Coppa Sabatini

Italian takes 4th in Peccioli after responding to decisive moves at Coppa Sabatini, comes close to the podium of a race he already won in 2006, 2007

Eleven top-ten finishes earned by Giovanni Visconti since his victory last July 31 in Getxo have not found a prize on top of the podium. The Italian rider was again the face of compromise for Movistar Team, the first of three European season-closing events for the Blues this year over 198k around three circuits in the small town of Peccioli. Visconti covered the early part of the race with no big responsability as very moving start saw a 13-rider break going ahead with Nairo Quintana, reinforced by his excellent performance at Il Lombardia last Saturday.

It was at the second of four decisive ascents through Viale Risorgimento when the dual winner of the Sabatini (2006, 2007) joined the move by Duarte (COL) and the counter-attack from Sinkewitz (MKT), Failli, Rabottini (FAR) and Rubiano (AND) to create a 6-man escape that was furiously pursued until the final lap. However, the force wasn’t at the Sicilian’s side this team as he settled to 4th and claimed another chance to succeed in the last two races: the Giro dell’Emilia (Saturday, 11.45, 193km) and the GP Beghelli (Sunday).