GP Costa degli Etruschi 2015 preview

By David Hunter

Cycling is back in Italy!

The eagerly anticipated start to the Italian season is here and I can’t wait! I’m a massive fan of the Italian scene and think we should get a good opening to 2015.

The race all comes down to 2 climbs of Segalari. The climb is in 2 parts, the steepest part is the 2nd, 3km at 5%. The end of the race is much the same as last year. Near the top of the final climb Finetto and Ponzi attacked and didn’t come back!  It was Ponzi who took the win, with Finetto in 2nd place.

I have spoken to Finetto and he tells me that both men are captains for the race. Southeast certainly have multiple options. They have Finetto, Ponzi, Gavazzi, Belletti, Petacchi, Wackermann, Favilli and Busato.

This is the strongest team in the race and it will be interesting to see what tactics they use. Expect plenty of attacking to try and eliminate the pure sprinters, that will let Finetto and Ponzi do their thing. If we get a larger bunch finish, expect Gavazzi to be chosen for the sprint.

Lampre have Bonifazio, Cattaneo, Conti, Durasek, Mori and Niemiec. Another strong team. Cattaneo and Niemiec will have license to attack and Bonifazio will hope to make the sprint. If he doesn’t, Conti goes very fast from a reduced bunch.

Bardiani have Colbrelli, Zardini, Chirico, Bongiorno, Barbin, Andreetta and Tonelli. With riders over in Dubai and Qatar, this isn’t their strongest squad but the presence of Colbrelli, Zardini and Bongiorno is important. By the end of 2014, Colbrelli was the best rider in Italy taking lots of wins. He has been training in Tenerife with Bongiorno, Zardini and Barbin, so it’ll be interesting to see their reaction to the altitude training. If Colbrelli is around at the finish, he’ll fancy his chances.

Androni arrive with a mixed squad, certainly not as strong as usual. Franco Pellizotti is away in Australia so they go with Appollonio, Bandiera, Sella, Stortoni, Taborre, Taliani, Gatto and Zilioli. I doubt Appollonio will make the finish, so expect Emanuele Sella to be his normal attacking self.

Team Colombia start with only 5 riders! They do have quality in Fabio Duarte and Rodolfo Torres, fresh from his brilliant 2nd place in San Luis. Of all the riders in the race, he has the best form. He finished with the lead group in 2014 but needs a very selective race to stand a chance.

Cult Energy have made the step up to Pro Conti level and race here. They have Fabian Wegmann and Russ Downing but it’s going to be hard for them in a race dominated by Italians.

Looking at the smaller teams, Damiano Cunego makes his debut for Nippo – Vini Fantini, Mattia Gavazzi rides for Amore & Vita – Selle and Filippo Fortin is with GM Cycling Team. Fortin was a prospect, finishing 6th in the under 23 World Championship RR. He never achieved when riding for Bardiani in 2013/2014 but hopes for a fresh start with GM.

Prediction Time

It’s going to be Lampre v Southeast v Bardiani. All 3 squads have options but I think Southeast have the most cards to play. They will want a small bunch sprint, as Finetto and Ponzi are quicker than the other “climbers”. The other teams will be looking for their attack on the final climb, maybe they go earlier this year! With the Tour de San Luis in his legs, I go for super Mauro Finetto.

David Hunter

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