Edoardo Affini on accidental Giro d’Italia attack: ‘I’m still completely confused and I don’t know if I’m proud or disappointed’
The Italian very nearly stole the win, minutes after riding through his home city


Edoardo Affini said he’s “still completely confused” following his accidental late attack on stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia 2021.
The Italian rider was leading out his team’s sprinter Dylan Groenewegen inside the final kilometre of the stage into Verona, when he accidentally found himself off the front of the bunch.
Affini (Jumbo-Visma) said he had no intention of attacking, but then decided to go full gas to the line, finishing second as only Giacomo Nizzolo (Qhubeka-Assos) was fast enough to catch him.
Speaking after the stage, 24-year-old Affini said: "It was by no means the plan to attack.
“I wanted to do the lead-out for Dylan, but at one point I couldn't see anyone behind me anymore. I didn't know what was going on, but then I went on full throttle.
“I'm still completely confused and don't really know whether to be proud or disappointed. It was a special day for me because we drove through my hometown and here in Verona I was trained as a cyclist. But I never saw the possibility that he would end in such a special way. ”
It was an emotional end to the day for Affini, as earlier in the stage he was allowed to ride off the front of the bunch through his home city of Mantova, 40km from the finish.
The Italian greeted his home fans, before getting his head down for the lead-out for Groenewegen, who has now left the race after 13 stages.
>>> Five talking points from stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia 2021
On the missed opportunity for his sprinter, Affini said: “The intention was of course to go for the sprint with him. It's a shame it turned out like this. Whether I was closer to victory than in Turin? There I finished second at ten seconds, but now at less than one, I think. I was very close, but I really gave it my all in those last meters.”
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex is the digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter and now as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output.
Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) and joining CW in 2018, Alex has covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.
Away from journalism, Alex is a national level time triallist, avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Mark Cavendish wants to continue for 'at least' two more years
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl sprinter turns 37 this weekend
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Canyon offers Aeroad with new build options designed to increase accessibility
While the frameset remains unchanged the 2022 line-up includes DT Swiss wheels throughout and power meters from SLX level upwards
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Mark Cavendish wants to continue for 'at least' two more years
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl sprinter turns 37 this weekend
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I still can't believe it happened' — Alberto Dainese becomes first Italian winner at the 2022 Giro d'Italia
Team DSM sprinter charged to victory on stage 11
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2022 standings: Results from the 105th edition after stage 11
The latest standings from the 105th edition of the Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Simon Yates to target stage wins after ending general classification challenge at Giro d'Italia
Team BikeExchange-Jayco rider to hunt stage wins in final two weeks
By Adam Becket • Published
-
The David Guetta of the peloton? Analysing Pieter Serry's Giro d'Italia playlist
We listened to Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl's playlist so you didn't have to
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Five talking points from stage ten of the Giro d'Italia 2022
What we learned from a punchy day on the Adriatic coast on Tuesday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Biniam Girmay's stage 11 start in question after podium mishap
Eritrean stage-winner injured his eye with a cork during podium celebrations
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'Unbelievable': Biniam Girmay seizes opportunity in watershed moment for cycling
Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert rider becomes first Eritrean Grand Tour stage winner
By Adam Becket • Published