There’s always a chance to turn the tables in a stage race — and Andrea Candeago did just that on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Riolunato. After missing out on the win in Vidiciatico, the Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team rider made no mistakes this time, seizing victory in the uphill sprint finale of Riolunato.
Candeago outpaced Vincenzo Saitta (Rolling Bike Team) and teammate Diego Arias to take Stage 3 — 64 kilometres with 2,750 metres of elevation gain. Arias, once again in control throughout tha stage, extends his grip on the general classification.
The day began in Vidiciatico with a long, steady climb to Corno alle Scale, which the lead riders tackled without fireworks, knowing the real challenge lay ahead. Alongside the podium trio, Emanuele Spica, Hans Becking, Davide Magnani and Peter Menghetti also made the early front group. But as the race descended toward Fanano, Menghetti crashed out, and on the long ascent to Monte Cimone, the pace from Metallurgica Veneta split the field for good.
Becking, Spica, and Magnani were dropped one by one, leaving Candeago, Saitta, and Arias to contest the win. In the final uphill corner into Riolunato, Candeago led from the front and held his advantage to the line, clocking 3:28:02 — just two seconds ahead of Saitta and Arias. Spica followed at 2’28”, while Becking crossed fifth at 5’38”.
“I was frustrated after yesterday, so I really wanted this,” said Candeago. “Right now, I think Diego, Vincenzo and I are the strongest on the climbs. It’s a pity about the mechanical in Stage 1 — I might be closer overall. Today I made sure to take the final corner first, and it paid off.”
Diego Arias remains firmly in the lead, now 6’54” ahead of Saitta. With today’s performance, Candeago moves into third at 12’08”, followed by Becking at 14’03” and Spica at 14’22”.
“I’ve been able to manage the race well so far,” commented Arias. “Almost seven minutes is a good cushion, but anything can happen — especially with the heat playing such a big role this week.”
The Master‘s classification continues to be dominated by Oscar Pujol, who took his third consecutive stage and now leads Juul Van Loon by 16’09”, with Rob Van der Werf sitting third at 25’18”. In the Grand Master ranks, Mirko Pirazzoli made it three out of three, extending his lead over Stefan Buri to nearly thirty minutes. In the Great Grand Master field, Axel Strauss remains unchallenged ahead of Piotr Sozanski and Lawrence Westney.