Filippo Pozzato chose "his" Trofeo Laigueglia (50° edition) as his first victory since he joined Team Lampre-Merida; it was his third victory in this race. It is also the first major victory for Taiwanese bike sponsor Merida. Completing the podium were Francesco Reda (Androni Venezuela) and Mauro Santambrogio (Vini Fantini).
The Lampre-Merida team, with Pozzato, Ulissi, Cunego and Pietropolli, were able to not worry about a long breakaway of five riders. With 50 km to go the breakaway was neutralized. In the final km Ulissi and Pozzato followed the attack by Santambrogio, then Ulissi launched Pozzato's sprint to victory.
"I really care about Laigueglia, so I'm very satisfied with this victory," said Pozzato. "My condition was good and I knew I could perform a great race. In addition, I received perfect support from my teammates. I got scared when Chaves crashed and hit my bike forcing me to change it but everything turned out well."
Next in Pozzato's program for this season: Omloop het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne - Brussel - Kuurne, Giro del Lazio (perhaps a new name will be announced Monday), Tirreno - Adriatico, Milano - Sanremo, E3 Harelbeke, Gent - Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Paris - Roubaix, Tour of Turkey, and Giro d'Italia. His main objectives are Milano - Sanremo and the northern classics.
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Photo: Bettini
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