Pagliarini a podium topper on first day

With speedy Argentineans Armando and Anibal Borrajo bearing down on him, Luciano Pagliarini took the opening stage of the Rutas de America in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo.

The former Saunier Duval rider will take the leader's jersey into tomorrow's second stage from Montevideo to Minas and his Scott Marcondes team will be hoping he can hang onto it for another day.

For the Brazilian it's all about now, however. He narrowly missed out on a win at the Tour de San Luis last month and today's result was an indication that he is indeed riding in peak condition.

"I am delighted with this result, because it's my first victory in São José dos Campos and the first this season," said Pagliarini. "I had a big showing in San Luis at the beginning of the year, getting so close to a victory in Argentina.

"I wasn't discouraged and I continued to work because I knew that this moment would arrive. I want to thank my team which did a great job and left me in a position to win the race." said Pagliarini."

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