Successful start to the season in Sardinia – happy faces at Team Vorarlberg
Team Vorarlberg’s tactics on the last day of the Tour of Sardinia were geared towards a surprise in the sprint. The plan worked for long stretches. “It was only in the finale that we lacked a bit of coordination,” reported sports director Paul Renger immediately after crossing the finish line in Olbia.
The day’s winner was Italian Davide Donati, while his compatriot Filippo Zana defended his overall lead with aplomb. Newcomer Giacomo Ballabio was the best Team Vorarlberg rider in 12th place, with Tobias Nolde right behind him in 18th place. Ballabio retained 23rd place in the overall standings, 5:12 minutes behind.
What remains after five days and 830 kilometers on the second largest island in the Mediterranean? Fifth and eighth place on the first two stages through Ballabio, plus an impressive escape attempt over 130 kilometers by Ignazio Cireddu on the third stage, which was so emotional for him – the route led past his front door.
Above all, the pleasing realization that the first assessment in a very strong field with numerous World Tour teams was a success. “We quickly found our feet after the intensive preparation and are well equipped for an exciting new season,” was Paul Renger’s satisfied comment on his team’s performance.
Young Philipp Hofbauer, who was in the very first leading group of the tour on the first day, caused a moment of shock today. The top talent from Styria was involved in a crash 40 kilometers before the finish, but was able to continue his ride unscathed and crossed the finish line at the same time as the winner.
Result https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/giro-di-sardegna/2026/stage-5/result /result
Info Giro di Sardegna: https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/giro-di-sardegna/2026
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25.02. Stage 1 Castelsardo – Bosa 189.8 km / 2917 m elevation gain
26.02. Stage 2 Oristano – Carbonia 136.3 km / 1929 m elevation gain
27.02. Stage 3 Cagliari – Tortoli 168.1 km / 1418 m elevation gain
28.02. Stage 4 Arbatax – Nuoro 153.6 km / 3210 m elevation gain
01.03. Stage 5 Nouro – Olbio 177.3 km / 1617 m elevation gain
Roster: Colin Stüssi (SUI), Dominik Amann, Philipp Hofbauer, Emanuel Zangerle (all AUT), Ignazio Cireddu, Giacomo Ballabio (both ITA), Tobias Nolde (GER)
Press Service Team Vorarlberg
