Luke Plapp, having already secured a stage win in the Giro d'Italia, continues to pursue more victories. During stage 11, he and teammate Filippo Zana attempted to break away but their group was caught just 9km before the finish. David McPartland, the sport director, expressed disappointment that they could not secure another win, acknowledging the strong competition from UAE Team Emirates. Plapp, reflecting on the race, noted that it’s strategic to let more desperate cyclists do the work, despite feeling strong and capable himself.
Very disappointing, extremely disappointing... I thought we were in with a chance of another stage win but, also to be fair, with the break going so late and going at the bottom of the climb there, we knew it was a good group but with the reaction from UAE, riding behind, it was pretty obvious from a far way out that the chances weren't great.
I was feeling really good. I was playing the game all day... There's people more desperate than you and you can sort of hang back, play the game and let them do all the work and I guess try and take them to the finish line.
I think that's a luxury when you have got a stage already. It's just unfortunate not being able to hold on.
It's a shame they chased from behind but that's racing. I don't blame them.
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