Peter Sagan of Bora–Hansgrohe rides during the first-ever Giro d’Italia Criterium race at Expo 2020 in Dubai. AFP

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Peter Sagan emerged winner at the first-ever Giro d’Italia Criterium, organised by RCS Sport with the support of MadeinItaly.gov.it, Dubai Sports Council and Expo 2020 Dubai.

This morning, Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, met the riders before the start and took photos with the iconic Trofeo Senza Fine.

Sagan crossed the finish line of the Giro d’Italia Criterium in first place, after completing 30 laps of a 2.1km circuit, within the Expo 2020 Dubai — the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, where the ‘Made in Italy’ campaign is showcasing Italian excellence.

Egan Bernal and Marc Hirschi were second and third, respectively.

Sagan, said: "This was a very special race, it is incredible to be here and have the opportunity to ride the Giro d'Italia Criterium at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“I am very happy I could take the win in this unique place. I want to thank my teammates that kept the race under control. In the first part of the Criterium, I tried to be in the front and contest the sprints to win the Points Classification but I soon realised Elia Viviani was faster than me today.

“I decided to change my tactic. I tried to recover for 10-15 laps, it was a very fast race. Then in the last few laps Bernal, Hirschi and Bouchard attacked and I decided to follow them – it was the right move. After Bernal attacked again, I managed to stay with him and beat him on the line. I am very happy with this success!"

The kick-off cycling parade was given from the Italy Pavilion by Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer of Expo 2020 Dubai, accompanied by Saeed Hareb, Secretary General Dubai Sports Council and Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sport. Carlo Ferro, President of Agenzia ICE, gave the official start to the race.