Di Luca thinks pink

Coupled with his desire to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège this Sunday and hold onto the white UCI ProTour leader's jersey, Amstel Gold and Flèche Wallonne winner Danilo Di Luca is also thinking pink, saying after his win on Wednesday that he would like to take the maglia rosa at the upcoming Giro d'Italia. "I believe these victories prove my ability in one-day races. But considering my results in the last Vuelta al Paìs Vasco, I would also like to test myself in a great stage-race," said Di Luca.

Following his first significant stage race victory at the Vuelta a Pais Vasco earlier this month, the idea isn't too far-fetched for the 29 year-old. However, with the team having already assigned two leaders for Italy's national tour, Di Luca realises this year won't be his year in terms of riding for the general classification. "Not this year, as Liquigas-Bianchi will count on [Stefano] Garzelli and [Dario] Cioni," he said.

"I will try to do my best in the first 10 days, then I will help the two captains. Next year though, I could also aim at overall victory."