Trek-Segafredo (open in new tab) tried to focus on the positive aspects of its performance at Il Lombardia (open in new tab). Fourth, fifth, and sixth place behind winner Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) suggested that the team was strong, but not strong enough to place one of its three leaders in the attack on the Civiglio, which defined the Italian monument.

2019 winner Bauke Mollema was fourth, 1:19 behind Fuglsang, Giulio Ciccone was fifth, 1:40 behind, and Vincenzo Nibali (open in new tab) was fifth, 3:30 behind.

They survived an important selection over Muro di Solmano and rounded out the group of seven riders who escaped, but then lacked the individual and overall strength to remain in contention. When Fuglsang and Bennett attacked near the summit of Civiglio and Vlasov passed by them, Morema and Ciccone could not respond.

Trek-Segafredo's collective weakness was evident as they returned to the race. They rode aggressively Milan-San Remo, but came up empty when Nibali could not follow Julian Alaphilippe's attack in Poggio.

Nibali started Lombardia with race number 7, indicating that he was not the team leader. He won Il Lombardia in 2015 and 2017, but is still quite far from his best, as the Giro d'Italia in October is his main goal for 2020.

Nibali attacked on the descent of Muro di Solmano, but was then hit by cramps and was first separated in Civiglio.

"I rode the last 50 km with cramps. Bauke [Mollema] and Giulio [Ciccione] were better, so I left it to them," Nibali admitted.

"It was a complicated and well-conditioned finale and I couldn't push as hard as I wanted. On the Civiglio climb I tried to keep a constant pace for myself and my teammates, but when the race exploded it was hard to do more than that.

Nibali tried to remain upbeat after his ordeal. He will run the tough Giro delle Miglia near Bologna on Wednesday and then compete in the Italian national championships. While most of the big names will focus on the Tour de France in September, Nibali will head to the high country and ride the Tirreno Adriatico (September 7-13) before the Giro d'Italia starts in Sicily on October 3.

"I think the result is good enough. We always race to win, but we have to be realistic and accept it. There are better riders than us in this first race and at the moment. Our overall performance is improving with each race and we are showing solidity and teamwork, which is satisfying.

Ciccone will ride the Giro d'Italia as Nibali's shadow, while Mollema will lead Trek-Segafredo in the Tour de France with Richie Porte.

Mollema won the 2019 Il Lombardia by attacking Civiglio alone, but lacked the same form this year. He teamed up with Ciccone to chase Fuglsang, Vlasov, and Bennett. At one point they were within 10 seconds of each other, but lost time on a technical corner and suffered gear trouble.

"I'm a little disappointed to miss the podium.

"Unfortunately, the other three were a bit stronger today. I think this is good motivation for the rest of the team."

"The feeling was very good. But the heat in the finale was a little bit too much for me. As a team, I think we had a strong run with 4th, 5th and 6th places."