Harper Hits the Breakaway on Short Swiss Giro stage!
Chris Harper once again animated the Giro d’Italia for Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, attacking aggressively on Stage 16 as the race went to Switzerland after the rest day.
The 113 km stage from Bellinzona to Cari may have been short on distance, but it delivered an explosive day of racing in the mountains. Continuing the team’s aggressive approach from the previous week, Harper made it into the breakaway after attacking with around 80 km remaining alongside a small group of riders.
The move quickly grew into a 13-man breakaway, but Visma kept the attackers on a tight leash throughout the stage, never allowing the gap to grow beyond two minutes. With 71 km to go, Harper attacked again, splitting the group and reducing the front of the race to just six riders.
As the stage progressed and the climbing intensified, the breakaway became smaller and smaller. Eventually, only Harper and Rubio remained at the front of the race, fighting for the stage victory. With 13 km remaining, Harper launched another attack to take the Red Bull KM before being caught by the pink jersey group on the final climb. Jonas Vingegaard later attacked to take the stage win, while Harper crossed the line in an impressive 12th place.
"The game plan was to get in a strong breakaway and go for a stage win. We had a good, strong group and it kept getting more and more selective. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the big gap we needed before the final climb. I tried my best to fight as long as possible and also go for the Red Bull sprint."
Chris HarperHarper’s Trusted Steed: The Pinarello Dogma F
Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team races with the ambition to race sharp, placing a strong focus on equipment selection for every stage. On a demanding mountain stage like Stage 16 of the Giro, bike setup and wheel choice can make a significant difference.
Harper’s trusted companion for the day was the Pinarello Dogma F equipped with Zipp 202 NSW wheels, a lightweight setup particularly suited for steep mountain finishes.
"I used the Zipp 202 wheels. With these wheels we save a bit of weight compared to the 454’s, and I really like how they respond when you get out of the saddle and kick. They feel great on the steeper climbs, and saving some weight is always important for these uphill finishes."
Chris HarperRather than racing in a skinsuit on yet another warm day, Harper opted for the Gregarius Clima Pro Cycling Team Jersey and Gregarius bib shorts from Q36.5, a choice driven both by comfort and practicality.
"It can look a little strange in today’s peloton not to be wearing a race suit. I like the feel of riding in bibs and a jersey, and having the three rear pockets means I can carry a few extra gels with me. I find all our bibs very comfortable, but these in particular feel really good. Sometimes feeling comfortable on the bike is a good morale boost. Also, on hot climbing days I like to have the radio in the back as I am constantly opening up my jersey a little on the climbs to cool down."
Chris HarperFollowing Stage 16, Chris Harper now sits 12th overall in the General Classification as the Giro d’Italia is in its decisive final week.
