Pozzato to lead Liquigas at Milan - San Remo; Di Luca out

Last year's Milan - San Remo winner Filippo Pozzato will lead his new Liquigas team in the race's 98th edition on Saturday. Pozzato is ready, along with key teammates Luca Paolini, Enrico Gasparotto and Franco Pellizotti.

"I've trained well, Tirreno-Adriatico gave me the answers I hoped for," said Pozzato. "I believe I'm pedalling better than last year. Having strong and motivated teammates at my side makes me more serene."

Meanwhile, Milan-Turin winner Danilo Di Luca has withdrawn from the race, reportedly still recovering from the flu. That same illness caused him to sit out Tirreno-Adriatico.

"The contribution of Paolini, Gasparotto, and Pellizotti will be very important. Pozzato raced Tirreno-Adriatico in view of Sanremo," said Liquigas general manager Roberto Amadio who will direct the squad on Saturday. Amadio named Pozzato as the team's favorite, but also said: "Having more alternatives will play in his favour and makes Liquigas one of the strongest teams."

Liquigas for Milan - San Remo: Patrick Calcagni, Enrico Gasparotto, Luca Paolini, Franco Pellizotti, Roberto Petito, Filippo Pozzato, Manuel Quinziato and Alessandro Spezialetti.