Southland Sport
- Marco Frigo’s strong performance helped set up a perfect sprint for his teammate.
- Team praised for strategy and teamwork, securing their 27th win of the season.
Corbin Strong capped off a brilliant team performance by powering to victory in the Giro del Veneto, sprinting to win on the uphill finish. The 24-year-old Kiwi expressed his satisfaction after the race, saying, “I have been very motivated to finish the season in a strong way. The finish was perfect for me, and it’s really a good feeling to get this win today.” Related: Corbin Strong Secures Second Place At Gran Piemonte
After a tough race, marked by wet conditions and a fractured peloton in the final laps, Marco Frigo was instrumental in keeping the team in contention. Frigo stayed near the front, helping to close down several dangerous moves. As a breakaway group formed on the last climb, Frigo, racing near his hometown, brought the pack back together, setting the stage for Strong’s powerful sprint.
Strong reflected on the race, acknowledging his team’s hard work and his determination to seize the opportunity. “I was really hungry for a result today, and the team did a great job! I got a little bit boxed in on the technical finish, but I had the confidence to go early, and it paid off in the end. I’m really happy I could finish off the team’s hard work!”
Sports director Rene Mandri also praised the team's strategy, particularly Frigo's efforts to guide Strong through the final laps. “We knew the race would accelerate early in the final and end up in a select sprint if we managed it well,” Mandri said. “Marco had to ride the last three laps next to Corbin, to be his shadow and motor at the same time. He did an amazing job, and Corbin did a long sprint, which he had planned yesterday evening. Everything just clicked 100% today.”
This victory marks Strong’s second win of the year and brings the team’s tally to 27 victories for the 2024 season.