Filippo Pozzato had to wait a little longer to taste his first win of the season
Filippo Pozzato of Team Farnese Vini-Selle Italia is still victory-less as the season enters its second quarter.
The cyclist rode brilliantly during the 2012 version of the Tour of Flanders but was denied of victory by his Belgian competitor, Tom Boonen.
He came close to the victory after a splendid performance throughout the 256 kilometre race but could not match the likes of Tom Boonen.
The duo finished almost at the same time but Boonen was declared as the winner of the race after his fractional lead over the Italian.
Alessandro Ballan finished one second behind at the third position while Greg Van Avermaet and Peter Sagan claimed the fourth and the fifth positions in the respective order.
Boonen levelled the Flanders record by making it his third win at the Belgian event. He has also succeeded during the 2005 and the 2006 editions of the race previously.
Filippo was disappointed after his second place finish but had to bow before the dominating form of Boonen.
He told Sporza after the race, "I had the impression that Boonen was tired and that I could beat him but in the last five kilometres he proved the opposite. In the sprint he can build on his explosive skills".
"I went to the front on a couple of climbs in the finale, and to tell the truth, I had the impression that Boonen was a little bit in difficulty, but there was nothing to do”, Pozzato continued.
Fabian Cancellara was another favourite of the race and he followed the last bunch till the final kilometres.
The Swiss was unfortunately caught up in a crash that ended his Tour in before seeing the final kilometres of the race.
Pozzato admired the Tom’s terrific performance, “Ale and I tried to wear out Boonen. I said that if he attacked, I wouldn't go and follow him, but Boonen was the still the strongest".
The 30-year-old has not tasted any victories in the season yet and his only commendable performance in the season is the 6th place finish at the Milan-San Remo.
Filippo is now eyeing the Paris-Roubaix and the cyclist is optimistic to bridge the gap during the French race scheduled on April 8th, 2012.
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