Priamo upset with Klöden, satisfied with first week

German clarifies comments to Italian sport paper

By Gregor Brown in Urbino, Italy

Andreas Klöden (Astana) has caused a stir at the Giro d'Italia as a result of comments mate to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday morning. The German rider spoke proudly of his team's anti-doping controls, but cast a shadow over others, including Italy's Matteo Priamo who won the Giro's sixth stage.

The CSF Group Navigare rider from Castelfranco Veneto spoke to Cyclingnews about Klöden's comments. "I can say that it is better to think for one's self," Priamo responded when asked about Klöden's comments.

Priamo, a third-year professional, has never met the multiple Tour de France podium finisher. Following the comments, he plans to have a conversation with Klöden over the coming days.

"I still have yet to meet and talk to Klöden," he said. "I thought he was a good guy, but his words have made me change my mind. I will have a chance to talk with Andreas Klöden in the next stages."

For his part, a press release by the Astana team said Klöden regrets that he was "misunderstood" in an interview with the Italian newspaper. The German said he never mentioned the name of a team where health controls would be less severe, CSF Group Navigare included.

"I said that - in contrast to many smaller teams - Astana, High Road, Slipstream and CSC have a very tight internal doping control system," said Klöden.

Despite the controversy over Klöden's comments, Priamo is proud of his first week and his win over Spain's Alan Pérez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) in the stage to Peschici.

"The first week has gone well for me," he said. "I was already able to win a stage in my first participation of the Giro d'Italia. For an Italian, to win a stage in the Giro d'Italia is a great satisfaction. I can say that now I have really done 80 percent of what I intended to accomplish here."

Priamo has been recovering since his demanding effort five days ago. The Italian said he will look to enter more escapes this week, searching for a second win.

"Now I am recuperating a little in this week because there are some tough stages coming with lots of climbs, which will mean a lot of suffering for me," he said. "I will try to take part in the escapes again and see if I can be successful in winning another stage."