Alessandro Ballan, Lampre-Fondital's man for the classics, was awarded the Tuttobici trophy as best Italian cyclist of 2006. Known for his aggressive, attacking style, Ballan finished third in the controversial finish of this year's Paris-Roubaix, and was one of the few riders to challenge Tom Boonen in the classics.
Ballan began his season by winning the Trofeo Laigueglia, and went on to come second to Boonen at the E3-Prijs Vlaanderen. He was fifth at the Tour of Flanders, and eighth in Milan-San Remo, where he launched an explosive move on the Poggio, only to be marked by Boonen's teammate Pozzato. Ballan will ride once more for the Lampre-Fondital team in 2007.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
