Tom Boonen greets Mario Cipollini’s return to professional cycling
Tom Boonen has briefed that he would welcome Mario Cipollini’s return in the peloton, despite the fact that the former World Champion is turning 45 this month.
Mario showed interest to ride the top level of sport during an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this week.
He is keen to represent the Italian side, Team Farnese Vini-Selle at the Giro d’ Italia 2012 with Andrea Guardini as his main lead-out man.
While commenting on his return to professional cycling Cipollini noted, "I want to return to racing to come to the Giro and lead out the sprints for Guardini". He continued, "I feel good, and what is a good sign is that I feel an extreme desire to work hard".
The Italian is considered as one of the best stage race cyclists of his time and definitely a master of the Giro d’ Italia.
He holds the world record of 42 overall stages at the Italian Grand Tour with three point’s classifications under his belt.
Mario claimed 12 stages at the Tour de France and 3 at the Vuelta a Espana during his extensive career.
He started riding professionally in 1989 and represented several teams during his 17-year stay in the peloton before announcing his retirement in 2005.
The Italian came out of retirement in 2008 and signed a deal with Team Rock Racing in 2008 at the Tour of California.
The 44-year-old believes that he still has enough legs to ride the top level of the sport and has received immense support from the in-form Tom Boonen.
Boonen told Het Nieuwsblad, "I would say: why not? He still has the look of an athlete. It can work if necessary for the team".
The Belgian has worked with Mario previously and has extended his full support for the former World Champion.
"Mario Cipollini was my sprinter, I raced against him seven years ago in the Tour of Qatar. I won once in a direct duel and also lost once. I admit, racing against Cipollini was something special".
However, Team Farnese Vini-Selle’s Director Luca Scinto has rejected the notion of hiring the Italian for the 2012 season.
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