Erik Zabel was popular (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
After narrowly missing out on the Giro d'Italia's Stage 3 victory yesterday, Milram's Erik Zabel has vowed to win today's Stage 4. The German rider finished second on the Italian Grand Tour's third stage, with the tactics of Italian Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) getting the better of him.
"Tomorrow will be a sprint stage too," noted Zabel. "There will be a little climb with 20 km to go, but I hope the GC riders won't contest it, and will let the sprinters do their thing. We'll work like we did today and we will try for a good sprint."
The Milram team captain said his tactics on the third stage cost him victory. Zabel was able to hold off Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli), who claimed third place for Gianni Savio's squad.
"My team-mates from Milram did a great job in the finale," Zabel said. "In the sprint, I tried to get past Bennati too early. He had the ideal line and the better position."
With rider's back on the mainland now, today's test is the 183 kilometre journey from Pizzo Calabro to Catanzaro-Lungomare. The final kilometres are flat, but the 300-plus metre riser to the city's centre will break up affairs.
It is likely strong men like World Champion Paolo Bettini will be battling over the Viadotto Morandi that spans the Fiumarella valley at the chance of a stage win along the Ionian Sea.
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