Vincenzo Nibali lived up to the predictions winning the road race of the Italian National Championship in Fondo (Trento) at the 23rd Trofeo Melinda – Memorial Marco Brentari, edging Davide Formolo and Matteo Rabottini. The new Italian Champion will therefore line-up at the start of the Tour de France in Leeds next Saturday wearing the cherished Tricolore jersey.
After going through a winning drought for over one year (his last success to date was the Giro d’Italia GC on May 26th, 2014), Vincenzo dominated the race, receiving key support from an outstanding Michele Scarponi, who gave up only with 3 km to go after giving every bit of energy. At that time it was up to Nibali (who had already attacked twice) to get the job done, and his sharp final move did just that. The final obstacle to edge was the fear of doing the wrong choice, and got rid of it with a furious acceleration into the final bend, leaving Formolo with no real chance but settling for second.
The new Italian champion in tears, while holding his baby daughter Emma, provided the most emotional shot of a beautiful and exciting Italian Championship: “I shouted of joy and rage, I finally relieved myself – Vincenzo said – and this win gives me a huge boost to tackle the Tour with the best spirit. I will race the Yellow Jersey challenge aiming for the best possible result, then let road tell what my limit will be.”
Italian National Team Coach Davide Cassani was in brilliant mood after seeing many of his “Azzurri” in great shape: notable performances came from Giovanni Visconti (showing good recovery after the injury), gutty Daniel Oss and former Champion Ivan Santaromita, who remained in contention until the end in spite of his own doubts on his condition. “It was an outstanding race – Cassani said – showing that Italian cycling can rely plenty of resources and emerging talents. Nibali is an excellent Italian Champion, he was the strongest today and the strongest man won.”
It was a huge success for Trofeo Melinda, celebrating the memory of historical organizer Marco Brentari, recently passed away, in the best possible way. Tomorrow, Sunday, the Tricolore weekend will be rounded out by the 40,9 km time trial from Taio (Mondo Melinda) to Malè, assigning the Italian time trial title.
Race Classification (Top-10) 23rd Trofeo Melinda – Memorial Marco Brentari
1° Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) 5:40.54
2° Davide Formolo (Cannondale) s.t
3° Matteo Rabottini (Neri Sottoli) +0.06
4° Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) +0.07
5° Damiano Caruso (Cannondale) +0.12
6° Daniel Oss (BMC) +0.12
7° Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R-La Mondiale) +0.23
8° Salvatore Puccio (Team Sky) +0.25
9° Mauro Finetto (Neri Sottoli) +0.29
10° Ivan Santaromita (Orica-GreenEDGE) +0.41
