Lampre to Paris-Nice for wins

By Gregor Brown

Team Lampre-NGC heads to Paris-Nice this week, March 8 to 15, to make its mark in the sprints and general classification. Directeur Sportif Maurizio Piovani will guide the Italian team in the French stage race known as the Race to the Sun.

"In theory, there are the first three stages that should be decided in a sprint and Mirco Lorenzetto will have his chance," Piovani said to Cyclingnews. "However, the course is always up and down, mangi e bevi."

Lampre controlled the first stages of the Giro di Sardegna. Lorenzetto won stages one and two.

"Simon Spilak will go a lot better than 2008. He is confident he will go well and will be backed by Pietro Caucchioli Francesco Gavazzi and Manuele Mori."

Davide Rebellin won the 2008 edition of the Paris-Nice. Slovenian Spilak finished 4:23 back in 12th.

The eight-man team will consist of Spilak, Caucchioli, Marco Bandiera, Matteo Bono, Gavazzi, David Loosli, Lorenzetto and Mori.