[4] Favourites for victory in the race included Moreno Moser and Dan Martin (both Cannondale–Garmin), Oscar Gatto (Androni Giocattoli), Damiano Cunego (Nippo–Vini Fantini) and Fabio Felline (Italy).

Jonathan Paredes (Colombia), Nicola Gaffurini (MG.K Vis–Vega), Adriano Brogi (D'Amico–Bottecchia) and Jérôme Cousin (Team Europcar) built a lead that extended to approximately seven minutes.

With 50 kilometres (31 miles) remaining, pressure from Cannondale–Garmin on one of the race's steep climbs split the peloton; the main group was reduced to 80 riders.

He tried again on the final climb, Capo Mele, and was joined by Simone Stortoni (Androni Giocattoli) and Linus Gerdemann (Cult Energy Pro Cycling).

Aided in particular by Przemysław Niemiec, Cimolai won the race in a sprint ahead of Francesco Gavazzi (Southeast Pro Cycling) and Alexey Tsatevich (Team Katusha).