Pozzato wins Giro del Veneto

Italian Champion Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) won the Giro del Veneto today in Padova, Italy. He out-sprinted his rivals in a four-man escape group, Italians Carlo Scognamiglio (Barloworld), Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) and Alessandro Proni (ISD).

 "I worked a lot at high-altitude and had the right mindset in the last week. I also had extra inspiration because I am racing on roads near I was born," said Pozzato.

The main group finished 18 seconds behind Pozzato, led by Russian teammate Pavel Brutt.

The 81st edition of the race started and ended in Padova, 199.6 kilometres. It covered the Castelnuovo climb three times prior to the smaller, Valico climb at 15.6 kilometres to race.

The four men formed the winning move over the top of the Valico. They attacked from a larger escape group, which included Brit Steve Cummings (Barloworld).

Cummings remained in a group of 20 chasers that Diquigiovanni's Michele Scarponi and Leonardo Bertagnolli led.

Director of the Italian national team, Franco Ballerini, observed the race today. He will select Italy's nine-man team (and two reserves) September 14, 13 days before the World Championships. Pozzato's win could see him riding in the national team, led by defending champion Alessandro Ballan.

Italy has won the last three editions of the World Championships. A team has never won in four consecutive years.

Italy's Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni) won the 2008 Giro del Veneto.