BiciRace.com :: Marco Pinotti

27 June, Road Race Review

Marco Pinotti, Saunier Duval - Prodir

27 June 2005

Road Race Review

Pinotti Italian TT Champion, photo: SettimanaTricolore

I spent the past 4 days before the Italian road championship surviving everyone who was visiting me. (It was actually a pleasure). I also did some easy short rides (2 hrs). On Saturday night I flew to Pescara and arrived at the hotel at 10pm. I felt like a star with his own private airplane who arrives at races at the last moment! Anyway, I went to bed almost immediately and had a deep sleep.

During the long race, which was a hot and sunny day, I felt very good and compared to the other riders, I was even better lap after lap. The pace at the beginning was not hard, so at the last lap there were still almost 40 riders. In the final climb, Mazzoleni and Pellizotti attacked following a previous attack by Moreni. I could follow them quite easily and in the final descent there were 9 riders: me and Mori, Commesso and Mazzoleni (Lampre), Moreni, Pellizotti, Bailetti (Androni Giocattoli), Baliani (Panaria) and Giunti (Fassa).

With 4 km to go, I tried to escape, but Pellizotti followed me. Then Mazzoleni made a move and I caught him. We had up to 7 seconds advantage, but the DS told me over the radio not to pull (since Mazzoleni is faster than me). So we were caught with 2 kms to go by a larger group. Maybe I lost a good chance, but it's over now.

I feel good and during the race I sometimes felt like I had super legs. I have the legs for the Tour (sshhh!! Do not mention that to Matxin or to my wife.... :)), but I am going to rest a bit. Until July 10th I will do only easy rides and rest days. My wife is extremely happy.

bye
Marco

Marco Pinotti's website.