Widar takes over the Tre Valli Varesine

A razor-sharp victory, one of those that leave no chance and definitively confirm a pure talent. Jarno Widar won the 105th edition of the Tre Valli Varesine today, securing his first extraordinary career victory among the professionals at the finish line on Via Sacco. The twenty-one-year-old Belgian (born in 2005), riding for Lotto-Intermarché, defeated two true giants of world cycling in a three-way sprint: Britain's Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5) and America's Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike).

The final act of the Lombard Triptych, a luxurious appetizer for next Saturday's Giro di Lombardia, unfolded along a 200-kilometer route that began in Busto Arsizio and heated up, as per tradition, on the selective Varese city circuit.

After an initial stretch of the race marked by the usual breakaways, the race really came to life with about thirty kilometers to go. The first to make a decisive move were Mikkel Honoré , Davide Piganzoli , and Quinn Simmons . The leading group, however, responded quickly, closing the gap with fifteen kilometers to go. Shortly thereafter, a close attempt by world champion Brandon McNulty was also promptly repelled.

The turning point came on the final stretch of the circuit's penultimate climb. Tom Pidcock launched a violent acceleration that literally shattered the remnants of the peloton. Only two riders managed to keep up with the Englishman: a solid Matteo Jorgenson and a very alert Jarno Widar .

The trio immediately found an excellent understanding, quickly gaining over thirty seconds on the first group of pursuers and presenting themselves on the final straight in the heart of Varese to fight for the victory.

In the final sprint, when Pidcock and Jorgenson's experience seemed to make the difference, Widar displayed disarming tactical maturity. He stayed covered until the very last few hundred meters before launching a pure power progression from behind. An irresistible progression that left Pidcock, forced to chew the bitter taste of another second place, and Jorgenson, who rounded out the podium.

Relive the race live here!