Italian champion still hoping for solid overall result and dreaming of Sanremo glory
Italian Champion Giovanni Visconti's has started his 2011 season in superb fashion. Visconti already has a win at the GP Regio Insubrica to his credit, along with a long list of top finishes, including 3rd overall at the Tour of Oman to go with a 2nd and a 4th on two stages, 3rd at the GP Lugano, and 8th at the recently completed Strade Bianche.
The meat of Visconti's early season is upon him now though - Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo are two of the high points of the first part of the season for the 28 year old all arounder, and on Friday, he made his case known with some aggressive riding on the front of the field in hopes of pulling a smaller group free.
Unfortunately, Visconti wasn't able to pull off any coups and a bunch sprint was served. It was a fair warning to everyone else though for the days to come - he'll be a rider to watch.
"The condition is good, and I will try to honor the tricolore jersey in the best way at Tirreno-Adriatico," said the Farnese Vini captain to Tuttobiciweb.it. "Starting [Saturday], we will begin the most important stages with a view toward the overall standings. With [tomorrow's] finish in Chieti, I will try to pull something off."
Paolo Bettini's former protege started the race three days ago with hopes of a solid overall result, but a disappointing ride in the team time trial by his Farnese Vini squad likely put paid to any chance of that. Farnese Vini finished a lowly 17th out of 20 teams on the day, and now Visconti sits in 81st place overall, 1:01 behind race leader, Tyler Farrar. Despite his lowly current placing overall, Visconti is ready to fight.
"I started the race with the intention of getting a good overall finish, and my goal is still the same. To do this, I will of course fight for every stage."
There will be many opportunities for Visconti over the next three stages, but the Italian is eagerly looking forward to Monday's stage finish in Macerata. The extremely difficult finishing circuit capped off by the even more difficult finishing climb should give Visconti every chance he could hope for.
"I like the Macerata stage the most, and there I will try to achieve the maximum."
Of course, following what will hopefully be a successful finish to Tirreno-Adriatico, the two-time Elite Italian National Champion and one-time U23 Italian National Champion hopes for the result that every hot blooded Italian dreams of: victory in Sanremo.
"Milano-Sanremo is coming, and it's already in my thoughts. In these days, I hope to further improve my fitness, because I want to be at the top for La Classicissima."