Pozzato grabs tricolore in Imola

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Filippo Pozzato claimed the Italian tricolore for the next twelve months with an impressive win Sunday at the Italian national championship race in Imola.

Katusha's star rider won a sprint finish at the end of the 257-kilometre race. Damiano Cunego (Lampre NGC) finished second and Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) third.

"I have been chasing this win for many years and finally I have managed to win the title of Italian champion," said Pozzato.

Pozzato's win today marked the second time he has won a national title ahead of Cunego. In 1997, they finished in the same positions at the Italian school championships.

Pozzato immediately outlined his next objective at the Tour de France."I will go to the Tour to win a stage with the Italian champion's jersey."

His win was formed from a 17-rider group that formed 52 kilometres from the finish. Pozzato had Luca Mazzanti in the group and Cunego had teammate and World Champion Alessandro Ballan.

Mazzanti helped keep the group together over the Frassineto and Tre Monti climbs. Despite attacks by Liquigas' Vincenzo Nibali and Franco Pellizotti, the riders were in one group with three kilometres remaining.