ITALIAN DEBUT AT GP COSTA DEGLI ETRUSCHI
Argentina, Arab Emirates and now Italy – Bardiani-CSF is ready for its third race of the season, Gran Premio Costa degli Etruschi (UCI 1.1), scheduled for Sunday, February 5, on the roads of Livorno’s province. The 22nd edition of the race, who will introduce Italian calendar, will start in San Vincenzo and will finish in Donoratico after 190 km.
Line up – Seven riders will be at the order of DS Stefano Zanatta, supported by coach Claudio Cucinotta: #GreenTeam veteran Stefano Pirazzi, who’s going to start his 8th season as professional, and the six teammates coming from Vuelta San Juan – Nicola Ruffoni, who took first team podium in Argentina placing 3rd in stage 4, Mirco Maestri, Niccolò Pacinotti, Lorenzo Rota, Luca Wackermann and Edoardo Zardini. Last two riders have just recovered from crashes suffered during the San Juan race.
Comment – “We can’t hide we have strong ambitions for GP Costa degli Etruschi” said Zanatta. “Except Pirazzi, the whole team already had a good running in in Argentina and feedbacks have been encouraging. Race route, as usual, is the most unpredictable factor for Sunday. Outcome will be conditioned by race rhythm and selection during the final part. From our side, we’ll have few options to play – the win will be our target”.
Facts – In the four editions of GP Costa degli Etruschi raced by Bardiani-CSF, the team have been always protagonist but no wins have been taken (top results by Ciccone in 2016 and Colbrelli 2015, both fifth). Average age of the squad is 25 years-old, with Pirazzi the oldest (29) and Pacinotti the youngest (21). For the #Green team the GP will be the first “home race” after the win of 2016 Italian Cup.