Coming just 24 hours after Marcel Camprubí’s second place in Locarno, Meurisse’s result provided further confirmation that the team’s condition is trending in the right direction ahead of the summer’s major objectives.

The Belgian delivered one of the rides of the day in Switzerland. After infiltrating the decisive breakaway, Meurisse eventually found himself alone at the front with Jhonatan Narváez. The pair worked seamlessly together over the final kilometres, holding off the chasing peloton until the very last moments and ensuring the stage victory would be decided between them. Narváez proved fastest in the two-man sprint, with Meurisse taking a hard-earned second place after a courageous all-day effort.

“It’s a bit of a double feeling” said Meurisse. “Of course I’m still looking for that first WorldTour victory and today it was close. But it’s not a shame to lose against a rider like Narváez. We both deserved our chance after the work we did together. I’m disappointed, but at the same time I have to look back positively on the stage.”

The Belgian, racing only his third day back after more than five weeks away from competition, also highlighted the encouraging sensations he felt throughout the day.

Reflecting on the team’s recent performances, Meurisse added:

“Yesterday Marcel finished second and today I’m second. Of course it would have been nice to take a victory, but we have to look positively at the last two days.”

Meanwhile in France, Moschetti produced another convincing sprint to secure second place in Saint-Gaudens at La Route d’Occitanie, narrowly missing out on victory after a demanding 200-kilometre stage. 

The Italian continues to show encouraging progression after a difficult period earlier in the season.

“I’m a bit disappointed because perhaps I was missing just a little bit to fight for the victory. But I’m coming from a period where things were not easy and, little by little, I’m finding good sensations again. It’s another positive step forward.”

While victories remain the ultimate objective, two second places on the same day — and back-to-back podiums at the Tour de Suisse — underline the competitiveness and depth currently being shown by Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team against some of the strongest riders in the world.

As the racing continues in Switzerland and France, the team can take confidence from the consistency, aggression and collective strength displayed throughout the week.