Giorgio Brambilla sprinted to victory at the Dorpenomloop Rucphen (1.2) in Holland, beating Patrick Clausen (Glud Marstrand) and Angelo Furlan (Christina Watches) on the line. “I knew that my shape was really good and a win was looming, so I’m very happy.”
The Italian powerhouse of LEOPARD TREK was showing some good form in the past races. The team strategy at the Dorpenomloop was therefore aimed at bringing the 23-year old Italian in the best position for the sprint. Director Markus Zingen: “The plan was to send a strong rider in the day’s break, so that we could afford to sit back in the peloton. Alexandr Pliuschin was our man in the break and with his two companions they fought hard to stay away as long as possible. Their maximum lead was 3:15 minutes.”
Rabobank chased the three men for most of the 192 kilometer race. Zingen: “The team protected Giorgio very well. When he punctured, Alex Kirsch gave him a wheel.”
With the breakaway caught with 25 kilometer to go, several small attacks followed, but none was successful. With 8 kilometers to go, Christina Watches took up the speed in order to split up the field and lead out their sprinter Angelo Furlan. Giorgio Brambilla: “The team did an amazing job keeping me out of trouble. The led me out and once we passed the red flag, I chose the wheel of the strongest sprinters. With 100 meters to go I went all in and won.”
“This is a beautiful win. We’ve been on the road with the team for a couple of weeks now. I knew my shape was very good, so it was a matter of time before I would win. I’m very happy. Today is my father’s birthday and he was at the race. We have an extra reason to celebrate.”
Markus Zingen: “This is a very nice win for the team. We have only just started building this team and it’s a good motivation to keep working hard.”
