Riccò races to second stage win

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Riccardo Ricco' (Ceramica Flaminia) sprinted to victory in the Settimana Lombarda's final stage on Monday, besting Andreas Dietziker (Vorarlberg - Corratec) and Jackson Rodriguez (Androni Giocattoli) for the win. The 26-year-old Italian won in Bergamo from a select group of 19, containing all the GC favourites, a further selection of a 36-rider move which formed on the Category 1 Selvino climb.

"[We've had] two beautiful success for me and the team," said Ricco'. "I've confirmed that the returned Riccò is competitive and I'm satisfied. I could not ask for more and I am very happy."

Race leader Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) finished the Settimana Lombarda finale in 17th place with the same time as Ricco' to wrap up his overall victory in the six-day Italian stage race. Scarponi led the race from start to finish having won the prologue time trial on Wednesday and defending his leader's jersey each day afterwards.

Scarponi finished 22 seconds ahead of Ricco' while Przemyslaw Niemiec (Miche), the winner of the mountains classification, finished third overall, 37 seconds behind Scarponi.

"It went well," said Scarponi. "I succeeded immediately in the prologue and managed to put important seconds between myself and my opponents to whom I extend my compliments. They were very aggressive, but I was supported by a great team which allowed me to win the race."