Silvia Persico (Valcar Travel & Service) is following in the footsteps of her Italian compatriot who is dominating the road racing scene this spring.

The 24-year-old is coming off of a successful win at the Gran Premio della Liberazione on April 25. Following this victory, she finished third in the prologue and second behind compatriot Marta Bastianelli in the first stage of the Festival Elsie Jacobs.

Persico is now tied for the overall lead with Demi Vollering (SD Works) in second place, seven seconds ahead of Bastianelli.

"I was feeling good today and wanted to win, but Malta was stronger in the sprint.

"I don't know if I could have taken the overall jersey, but I am happy with my team.

Persico is the Italian national cyclocross champion and was part of the winning team that secured victory in the opening test team relay at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Fayetteville in January. In the elite women's race, she won the bronze medal behind world champion Marianne Vos and silver medalist Lucinda Brand.

Persico, who signed with the Valcar-Travel & Service team in 2017, brought off-roading to the spring classics, finishing 10th at Strade Bianche, 12th at Ronde van Drenthe, and 8th at Trofeo Alfredo Binda, 9th at Gent-Wevelgem, 11th at Tour of Flanders, and 7th at Brabantse Pijl.

It was a remarkable season for Italian riders, with world champion Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) winning stages at the Vuelta CV Feminas, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Brugge des Painnes, and Gent-Wevelgem. Teammate and Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini won Paris-Roubaix.

Marta Cavalli (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope) won the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne, while Marta Bastianelli (UAE Team AQD) won the Vuelta CV Feminus and Omloop van het Haegelan, won the first stage of the Festival Elsie Jacobs. Persico's teammate Chaila Consonni also won at the Doire de Flenderen.

Persico, who finished third in the prologue of the Festival Elsie Jacobs, admitted that although the 2.2 km route suited his strengths, he was not confident of finishing in such a high position.

"I knew the prologue route suited me because of the many corners. But I didn't think I could finish third.

"I came here to make the most of it. Stage and overall, we are no different. We want to taste the taste of success like we did in Rome (Gran Premio della Liberazione).

"Probably the final second stage in Garnich suits me the best.

The race will conclude with the 109.3 km second stage in Garnich. Last year's fourth place could be a victory for Persico in Sunday's finale.