On a dramatic final day in the
Tirreno-Adriatico stage race across Italy, Vincenzo Nibali of the
Liquigas-Cannondale team secured overall victory with a strong final TT.
His time trial was 20 seconds faster than the original GC leader, so he
moved from third place into first. This victory in the overall
completed a series of increasingly strong performances from the
Mavic-sponsored Liquigas team.
On stage 4, the Liquigas team rode on the front for most of the day to keep the race close. The 250km route featured many climbs, but it was the final 5km that proved decisive. Sagan's teammate Nibali helped power a lead group of 5 clear from the field, but he faded slightly in the last 1000 meters. Sagan salvaged the win for Liquigas in a powerful sprint.
The next day in stage 5, Nibali left nothing to chance and attacked on the final climb. With 4km remaining, he moved clear to win the queen stage on a summit finish. In doing so, he moved within 12 seconds of the overall lead.
On stage 4, the Liquigas team rode on the front for most of the day to keep the race close. The 250km route featured many climbs, but it was the final 5km that proved decisive. Sagan's teammate Nibali helped power a lead group of 5 clear from the field, but he faded slightly in the last 1000 meters. Sagan salvaged the win for Liquigas in a powerful sprint.
The next day in stage 5, Nibali left nothing to chance and attacked on the final climb. With 4km remaining, he moved clear to win the queen stage on a summit finish. In doing so, he moved within 12 seconds of the overall lead.
With a time bonus one day later on stage 6, followed by his strong stage 7 TT on the final day, Nibali edged out Chris Horner for the overall win. Nibali’s win surprised the field and confirmed his form for the upcoming grand tour season.
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