Davide Rebellin, 37, of Team Italy won silver in the men's road race (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
The Italian cycling federation (FCI) President, Renato Di Rocco, is pleased with his athletes' performances over the weekend in the Olympics. Davide Rebellin took a silver medal and Tatiana Guderzo a bronze.
"I am very pleased for this result, which opened up Italy's medal count," said Di Rocco after Rebellin finished second to Spain's Samuel Sánchez in the men's road race. The medal gave Italy its first medal of the Games, a count that is currently at five.
Rebellin covered the move of Luxembourg's Andy Schleck, which produced the winning move with Sánchez, for team leader Paolo Bettini. He was unable to match the speed of the Spaniard in the sprint.
"I am even more pleased for Davide, who rode like a true champion," said Di Rocco of Rebellin, who celebrated his 37th birthday on the day. "Compliments to the whole team."
On day later, Guderzo ignited a rain-soaked women's race with numerous attacks in the finale. Like Rebellin, the 23 year-old was unable to defend herself in the sprint. She finished third behind Britain's Nicole Cooke and Sweden's Emma Johansson.
"It gives us goose bumps and it is a great result for Italian cycling. Tatiana and Noemi Cantele did a magnificent job, the whole squad did," Di Rocco said of the women's team, which also included Vera Carrara.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
