VALVERDE STARTS LOMBARDY
Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d?Epargne) started the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday morning after his team decided against boycotting the race because of the organiser?s decision not to award Valverde the ProTour winner?s jersey after the finish.
After a team manager?s meeting on Friday Caisse d?Epargne said Valverde would not start but then changed their minds before the start to end the brinkmanship with race director Angelo Zomegnan.
"Valverde is supposed to fulfill his obligations to the Pro Tour while not picking up the expected benefits," the team complained. However Zomegnan was determined that the 100th edition of the Tour of Lombardy would not include the awarding on the ProTour jersey.
"There is no way we are going to agree to promoting the Pro Tour brand next to the Tour of Lombardy brand," Zomegnan said.
The Tour of Lombardy started as planned in Mendrisio at 10:25. Early attackers Diego Caccia (Barloworld) and Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner) had a 13-minute lead after 80km of the 245km race.
More from the race later
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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.
-
Eddie Dunbar soars to victory on stage 20 of Vuelta a España
Irishman takes second stage win of this edition amid swirling clouds atop Picón Blanco as Primož Roglič defends red jersey
By Flo Clifford Published
-
Paul Magnier takes hat-trick of wins at Tour of Britain with stage five victory
Young Frenchman powers to third stage win as three-man breakaway caught at the death
By Flo Clifford Published