marc Hirschi of the UAE-Team Emirates and Geoffrey Bouchard of AG2R Citroën.
Speaking after his victory, Sagan told reporters: “I’m very happy that I could be here, and this is a special race for all of us from the Giro d’Italia. I think we had the best riders from this year’s Giro. This short criterium is a special thing.”
Peter Sagan wins the Giro d'Italia Criterium at Expo 2020 Dubai | @petosagan ha vinto il Giro d'Italia Criterium --> https://t.co/qnopyqJyYv#Giro #GirodItaliaCriterium #madeinitaly
— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) November 6, 2021
@expo2020dubai @DubaiSC @AbuDhabiSC @ITAtradeagency pic.twitter.com/g9LoutMFea
The event was held at EXPO 2020 Dubai, which marks the first time that the event has been held outside Europe.
The race was 30 laps held on a 2.1-kilometre circuit, with the course forming the shape of the Giro d’Italia’s ‘Amore Infinito’ symbol, which was the inspiration behind the trophy of the Italian Grand Tour.
Aston Martin to limit laps in Australia with drivers at risk of nerve damage
Ten-man Newcastle beat Man United; Arsenal go 7 points clear
South Korea on brink of quarter-finals after 3-0 win over Philippines
New Zealand crush South Africa to reach T20 World Cup final
Dave Rennie becomes first Pacific Islander to lead All Blacks
