Gavazzi speeds to stage win in Sardegna

Image 1 of 61

Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre) claimed the first stage and overall lead of the Giro di Sardegna, out-sprinting the ISD-Neri pair Oscar Gatto and Giovanni Visconti on the 145km stage to Bonorva.

After coming a frustrating second place in last weekend's Trofeo Laigueglia to Francesco Ginanni, Gavazzi delivered his team its fourth victory of the season.

"One second and one first place: a good start for this season," said Gavazzi. "I'm very satisfied because, in addition to the joy for the success, there's the awareness that I trained well during the winter and that's important in view of the next races such Tirreno-Adriatico and Vuelta al Pais Vasco.

"Last year I got many important results but I got the victory only at the end of the season, this year I hit success immediately: I think it could be a sign of maturity. I thank the team that has given me constant support and believed in my qualities."

The stage took place under a bright sun and seasonable temperatures for the relatively short trek from Olbia, but the day was not without difficulty as there were a few short, sharp climbs including one 500m leg burner just before the finish line.

The peloton allowed a five man move to go clear early on the stage: Simon Clarke (ISD - Neri), Didac Ortega (Acqua & Sapone), Freddy Bichot (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) and Leonardo Giordani (Ceramica Flaminia) were joined by Jairus Ermeti (De Rosa - Stac Plastic). The leaders gained a maximum of 4:06 on the peloton before the Liquigas-Doimo team began driving the pace to bring them back.

The gap was finally closed on the 1049m ascent to the Monte Rasu at kilometre 112.

On the run-in to the finish, there was an attack by Fortunato Baliani (Miche) and Pierre Rolland (Bbox Bouygues Telecom), which was unsuccessful, and then by Lorenzo Bernucci (Lampre - Farnese Vini) but coming into the last climb the group was all together.

The ISD team hit out hard at the crest with Gatto looking to steal the win, but Gavazzi was able to come by on the final dash to the line to get his first win of the season.