Liège-Bastogne-Liège with Di Luca, Pellizotti and Nibali

His efforts in the Amstel Gold Race and the Flèche Wallonne rewarded Danilo Di Luca with two third places and the certainty of good condition, "the ideal level for this period" said the satisfied Liquigas rider from Pescara. "I feel very good sensations but my condition is not yet at 100%.

"I can futher build my form in anticipation of the Giro d'Italia, and in the last Northern Classics I can be a real protagonist..." Now Di Luca aims at a great ride in next Sunday's Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "Two prestigious podium finishes in four days represent a great result but it's natural to have a bit of bitterness when you come so close to success," said Di Luca, who finished third in Fleche. "I'll try to take some satisfaction in Liège."

'The Killer' will be supported by Franco Pellizotti and Vincenzo Nibali in La Doyenne. This same trio of riders will lead the squad during the Giro d'Italia. The Liquigas team will be directed by Mario Chiesa and will include Michael Albasini, Kjell Carlström, Francesco Failli, Andrea Noè and Alessandro Spezialetti.