Pozzato thanks team for Grossetto win

Filippo Pozzato, the Italian who started things for his team Liquigas well this season by winning the first stage in Grossetto, getting third in the last stage and taking the overall win, attributed his success to his team-mates. "It was due to the team that I won; we get on very well together. My team-mates don't need directions, [they] move from memory. Again, in this case they were impeccable. It's an easy job if you've a team like this," Pozzato was elated to have good comrades.

His third place in the final stage, that gave him the overall victory, was hard-fought for. When the breakaways were swallowed, Liquigas riders forced the pace in view of the final sprint. Manuel Quinziato and Claudio Corioni escorted their captain until 500 metres to go and he fulfilled the expectations, beaten only by Danilo Napolitano (Lampre)and Mattia Gavazzi (Preti Mangimi).

Next up for Pozzato are Laigueglia, Volta Valenciana and Tirreno-Adriatico. "They are three fundamental races to be in the perfect condition at Sanremo," said the 26 year-old from Veneto. "I'm not at my maximum yet, so I really count on these races... and upon the team."