Gianni Savio guided his Diquigiovanni team to win number three in this year's Giro d'Italia via Michele Scarponi on Thursday in Benevento. It was the second win for Italy's Scarponi, adding to teammate Leonardo Bertagnolli's victory on Sunday.
"I think [team manager] Savio and [directeur sportif] Marco Baliani have put together a good group. I think they helped us always get into the groups," Scarponi told Cyclingnews.
Scarponi's first win came in the Giro d'Italia's visit to Austria on day six thanks to a long solo escape after he was part of an early breakaway. Bertagnolli won thanks to a successful escape in Faenza.
Only 12 days later, now deep in Italy's south, Scarponi positioned himself for his second stage win. He entered an escape group that formed early on in the 182-kilometre stage.Savio explained that the important moments come via good team management and planning. He and Marco Baliani talk to the riders each morning about how they should interpret the stage.
"It is very important for the team, even to race in the Giro is good for us, and I was able to win this year. The first in Austria and then now in Italy, which is even more important. It is an indescribable emotion."
"We figure out the best way for our riders to enter the escape," said Savio. "Everyone wants to be in the moves. The first attack of the day was our very own Gilberto Simoni - the first attack. I heard, "Uomo al commando, numero 151, Gilberto Simoni."
The day started with the Piano della Cinque Miglia climb. Simoni attacked as soon as the climb began, at kilometre three. He failed to stay clear, but Scarponi represented the team by joining the eventual 25-man escape group and then winning the stage.
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The win made for the seven by Professional Continental Teams (three for Diquigiovanni and four for LPR Brakes) in the Giro d'Italia. Cycling's highest level teams, ProTour, account for the 11 other stage wins.
