Italian sprints fastest in 20-man group: Santambrogio loses race by centimeters but wins mountains classification
Francesco Gavazzi had the best legs after a tough 186.5 kilometers in the Coppa Agostoni today. The Italian started the sprint early in the 20-man group that formed in the final 40 kilometers of the race. Gavazzi pushed hard for 200 meters, with Santambrogio breathing down his compatriot's neck. In the end, Gavazzi saved the crucial centimeters over the line for his season win number three. Luca Paolini was third.
The Coppa Agostoni is marked by two major climbs midway through the race, going up to 1124 meters of altitude. "It's a nice victory on a very tough parcours that has some interesting key points," Gavazzi said after his sprint win. "The race was difficult, with the group going really fast and with all those breakaway attempts." The 20-strong formation took off at the Colle Brianza, 42 kilometers from the line.
Already at the Pian del Tivano, with the highest point of the race after a good 70 kilometers, riders had to be attentive. Then came the climb known from the Giro di Lombardia. "I was ready when the first major selection was done at the Ghisallo," said Gavazzi. Lampre had several riders, including Damiano Cunego, to control the race.
When the decisive move of 20 went, Gavazzi was ready. "I knew that my form was optimal for that crucial part of the race." Gavazzi praised Marco Marzano for the generous work in the final kilometers. "[Simone] Ponzi then made no mistake when he guided me along the finishing straight to victory."
Gavazzi had to fight all the way to the line. "Santambrogio is an insidious opponent. I had to restrain myself to raise my arms, because otherwise Mauro would have beaten me."
For Gavazzi, today's win was a special one. "Today we competed at home, given that the headquarter of the team is near the parcours. Consequently, I dedicate this victory to sponsor Lampre and all the supporting partners. At the same time thanks go out to my teammates, especially to Ponzi and Marzano."
Gavazzi had planned to only race the Coppa Agostoni, but with a victory accomplished, he quickly changed his mind. "Even though initially this was not on my program, I will start in the Coppa Bernocchi tomorrow and try to win the Trittico Lombardo." The Trittico consists of the Tre Valli Varesine (where Gavazzi was ninth yesterday), the Coppa Agostoni and the Coppa Bernocchi. This means that one Lampre rider had to give up his chance to ride in the Coppa Bernocchi. "I am very grateful for the helpfulness of Alessandro Spezialetti, who's spot I am taking."
Lampre may have been the home team but BMC's Santambrogio knew exactly where he was. "Everything went very well on my home streets and on my training course. My family and friends were there and that motivated me," said Santambrogio, who comes from the town of Inverigo near Lake Como.
Despite losing in the final, BMC's Assistant Director, René Savary, was quite happy with the day. "It was a very difficult race, which took us over a few of the Tour of Lombardy's climbs." BMC put a lot of effort into getting the points on the KOM banners. "Steve Morabito accompanied Mauro Santambrogio during all of the climbs. He did a good job. Mauro won the points for the last climb," said Savary. Morabito crossed the finish line with the second group.
Results Coppa Agostoni
1. GAVAZZI Francesco LAM
2. SANTAMBROGIO Mauro BMC
3. PAOLINI Luca ASA
4. RUBIANO CHAVEZ Miguel Angel MKT
5. BERTAGNOLLI Leonardo AND
6. BORISOV Vladislav AMO
7. HESJEDAL Ryder GRM
8. GIORDANI Leonardo FLM
9. ZEN Enrico COG
10. MARTINEZ ACEVEDO Serafin XAC