07/09/2012

VINCENZO NIBALI TAKES THE PADANIA. The Shark secures overall race victory

Fifth win of the season for the Sicilian



Mission accomplished by Vincenzo Nibali at the Tour of Padania. After yesterday’s stage win Liquigas-Cannondale’s Sicilian rider topped the general classification to duplicate Ivan Basso’s success in 2010.



Nibali defended his 40” lead over Chiarini by crossing the line in the lead group (Betancur was first) in the fifth and final stage (Acqui Terme-Frabosa Soprana, 174 km). There was a tense moment in the last kilometre though as Nibali’s chain came off but he promptly resolved the technical hitch. Today’s overall victory takes Nibali up to five wins in 2012, and Liquigas-Cannondale up to thirty-six.



«Winning always gives you confidence and added motivation, and that is just what I wanted before a major event like the impending World Championships in Valkenburg, » said Nibali, «My sensations were positive again today. The work I’ve done here at the “Padania” has paid off, now I just need to focus on fine-tuning my performance. The Worlds’ race is an unpredictable one: you’ve only got one shot, a long list of fiercely experienced opponents and a parcours with no room for distractions. I’m well aware of how hard it will be to do well but what I’ve achieved so far this season boosts my morale. »