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The first edition of the new and very promising UCI race Monte Paschi Eroica turned out perfectly for Team CSC, when the ProTour champions took a double victory: Alexandr Kolobnev won the 180-kilometer category 1.1 race ahead of teammate Marcus Ljungqvist.
"It was a very strong team effort throughout the day even though it began badly, when Lars Bak, Andy and Fränk Schleck never made it to start, because they were unable to get a flight from Luxembourg due to fog. Luckily Anders Lund was able to step in at short notice and he delivered a solid effort just like the other members of the team," said Kim Andersen and continued.
"All our riders worked hard on getting Kolobnev in a break. There were tem of them in the break and they were almost caught again so when they were down to a 45-second lead we started attacking in the peloton especially with Kurt-Asle Arvesen and Marcus. In the end Marcus managed to make it up to the front group with about 60 kilometers left and after that the peloton more or less ran out of energy."
"20 kilometer before the finish line Alex made an attempt and managed to get a gap of about 45 seconds. Behind him Marcus was one of five riders and he managed to gather enough strength to escape later on. He almost caught Alex and ended up about two seconds behind him."
For the last ten years Monte Paschi Eroica has been a race for amateur cycling enthusiasts, but over the summer it was included as a UCI race with huge expectations that in time it may become a major classic. Already there is talk that it could be the fall's answer to Paris-Roubaix after a great event this Tuesday and also because the race contains a series of technically difficult graveled stretches comparable to the pavées in Paris-Roubaix. At the same time it was noted that there were a lot of big profiles participating.
Kolobnev was extremely excited about being the first ever to win such a promising race on top of his medal at the World Championships not long ago.
"It was a fantastic and very special race. I actually wouldn't count myself among the riders, who're able to do well in this kind of race, but my form is simply brilliant at the moment. I also want to thank my teammates for all their hard work. I'm very happy with this victory," said the Russian.
| 1. |
Alexandr Kolobnev, Team CSC |
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| 2. |
Marcus Ljungqvist, Team CSC |
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| 3. |
Mikhaylo Khalilov, Ceramica Flaminia |
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| 4. |
Manuele Mori, Saunier Duval |
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| 5. |
José Enrique Gutierrez, Team LPR |
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Geir Kamsvåg 10.10.2007 |
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