COLBRELLI OPENS WITH A PODIUM

New solid result, the fourth in one week, for Sonny Colbrelli who today claimed in the 3rd place in Tour de Mediterraneen opening hilly stage from Argelès-sur-Mer to Montagnac of 223km. The stage started with an early breakaway of five riders who came out after 10 km. Gap increased until 8.00 minutes but then the peloton with the Giant-Shimano ahead started to reduce it. With 40 km to on a steep hill and with crosswind, the peloton splitted in several echelons and 35 riders remained in front, included the five escapees. After some kilometers, the chasing group rejoined the leader, composing a peloton of about ninety riders. With 12km to go belgian Premont (WBC) attacked alone, he gained 0.50 seconds but he was caught into the last km. Here in the final bunch sprint,Sonny Colbrelli helped by Barbin, started a long sprint from tithe place and with a outstanding come back pipped several riders, crossing the line in 3rd place, close to winner John Degenkolb (GIA) and italian Napolitano (WGG) 2nd. In the first group with Colbrelli and Barbin, to report the presence ofBongiorno and Pagani, important for the general classification. Also with today result Colbrelli is first youth classification leader and third in the overall. 1° Tappa Tour de Mediterraneen (Argelès-sur-Mer – Montagnac, 223km) 1. John Degenkolb (GIA) 2. Danilo Napolitano (WGG) st.  3. Sonny Colbrelli (BAR) st. 4. Manuel Belletti (AND) st. 5. Benjamin Giraud (LPM) st. REACTIONS Sonny Colbrelli:”It was a really demanding stage. 223km all up and down and with crosswinds in the second part. There was selection into the peloton and in the finale we were only ninety riders. I took Chavanel wheel into the last km, supposing he had the legs for a good sprint but I was wrong. So I had to start a long sprint to move up but it wasn’t enough for the victory. I want see this podium in a positive way that my shape is growing very well. Tomorrow we have another demading stage, probably more than today”.  Mirko Rossato, Sport Director:”A start of Mediterraneen not easy, with a long and tricky stage. We struggled a little in the first part then we came out really well in the finale and Sonny achieved another great result. Also positive the performance of Barbin, Bongiorno and Pagani. Only bad thing Pirazzi who still suffered for Besseges incident and he dropped during the selection with 40km to go. Tomorrow there is another challenging stage, with a KOM climb of horse categorie in the final part that I guess it will be decisive both for stage victory and general classification”.  Tour of Mediterraneen will continue tomorrow with stage number 2 from Cadovile to Rousset for 170km. The route presents a climb of H.C.-category with 25km to go and the arrival on short uphill.

Post by Cipollini USA.