Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone), winner of the Trofeo Laigueglia last February (Image credit: Sirotti)
By Gregor Brown
Luca Paolini renewed his contract with Italy-based Team Acqua e Sapone for one year yesterday. The Italian, winner of Trofeo Laigueglia and Coppa Placci this season, will point towards his country's big races in 2009.
"I think that I can show my self well in a team like this one. There is a good group of guys and they have faith in me," said Paolini, 31, to Cyclingnews. The team of Palmiro Masciarelli is a Professional Continental team, or second division.
Paolini made the most of his chances this year with two wins, several high placings and place in the national team that helped Alessandro Ballan to World Championship victory. Race organiser RCS Sport overlooked his team in Italy's big races and it was the same for Ronde van Vlaanderen, where he finished third in 2007.
"I will aim for the races that I did not have a chance to ride this year, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo. It would be very wonderful to be invited with the team to the Giro d'Italia."
Giro d'Italia's organiser passed on the team in 2008 despite its captain Stefano Garzelli winning two stages in 2007. "We were not invited and we still don't know why. It was a year of transition for the team. We are hoping for the best... I think we will be able to race them in 2009."
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