Michele Scarponi all set for the Giro d'Italia
Michele Scarponi of Team Lampre ISD was recently seen in action at the Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
The cyclist failed to mark an impression during the 257.5 kilometre race and had to settle for the 8th overall spot.
Maxim Iglinsky of Team Astana sealed the deal with an impressive time of 6 hours, 43 minutes and 52 seconds.
Vincenzo Nibali finished 21 seconds behind and achieved the second position with Enrico Gasparotto, Thomas Voeckler, Daniel Martin, Bauke Mollema and Samuel Sanchez securing the next five positions.
The Italian is focusing at the Giro d’ Italia as the biggest goal of his 2012 season and the Belgian race has served as an ideal warm up match for him.
Scarponi’s main job was to help his team-mate Damiano Cunego at the Liege-Bastogne-Liege who finished the race at the 35th position.
He noted, “I’m not in my best form yet but of course I’ll do the best I can. Damiano showed that his legs are really good. On Sunday, he’ll be our team leader and I’ll think he’ll do a great job”.
Scarponi started his professional campaign with Team Acqua & Sapone-Cantina Tollo in 2002 and spent a period of one year with the side.
He also represented Team Domina Vacanze (2003-04), Team Liberty Seguros-Wurth (2005-06), Team Liberty Seguros-Wurth (2005-06), Team Acqua & Sapone (2007), Team Diquigiovanni-Androni (2008-10) and finally penned a deal with Team Lampre-ISD in 2011.
Michele rode brilliantly in the past season and secured the first overall position at the Giro d’ Italia and also claimed the point’s classifications of the race.
The Italian also achieved the top overall position at the Volta a Catalunya and the Giro del Trentino in the past season.
“I’ve come to Liège for a reason; otherwise I might as well stay at home. The race has a parcours that I like and that suits me”.
“I’ve done it three times already and I’ve always done well”.
Scarponi is now eyeing the 2012 version of the Giro and is optimistic to register his second consecutive victory of the season.
Giro d’ Italia is scheduled from May 5-27 and the top three position holders will be awarded with 170, 130 and a 100 UCI points in the respective order.
Tags: