Davide Formolo (Cannondale-Drapac) and Damiano Caruso (BMC) opted not to start the final stage of the Tour of the Alps on Friday, despite being fifth and eighth respectively in the overall classification, only 31 and 42 seconds behind race leader Geraint Thomas (Team Sky).
The two Italians were among six riders who did not start the final 192km stage to Trento that included the mighty Monte Bondone climb. David Villella (Cannondale-Drapac), Stefan Denifl and Lawrence Warbasse (Aqua Blue Sport), and José Mendes (Bora-hansgrohe) were also absent in Smarano before the start.
All six riders are expected to ride Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday but their decision to quit the Tour of the Alps a day early sparked criticism and debate, especially surrounding Formolo and Caruso, who were still overall contenders.
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Several other riders in action at the Tour of Alps will also ride Liege on Sunday. They will travel to Belgium after today’s final mountain stage as other riders have done in recent years. Domenico Pozzovivo, third overall, will be part of AG2R-La Mondiale’s squad built around Roman Bardet, while Pete Kennaugh has been named in Team Sky’s line up for the final one-day Classic in the Ardennes.
Both the Cannondale-Drapac and BMC teams defended their decision via Twitter.
Cannondale-Drapac wrote: “Fielding questions about Formolo's #TotA withdrawal. Both he and Villella were non-starters for one extra day of recovery before #LBL.”
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