Alessandro Petacchi is poised, primed and ready for Italy’s big race, The Giro d’ Italia. Petacchi who was quite vocal in his disappointments with this years course says his conditioning and fitness level are improving on a daily basis. While the Italian sprinter may not be found of this years course he still will give it his all in hopes of winning several stages and possibly the maglia ciclamino (sprinters jersey for points classification). Petacchi told reporters in Milan this past week “I am Italian and this race had given so much back to me. I want to be a part of it and do well, despite my concerns as to the type of race it’s turned into. The Giro is a tough race, but going by my count - if you add Milan to the count - there are five sprint legs”.
This year marks a departure for Petacchi who was forced to find a new team when Fasso Bortalo dissolved. Now riding for Milram with one time opponent Erik Zabel who supports Petacchi as one of his lead-out-men. Alessandro feels while is team is young they have plenty of depth and experience “I think it’s going to be a matter of teamwork for other teams too, think of Davitamon at McEwen. The biggest load rests squarely on our shoulders. It’s a pity Marco Velo won’t be there: we were a tried and tested team. Rigotto will take his place and as for positions Ongarato is the proper substitute”.
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