Bennati imposes his law

Photo: courtesy Wim Dingemanse

Photo: courtesy Wim Dingemanse

Now the smile of Bennati is complete: with one of his paw, the “Panther” gained the first victory in the Vuelta 2008 beating in sprint Tom Boonen who came before yesterday.  

«The sprint was how I like» comments Bennati «linear and without confusion. Before I exploited the exceptional work of my team-mate Pozzato, Quinziato, Corioni and Vanotti. Then I followed the wheel of Weyland and when missed 180 metres I speeded away». So, a clean victory that is a premium for Bennati and for the team, which worked all day at the head of the group to mend the escape of Lòpez Gil and impose a sprint arrival. «In Liquigas is valid the saying “all for one, one for all”» explains Bennati. «Everyone respect his role to help the team: this is our strenght. Many peoples, for example, had doubt about the cohabitation between me and Pozzato. We showed that working together and helping each other we can collect many satisfactions. I had the regret to had not ran together before because of my injuries: I think that now the team’s balance could me still more positive».

Together with the victory (the 6th of the season and the 35th in career), Bennati consolidates his first position in the general ranking and gains the blue jersey of the points ranking. «I’m happy to be leader» concludes Bennati «but tomorrow there’s a time trial and will be difficult to keep the gold jersey. I’ll do all to honour it but I’m not here to win the Vuelta… My goal is fixed on the stages’ victories and I’m not satisfied with one».

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