Ventoso crashes in Friuli

Fran Ventoso (Carmiooro A-Style) crashed just 12 kilometres from the line in the Giro di Friuli on Wednesday. Mirco Lorenzetto of Lampre-NGC won the race, while a disappointed Ventoso finished in 56th, unable to participate in the sprint.

Ventoso explained that the weather had to do with the crash. "With 12 kilometres to go we had to ride over a pedestrian crossing and because it was wet I slipped and fell. I still don't know what really happened."

The weather had been atrocious all day. "Right from the start it rained and it was very cold." Under the circumstances Ventoso felt pretty good and once the race entered the final circuit, which had to be done five times, Ventoso went all out. "I was in a break with four other riders, including [Eros] Capecchi and [Leonardo] Bertagnolli. Even though we were caught I stayed hopeful for the final."

Ventoso admitted there was nobody to blame but himself. "The good thing about it is that I don't have any injuries, I am just angry with myself. I will take a bit of rest now and calm down before my next race, the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali (March 25-29).