20-05-2008 22:30:47

He joined the leaders, found the right gap and went full-throttle: who else but Daniele Bennati. The Liquigas rider from Arrezzo repeated his performance in Milazzo and was the first to cross the line to clock up his second victory in the Giro d’Italia and the thirty-second of his career. His palmares takes him straight into the Hall of Fame of the greatest sprinters, together with legends like Petacchi and Cipollini, who were at the finish yesterday to congratulate Daniele.

Daniele’s first words were for the team «which did a fantastic job with the breakaway that facilitated my sprint to the finish. Our goal for this year’s Giro is the final victory, but when I see the captains Nibali and Pellizotti ready to put themselves on the line for me, it just fills me with pride. My heartfelt thanks». Then Daniele spoke about the sprint, the result of which kept him on tenterhooks for several seconds: «I grabbed my chance by following Oscar Gatto, but then I saw Bettini powering up like a rocket in the sprint. My stomach sank when he cheered but then it was all cleared up. » Sights are now firmly set on the final stages which offer a few chances for some speedy sprint finishes: «The mountain stretches will be terrible for the sprinters. I don’t think that I’m a “true sprinter”, so I’m hoping not to suffer too much during our “high-altitude” days. » The only regret is for the last stage, because «having won in Paris during the Tour and in Madrid during the Vuelta, I’d like to savour victory in Milan as well. »

The joy of this stage’s success was coupled with the satisfaction of having reclaimed the cyclamen jersey, which is now back on “Benna” shoulders after a short break with Riccò.

Press office Team Liquigas