Gerolsteiner's Italians shine in Haut Var

Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) took his first season victory by winning the Tour du Haut Var on Sunday. He broke away with two others on the last climb of the race and then outsprinted his two companions to win the race, which he also won in 1999.

"Davide made a very good impression," said Gerolsteiner sports director Christian Henn. "He felt good and could make something out of that." The 35 year-old Italian said modestly, "My form is very satisfactory," and he also praised his team-mates. "That was a very strong team performance."

"We had the race in our hands," Henn said. "It looked great." Andrea Moletta led an escape group, and shortly after it was absorbed, his countryman and team-mate launched his successful bid.