Sacha Modolo (Colnago - CSF Inox ) confirmed his excellent sprinting talent that he showed in recent weeks by winning the Coppa Agostoni in Italy today. After 200 kilometers, Modolo outsprinted Simone Ponzi (Liquigas) and Oscar Gatto (Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli).
It was a high-risk final sprinting a small group of 36 on another hot day. Garmin's Kreder had nothing left ("nine guys passed me in the last 100 meters," he tweeted) and had become an obstacle on the road for Modolo. "But breaking never crossed my mind," the Italian said after the race. "When you are going well, you can risk more than you would have thought - and I risked a lot to win a big race."
Modolo's first wins this season came in the Chinese race of the Tour of Qinghai Lake, but his recent stage wins were in the more prestigious Tour of Denmark. He was also second in the recent Olympic test event, where he was nominated by Paolo Bettini, the Italian national coach. Bettini was again present and he was pleased with the young rider's action. "It is a nice win and I think currently he is the strongest Italian for the sprints," Bettini said. "I was happy to see him and other young riders amongst the first in a race that is not easy at all."
The race features the Lombardy climb of the Ghisallo. "It is a true climb and the fact that Modolo was able to climb it [in the front group] shows that he can do a big number one day."
Modolo couldn't describe it as his biggest win so far. "Let's say it was the one I suffered the most for," he said. "Because of the heat and the tough parcours." He also had to do the final without team helpers. "After the Ghisallo I was the only one of the Colnago CSF team in a group of 36. I tried to take advantage of the work of other teams. After two rounds of bronchitis in the beginning of the season the music is changing..."
Gatto regretted that his derailleur didn't function properly. "When I went at 200 meters to go, I couldn't shift into my 11, so I had to sprint in my 12. Modolo came back up strongly, but on that slightly descending finish and with one gear in disadvantage I couldn't do more," Gatto said. He also had to let Ponzi pass.
He was still hopeful for tomorrow's race. "The Bernocchi is truly for the sprinters. I am well, the team is going well and tomorrow we will also have Guardini."
Results
1. MODOLO Sacha COG
2. PONZI Simone LIQ
3. GATTO Oscar FAR
4. PAOLINI Luca KAT
5. CLARKE Simon AST
6. OSS Daniel LIQ
7. RATTO Daniele GEO
8. RUBIANO CHAVEZ Miguel Angel DAN
9. PIETROPOLLI Daniele LAM
10. KREDER Michel GRM