OPENINGThe 63rd Trofeo Laigueglia, the ProSeries opener of the Italian season, ran 192 km from Albenga along the Ligurian coast and inland over 2,900 m of climbing to the finish on Corso Badarò in Laigueglia. An early breakaway formed on the inland climbs, and Louis Vervaeke took matters into his own hands with a long solo move, attacking clear from the lead group and cresting Testico and Cima Paravenna alone with an advantage of nearly three minutes over the peloton.

UNFOLDSVervaeke held the front of the race for much of the day, but the chase intensified once the course reached the finishing circuit around Laigueglia. The peloton steadily reeled in the Belgian, who was finally caught as the attacks began on the steep slopes of the Colla Micheri. From there the race fractured rapidly: repeated accelerations on the climb thinned the field until Buitrago, Grégoire and Tiberi emerged as the strongest and moved clear together.

DECIDEDThe leading trio worked briefly to hold off the chasers, but with around 11 km remaining Buitrago launched a decisive solo attack and immediately opened a gap. The Colombian kept extending his advantage over the closing kilometres while Grégoire and Tiberi were left to organise the chase behind, unable to bring him back.

FINALEBuitrago carried his lead over the final ascent of Capo Mele, which crests just over a kilometre from the line, and held on to win alone in Laigueglia. Grégoire led the chase home for second at 25 seconds, with Tiberi third at the same time to complete a Bahrain - Victorious double on the podium. Diego Ulissi was best of the rest in fourth at 40 seconds, leading a cluster of Italians across the line.