Raging Bull

Although his nickname in the Lampre-Cafitta team guide is 'Svarovski', Dario Pieri's real nickname is "Il Toro di Scandicci" (the Bull Of Scandicci), witnessed by his powerful physique that enabled him to bull to a runner-up spot at Paris-Roubaix a few years ago. Cyclingnews shared a few moments with the likeable Toscano who likes coming to America.

"Yeah this is my second time here," said Pieri. "I was here four years ago with Saeco and I really like America... it's bello here and I'd like to live here but I don't speak English." We asked Pieri to compare cycling in Tuscany to what he's found in America and he replied, "The races here are shorter and are all circuits other than the international level races we have in Philadelphia. There are a lot of small teams the riders are really good here and so is the race organization. In fact, it's a lot like Italy."

We asked Pieri what his role is on the Lampre-Cafitta squad and he told us, "Philadelphia isn't an easy race to interpret. We have two riders in good shape, Ballan and Marzano so we will support them. That's my job Sunday."