First double for Serramenti
PVC - The Kings of LTdL 2008
17/2/2008
KUALA LUMPUR (17 Feb, 2008) ? Serramenti
PVC proved they were the Kings of the Le Tour de Langkawi 2008
when they convincingly secured the individual and team titles
in Asia's biggest road race here this afternoon.
The nine-day tour came to a sensational
end today at Dataran Merdeka when Mauro Abel Richeze of the CSF
Group-Navigare team won the 73km long Stage 9, also known as the
KL Criterium.
Serramenti PVC, led by the effervescent
Gianni Savio, have been consistent performers in the Le Tour de
Langkawi and after disappointments in the last two years, charged
back this year in a big way when Ruslan Ivanov wrested the yellow
jersey and the team cemented the overall title after yesterday's
climb up Fraser's Hill.
Serramenti had never won the double before
although they bagged the individual crown in 2002 off Hernan Dario
Munoz and in 2004 from Freddie Gonzalez when the team was known
as Selle Italia.
"It has been a fantastic team effort
and in the eight years that we have been here, we have won 15
stages thus far. But his victory is certainly the best so far,"
added Savio.
A thrilled Ivanov said: "I am here
because Savio and Marco Bellini (the Sportif Director) gave me
a chance after I did not have a contract for almost two years.
It is impossible to describe what I feel at the moment although
the important thing is to look ahead and repay the team for their
faith in me."
Richeze's victory in the final stage has
ensured the 13td edition of the Le Tour de Langkawi remains unique
in that the winners throughout all nine stages have been by different
riders.
Richeze, who was largely blamed for the
crash into Kuantan which saw him being penalized, said that he
deserved the win today after the hardwork of his CSF team over
the last few days.
"I did not intend to cause the crash
but I think that I deserve the win today because my team has been
working very hard," explained Richeze.
Added Filippo Savini (CSF Navigare), the
winner of the red jersey for king of the mountain: "As far
as what races I will be taking part in will depend largely on
the Directeur Sportif."
Aurelien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom), who was
confirmed as the winner of the sprinter.
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