When we started our partnership with Team Polti Kometa, we were fully aware of the real possibility of not winning.

However, in the first months of 2024, the boys of Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso have already managed to achieve two splendid victories, coming close to many others and always fighting with the best until the last breath.

But what happened on Thursday, May 16th at the Giro d'Italia is something that goes beyond victory. A two-man breakaway over 100km from the finish, deemed crazy by most and even by the protagonists at the end; a large group of champions chasing but unable to catch them.

The two heroes are Mirco Maestri, captain of Team Polti Kometa on the Aurum bike colored Medium Grey Sky Effect by Lechler, and his idol: the world vice-champion Julian Alaphilippe, an extraordinary rider but away from his best days for some time. Mirco could have saved himself, stayed on the wheel, and let Julian take on most of the work: he could have played it safe to try to win his first stage at the Giro d'Italia. Instead, he gave everything to ensure the break lasted as long as possible and avoid being caught by the chasers.

Inevitably, exhausted by the final climb, he had to surrender, while Alaphilippe was able to fly towards a great victory. After the finish line, while Mirco was catching his breath, Julian, chased by photographers, made his way through the crowd to find him. He hugged him, thanked him, and told him it was a day he would never forget.

Images that have gone around the world and further confirmation for us that we made the right choice in supporting these boys, whose values are high, exceptional, and go beyond mere sporting results.

Thank you, Mirco, you gave us goosebumps!