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Gasparotto ready to prove place in Astana
Italian aims for Tirreno and Sanremo, Vino for Liège
Enrico Gasparotto is ready to prove his place at Astana after joining from Lampre. Speaking to Cyclingnews from the Astana team camp in Pisa, Italy, the former Lampre rider said that he has the responsibility to lead the team in Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo.
"It is similar to being with team Barloworld, I was captain in a small team and they asked for results. Here is the same, but they are asking for results in different, and more important races like Amstel, Flèche, Liège and the Giro d'Italia."
Gasparotto, 27, will start his season at Portugal's Volta ao Algarve or in Spain in February. He said he wants to win immediately in order to prove to Astana his worth. He passed this season with out a win. His first big goal is to win a stage and possibly race for the overall classification of the Tirreno-Adriatico in March. From there he will compete for his dream race win, Milano-Sanremo.
"Vino told me that I will have my freedom at Sanremo. It is an important chance," continued Gasparotto. "The team changed a lot from this year; they have desire and the need for success. They are giving me responsibility to win certain races."
Vinokourov met Gasparotto when he was training in Livorno, Italy, about three years ago. The two have remained in contact and formed an important bond that will help at the Ardennes Classics in April.
"Vino will aim for Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He will be the leader and I will give him a hand there. Then we have to decide for Amstel Gold and Flèche Wallonne, but I believe I will have my space."
Gasparotto left Italy's team Lampre after one year. He worked at the Ardennes Classics for Damiano Cunego, who placed in the top ten of all three races.
He became professional in 2004 and won the Italian Championships in 2005. He raced with Liquigas from 2005 to 2007 and with Barloworld in 2008.
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