07/07/2012

TOUR, 7th stage: great Nibali in the first uphill stage
Fourth place for the Shark after a convincing performance



The Tour de France waited signals for the general classification and the first uphill on Planche des Belles Filles gave a lot. Strong selection, high rhythms and the group of the bests is fractionated. Vincenzo Nibali showed his wish to be protagonist at this Tour placing fourth, at 7” to Froom and 5” to Wiggings and Evans. In the GC the “Shark” jumped on the virtual podium, distanced by 16” from Wiggins and 6” from Evans. Heavy the delay of the other pretenders at the finish line, while Ivan Basso maintained a regular rhythm closing at 2’53”.



«I’m satisfied after this first test – explained Nibali at the finish line -. On the map seemed quite easy but the Team Sky’s high rhythm made it hardest. I had only to follow their wheels and in the final straight I had no chance to sprint, even if I wanted try. I’m honest, I didn’t expect a so strong selection in the group and compliments to Team Sky for their job. By my side I’m satisfied both for the performance both for the gap with the others pretenders. I showed that I can be competitive and the same by my team: we manage the race in the best way during the first week and I’m sure we can do the same in next two»



For Ivan Basso today’s stage was «really hard, maybe more than we can expect. As we thought Sky imposed since the beginning his rhythm and Vincenzo was pretty good to be in the first group till the finish. It was a positive day for us and this encourage us to continue to support Vincenzo for his challenge».