Bertolini dominates Coppi e Bartali opener

Alessandro Bertolini of Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia proved to be a man for the rain by claiming victory in stage 1a of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. The 36 year-old Italian used his wisdom to help keep himself and his escape companions free of the peloton during the 95.2 kilometre stage, held under heavy rain showers.

The three escapees stayed free and Bertolini picked up his 15th professional victory. "It is as though the more time passes there are fewer occasions for a win, and of those I always try to win," philosophically noted the rider from Veneto to La Gazzetta dello Sport. His appearance on the top step of the podium came in the Coppa Agostoni last August. "There are a couple of victories a year that I am able to take."

Bertolini dedicated his first win of 2007 to his daughter. "She is almost two years-old and has my same characteristics; she likes to go off on 'escapes.'"

Bertolini turned professional in 1994 and his teams include Carrera (1994-1995), Brescialat (1996), MG-Technogym (1997), Cofidis (1998), Mobilvetta (1999), Alessio (2000-2004), Domina Vacanze (2005) and Selle Italia (2006-2007).