Lucas Plapp has won stage eight of the Giro d’Italia, executing a remarkable race to cross the line solo on the 197 kilometre ride from Giulianova to Castelraimondo.
It was a tough stage covering almost 4000m of vertical climbing. But in the 24-year old's eyes, it only made the win even more significant, marking the biggest victory of his career to date.
“It’s pretty crazy, I still can’t believe it to be honest," Plapp said.
He attacked the lead group with 45km to go, taking the risk to ride solo to the top of the Montelago climb.
“I knew I wouldn’t beat any of them in a sprint, so I knew I had to go at some stage pretty early,” Plapp said.
"The first one to make a move, I think, always has an advantage. I just thought I'd give it a crack and to be honest, I just wanted a bit of a head start on the descent as well."
"I think the way the racing's been going this year, the long moves have been really, really successful."
He stayed in the lead of the chase group by about a minute, with the peloton more than six minutes behind with only 20 kilometres remaining.
Coming around the final stretch he looked over his shoulder for any final chasers, but with his hands on his head in disbelief he crossed the line with a 38 second margin.
“Last year I got so close to the Giro so many times, and for today to happen is so, so special.”
“The lows in cycling are super, super low and there’s a long time between highs. So, to have a result like this is pretty amazing.”
VIS Cycling Endurance Coach, Vanessa Bof, knows well the difficulty of extracting yourself from a breakaway group, then successfully holding the lead.
“It was such a bold move and a classy ride that paid off,” said Bof.
“This first World Tour stage win has been a long time coming for Luke, and I’m sure it’s just the beginning. There are plenty more to come.” she said.
The Victorian won his third National Championship title earlier this year in the Men’s Individual Elite Time Trial and played a selfless role helping his Western Australian teammate, Luke Durbridge, take gold in the Elite Men’s Road Race.
In doing so, giving up breaking the record for four consecutive Road Race titles.
Plapp rides for Australian men’s World Tour cycling team, Jayco AlUla, with another couple years dedicated to the team.
This Grand Tour stage win may have just broken the seal on a very exciting few years ahead.
