Marcato ensures one-two finish for the Dutch team
It took Riccardo Riccò only a good month to score a win for his new Vacansoleil team, at the Coppa Sabatini. The Italian decided the sprint ahead of his teammate Marco Marcato and Leonardo Bertagnolli (Androni Giocattoli – Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni).
The Vacansoleil team took the initiative in the final kilometer, delivering Marcato and Riccò to the front with 500 meters to go. Marcato then launched the sprint for Riccò so strongly that he still ended in second place.
After 15 kilometers the break of the day formed with Proni, Bonuccelli, Canuti and Pinizzotto. They ran up an advantage of four minutes, staying ahead for over a 100km. Proni was the last one to give up holding off until km 160. Several riders tried their luck, but the peloton stayed alert, ensuring that the closing kilometers were done with gruppo compatto.
The ISD Neri team tried hard to place its leader, Giovanni Visconti, alongside the Vacansoleil train, but to no avail. The Italian Champion had to settle for fourth.
Results
1. RICCÒ Riccardo VAC 4h50’00”
2. MARCATO Marco VAC
3. BERTAGNOLLI Leonardo AND
4. VISCONTI Giovanni ISD
5. SCHEIRLINCKX Staf OLO
6. POZZOVIVO Domenico COG
7. APPOLLONIO Davide CTT
8. BOTCHAROV Alexandre KAT
9. STORTONI Simone COG
10. BERTOLINI Alessandro AND