Well wishes, Bettini’s comments and rankings
Italy closed out the year with the number one cyclist – Vincenzo Nibali – and winner of two of the three Grand Tours. And the Italians promise even more next year.
The country’s top sports newspaper, La Gazzetta dello Sport spoke to its top stars on the eve of the new year…
Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Doimo): 2010 chief results: Giro d’Italia overall and stage, GP Carnago
“Giro? Tour? No. 2011 will start with a bang with the birth of our third baby.
“To all the fans, I ask to keep following because we Italian cyclists will create even more good times. And who knows, maybe this time in France…”
Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo): Tour de San Luis overall and stage, Giro d’Italia stage, Tour de Slovénie overall and stage, Trofeo Melinda, Vuelta a España
“I always wish my friends happiness, this time, I extend my well wishes it to everyone. But dreams and wishes don’t arrive on their own, they are helped along. Believe in yourself and fight.
“My dream? It’s pink.”
Giovanni Visconti (ISD-Neri): Classica Sarda, Tour of Turkey overall and two stages, Tour de Luxembourg stage, national championships
“In 2010, I took three big wins: I became a dad, I married and I won the Italian title for a second time.
“Thinking of 2011, small steps can go a long way. I don’t intend to hold myself back, even at the Giro d’Italia. I want to be will be one of the protagonists.”
Filippo Pozzato (Katusha): Giro d’Italia stage
“I have not yet been repaid for all of the sacrifices I made and I know that I let down everyone who had expected more from me. I hope it will be the right year for me to enter the Roubaix velodrome solo. The most romantic race.”
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Farnese Vini)
“Well wishes to everyone in their professions, with the hope that you are able to reap your dreams.
“I would like to start off well, maybe win Liège, the classic that I feel is best suited to me.”
What Team Italy’s coach and two-time world champion, Paolo Bettini says about his country’s future stars:
Davide Appollonio (with Sky next year), 21
“They say he is similar to me. If betters me… That would be great.”
Eros Capecchi (Liquigas), 24
“He’s been talked about for a while. It’s time for him to make his move.”
Jacopo Guarnieri (Liquigas), 23
“He may be useful in the national team already this year [2011].”
Adriano Malori (Lampre), 22
“He needs to nurse his time trial skills. He can do well in short stage races.”
Daniel Oss (Liquigas), 22
“He has the head and the legs. He can shine not only in the North [classics].”
Simone Ponzi (Liquigas), 23
“He’s suited to the classics like the Ardennes and to short stage races. He’s tough.”
Diego Ulissi (Lampre), 21
“He needs to grow without pressure. In the hard classics he may reap his greatest wins.
Elia Viviani (Liquigas), 21
“He has all the cards to play. We can count on him for the Olympics.”
CQ Ranking’s top Italians at end of year:
1. Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo)
2. Michele Scarponi (Androni)
3. Giovanni Visconti (ISD-Neri)
4. Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese Vini)
5. Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Doimo)
6. Marco Marcato (Vacansoleil)
7. Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago-CSF Inox)
8. Filippo Pozzato (Katusha)
9. Riccardo Riccò (Ceramica Flaminia)
10. Marco Pinotti (HTC-Columbia)