The Lazio Grand Prix is ​​reborn: Dorian Godon triumphs in a sprint finish on Lake Bracciano.

Italian cycling is re-embracing one of its historic races: the Gran Premio del Lazio returned to the scene on Saturday, and the first chapter of this new era was written by Dorian Godon (Netcompany-Ineos), who won in a sprint after a fiery day.

The Frenchman preceded Luca Colnaghi (Bardiani-CSF-Faber) and Andrea Vendrame (Jayco-AlUla).

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The course, although free of challenging climbs, was not completely flat, and towards the end the race became considerably more complicated due to a flurry of attacks that put the legs of all the protagonists to the test.

The group nevertheless regrouped for the sprint, but without any real organization or structured launch trains. In this chaotic environment, Godon was able to find the right wheels, particularly by hooking up with a General Store rider who pulled generously in the final kilometer, allowing the Frenchman to finish the job with a powerful and well-placed progression.

"There were so many attacks, and we tried to control the race. Peter [Oxenberg] was really strong in catching the breakaway, then the whole team tried to stay together for the sprint. In the last two kilometers, I had to follow every move, and I was really at the limit before the sprint, but I'm super happy," said Godon, coming off a strong Giro d'Abruzzo where he came close to victory.

"I've been close to winning twice, finishing second, and I don't like that feeling at all. So it's great to take a win here in Italy," added the Frenchman, who with this victory is poised to become a name to watch for the upcoming end-of-season classics.