Michele Scarponi, winner of Tirreno-Adriatico and the two stages in the last Giro d'Italia this season, has experienced his best year to date. Since returning from an 18 month suspension for admitting his involvement in the Operacion Puerto affair, the Italian has resurrected his career and returns in 2010 with Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni with even bigger goals.
"I would like to ride the second half of the Northern classics in preparation for the Giro. The course is very hard but at the beginning, although it seems easy, it is important not to lose precious seconds. Some stages will be tricky, like the Eroica stage. I really like this route, and I love the Giro,” Scarponi told Tuttobici.
“I will try to be fit for the third week, the decisive one with so many beautiful mountains suitable for a climber like me,” he added. In 2009 Scarponi finished 32nd overall, with his aggressive riding style leading to his two victories on stages six and eighteen.
With Christmas quickly approaching, the Italian has taken the time to write a letter to Father Christmas. “2009 has been a good year. I won great races and I wish to reconfirm in 2010 by winning the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the race I have promised to the public. You know, the first time I raced I finished fourth. And then I have another wish: I wish I had more of a sprint. But please, Father Christmas, do not make me lose my other characteristics."
Scarponi recently returned from a Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni team training camp, "I found the same team that I left. Like in 2009 I feel great and am comfortable. On this team, I found serenity that I need to compete at the highest levels."
Scarponi kicked off his training in December, "I resumed training the first of December. This is the beginning, it's cold but everything continues as normal. I do long miles at a slower pace, after the Christmas holidays, I will increase the training load. But I am a rider who easily gets back into shape."
Scarponi has spent his career with several teams. He turned professional with Acqua & Sapone in 2001 before riding with Domina Vacanze, Liberty Seguros, and returning to Acqua & Sapone in 2007.
In 2010 Scarponi will return with the Venezuelan Pro-Continental team run by Gianni Savio with a new name, Diquigiovanni Androni.