The Coppa Bernocchi was a race completely dominated by the Dutch team, and Wout van Aert managed to celebrate his first victory since the Tour of Britain. The hilly race was quite open, with a profile that allowed for strong attacks on the climbs but also featured 25 flat kilometers towards the end.
Throughout the various climbs of the Piccolo Stelvio, there were some movements and splits in the peloton, but many riders waited for the final ascent. With an attack, Jumbo increased the pace with Jan Tratnik, creating a group of nine riders, including Van Aert and Tiesj Benoot, Julian Alaphilippe alongside two teammates from Soudal Quick-Step, Marc Hirshci, Vincenzo Albanese, and Christian Scaroni.
There was good cooperation among the breakaway as all riders were looking to increase the gap from the peloton. Tiesj Benoot and Julian Alaphilippe launched attacks in the final kilometers but without success.
There was little that the competition could do. Tiesj Benoot led the sprint, and Wout Van Aert was the fastest towards the finish line. Vincenzo Albanese (EOLO Kometa) came in 2nd place, and Andrea Bagioli (Soudal Quick-Step) closed the podium in 3rd place.
Watch the finish:
Here are the results of the 2023 Coppa Bernocchi:
