2010 World Rankings finalised
Saturday’s Giro di Lombardia was the official end of the road cycling season. Though Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodriguez abandoned the race 40 kilometres in, he already knew he was secure in the number one spot in the UCI World Rankings. The Spaniard admitted before
the race that he did not have the form to compete for the win. He also cited stomach problems after stepping off his bike.
"It is the last race that counts towards the UCI ranking and as the leader and virtual winner I had the obligation to be at the start in Milano," said Rodriguez.
At the podium ceremony in Como, Rodriguez was officially named the winner of the 2010 World Rankings. The road to that title began in the spring with a sixth-place finish at the Paris-Nice and early season victories at the Volta a Catalunya and the GP Miguel
Indurain. His top-ten finishes in the Tour de Suisse, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana secured his position.
"I finished the Vuelta a España really tired, after a full season with 82 days of competition in my legs and my head."
Cadel Evans won the title last year with his victory at the World Championships. He has just made it into the top five this year, tied with Vuelta winner Vincenzo Nibali with 390 points. Spain has a huge lead in the national classification, with Rodriguez
at 551 points joined by two other Spaniards in the top five: Alberto Contador in second with 482 and Luis Leon Sanchez in fourth with 403. Belgian Philippe Gilbert, the new world champion, finished in third with 437.
The real surprise in the World Rankings is the winner of the team classification. Despite their top-ranking rider, Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck standing as far back as 13th place, Danish team Saxo Bank has just barely squeezed past Astana
and Liquigas-Doimo after the Giro di Lombardia to be ranked as the number one team of 2010.
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