Elia Viviani: Cavendish is still the sprinter to beat at the Tour of Britain
Elia Viviani humbly insisted Mark Cavendish remains the sprinter to beat in the Tour of Britain despite claiming victory in the race's opening stage at Drumlanrig Castle this afternoon.
Viviani (Cannondale) beat Cavendish's team-mate Alessandro Petacchi and Gerald Ciolek (MTN-Qhubeka) to take the win after the Manxman was boxed in in the final kilometre.
Speaking at the post-stage press conference, the 24-year-old Italian said: "I'm very happy with this win. It's a good win for me.
"I didn't win in Hamburg [Vattenfall Cyclassics] or [the GP Ouest] Plouay, which were my big goals for the second part of the season, and so far this season, I have finished second more times than first, and for a sprinter this is no good. Today, after six hours, it was a difficult sprint, it was not flat. To take first position was my perfect reward.
"I think for the next stages Cav is the sprinter to fear. In the Giro, I was second twice behind Cav. He's the best sprinter in the world when's he's in perfect form - he's impossible to battle with.
"I'm a very young sprinter, and I want to take a big victory in the next year, and I hope that comes in the Giro [d'Italia]."
Viviani claimed the first IG gold leader's jersey by virtue of his win, but admitted he expects to lose it in Tuesday's 16-kilometre time trial at the latest.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Tonight I will look at the specific route for tomorrow, but for sure it is not possible for me to keep the jersey in the time trial. My focus is to take more wins when it is possible - to win in London is my focus."
Related links
Elia Viviani wins Tour of Britain opener
Tour of Britain 2013: Coverage index
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Guava Spot Force AXS review: the Catalan gravel bike that loves tarmac too
It just doesn’t deal with fast asphalt, rocky terrain, sandy stretches and damp conditions, but it excels across them. It’s fast, aggressive, nimble, stable, and above all compliant.
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Tadej Pogačar says blistering Sormano attack was 'planned' after cruising to sensational fourth Lombardia title
World Champion ends his season on a high in Italy with 25th win of the year secured
By Tom Thewlis Published