Today a difficult stage for the riders. About 180 kms from Anagni to Rocca di Cambio, with 3 hills.
And at the 2nd hill, about 40 cyclists lost contact from the principal group, including Zabel (Telekom).
Also Casagrande (Fassa Bortolo) and Bartoli (Fassa Bortolo), lost contact, but just because they are looking for good condition.
But at the last hill, forcing of Spezialetti (Saeco), for Di Luca, wich attacks at 9 kms at the arrive.
He built a maximum 30 seconds advantage on the group.
Many riders tried to chase down Di Luca, as Beat Zberg (Rabobank), Garzelli (Mapei) and Russlan Ivanov (Alessio), but only Savoldelli (Index-Alexia) came close at 5 kms to the finish, and he arrived near to Di Luca.
At 4 kms from the arrive, also Dekker (Rabobank), and Pellizzotti (Alessio) spurt and at 1 km the catch hold of Savoldelli.
Di Luca wins the 3rd stage of this Tirreno with 14″ on Dekker, Pellizzotti and Savoldelli.
He is also leader in the provisional ranking, with 17″ on Dekker and 19″ on Pellizzotti.
Tomorrow is the time trial, from Rieti to Rieti. A stage for specialists, and given the small time gaps, should prove decisive to overall victory.
Hruska (Once), and Dekker (Rabobank) favorites for the final ranking.
Interview:
Di Luca:” I sprinted on the only hard piece of that hill. I tried that hill before the start of this Tirreno, and I knew it wasn’t so difficult, and I was a bit worried about that.
At the time trial I will try to do my best, also because it’s a long stage”.
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