Michele Scarponi confirms participation in the Giro d’ Italia 2012
Michele Scarponi of Team Lampre-ISD has confirmed his participation at the 2012 version of the Italian race.
He told Gazzetta dello Sport, “I will do the Giro d’Italia, I was fascinated, attracted, almost seduced by the Tour de France, but the Giro is my race, on my roads, among my people. I’ve shaken off the last doubts and reservations”.
Michele holds the total number of 11 World Tour appearances under his belt, seven Giro, one Tour and three Vuelta a Espana participations to his credit.
His best performance at the Italian race came during the most recent edition of the race where he finished second overall behind Alberto Contador.
Contador’s disqualification from all the victories since the Tour de France 2010 resulted in favour of Scarponi, he is now declared as the overall winner of the Italian race.
The 32-year-old rode brilliantly in the past season and claimed the overall spot at the Giro del Trentino and the Volta a Catalunya 2011.
He finished 3rd at the Tirreno-Adriatico, 4th at the Giro di Sardegna and 6th at the Milan-San Remo.
Scarponi has not registered any victories in the 2012 season and his only commendable performance came during the Tirreno-Adriatico.
He rode exceptionally well during the race but could not overcome his compatriot, Vincenzo Nibali to achieve the top spot.
Michele finished 1 minute and 16 seconds behind and occupied the 7th overall spot after the final general classifications.
While commenting on his promoted victory at the Giro d’ Italia 2011 he briefed, “Contador’s suspension elevated me to being the winner of the 2011 Giro, but I want to win the 2012 Giro on the field”.
Scarponi is currently testing his legs at the Giro Del Tentino, he finished at the 39th position after the opening team’s time trial stage of the race.
“I like the Giro del Trentino, I always have, and I’m here to win it. Compared to last year, I started off the season a bit more quietly – fewer races, more training”.
Scarponi’s side, Team Lampre-ISD is currently occupying the 7th overall spot after the opening stage of the Giro Del Trentino.
Team BMC is leading the category with an impressive overall time of 0:15:51with Team Astana, Team Colnago and Team Androni Giocattoli at the second, the third and the fourth positions.
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