Di Luca ready for Lombardia

For the finale of the 2006 racing season, the late-season classic Giro di Lombardia, Liquigas will count on Danilo Di Luca to lead their squad. Di Luca, who has had somewhat of an off year after a stellar 2005, will be looking to find some of the form that propelled him to the 2005 ProTour win at the Giro di Lombardia.

"My physical condition is all right and determination is great," said The Killer. "I know my opponents are trained especially Davide Rebellin, Michael Boogerd, Frank Schleck, Paolo Bettini and, maybe, Alejandro Valverde. I expect the race to be very exciting. There will be fireworks in the grand finale of this racing season; also for the characteristics of the race route."

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.