Pellizotti crowned at Plan de Corones

Photo: courtesy Wim Dingemanse

Photo: courtesy Wim Dingemanse

Legs, head and a lot of determination. With this mix, Franco Pellizotti won one of the most longed for and hardest bicycle races of this “Giro”, the Italian bicycle tour of Italy. Great was the hug of his fans that supported him crying out loud during the last kilometre, the hardest, and that where Pellizotti won the race: the chronometer, at the finish, stopped at 40’26’’. Sella, arrived second, was late by 6’’, then Simoni at 17’’ and pink jersey Contador at 22’’. «I run well during the final part, and then in the final kilometres I pulled out all that I could. This lap will be remembered for being hard; I am really pleased for having won it».

The result is really to be framed, but for the “Bibione Dolphin”, this was not only a brilliant achievement of the day: «Only the other day, I and the team, tried to enliven the race. I enjoy an excellent physical condition and I would like to make life difficult to whoever wishes to win this “Giro”». Concerning the final victory, Pellizotti did not set aside the dreams of glory: «We are here to win and the next laps will give me other possibilities to catch up. Many more climbs are waiting for us; it shall be possible to reach Contador only if the pursuers shall have courage and legs. On my part, I am calm: the condition is there».

Today is resting day, then two laps of relative calm with the Sondrio - Locarno and the Mendrisio – Varese. The appointment with the classification men will be for the end of the week: on Friday, the finish is at Monte Pora and on Saturday at Tirano with hilly grounds at Passo Gavia, Passo del Mortirolo and Aprica.

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