Acqua & Sapone ready for Laigueglia

Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo is focusing its attention on the 46th Trofeo Laigueglia on February 21 with the goal of having defending champion Luca Paolini achieve his second consecutive win in the Ligurian event. Paolini has been building his form at the GP Costa degli Etruschi and the Giro della Provincia di Grosseto, collecting some high placings.

"I have a good condition," said Paolini. "I am very confident in my ability to do well. Fortunately, the weather has changed. There is sun, although the temperature is still very low. Since I'm starting with the number one on my shoulders there is little doubt that I will have extra motivation and I hope to take full advantage."

Besides Paolini, Stefano Garzelli is another option for the Acqua & Sapone, having nearly won the Giro della Provincia di Grosseto's final stage. "We're riding for Paolini," said Garzelli. "The team will work to protect him until the finish, but if things turn out otherwise I believe I have the condition to do a good race, too."

Bruno Cenghialta, the Acqua & Sapone directeur sportif, is very confident in his team. "We're definitely riding for Paolini, but we are fortunate to have Garzelli, who although is not yet in top condition, is riding really well. We'll see how the race unfolds and then decide along the way."

Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo for Trofeo Laigueglia: Dario Andriotto, Massimo Codol, Alessandro Donati, Francesco Failli, Stefano Garzelli, Franceco Masciarelli, Didac Ortega Orts and Luca Paolini