Erik Zabel unhappy fourth

Publiceret af: danny 2008-05-18

The expected mass sprint finish in the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia ended with an unhappy fourth place for MILRAM captain Erik Zabel.  The 37 year-old lost his chance in the last few meters when there was no more space for him between the roadside barriers and eventual stage winner Daniele Bennati.  Second after the 218 km from Civitavecchi to San Vincenzo was Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) ahead of Australian Robbie McEwen of Team Silence-Lotto.
„That was a very unlucky finale,“ said MILRAM captain Erik Zabel.  „I was in a good position and had found the right rear wheel to be on.  Unfortunately, the street was so narrow that I couldn't get between Daniele Bennati and the barriers.“
On the ninth stage, the first attack came directly at the start.  Yuriy Krivtsov (AG2R) left the field at km 1.  Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis) was the only to follow the Ukranian.  The duo lead with an advantage of up to 10 minutes over the peloton, which rode the stage at a comfortable tempo of 38 km/hour.
With 30 km to go the peloton got serious.  Led by an active Team MILRAM, the tempo was increased and the duo's lead continually got smaller.  On the last climb of the day, up the San Carlo, Paolo Bettini (QuickStep), Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Scott) and Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) tried a last attack, but the field reacted promptly and stopped them.  This increased the speed and put an end to the 215 km flight of the two escapees.
In the finale, the MILRAM train took over the head of the field and brought captain Erik Zabel into position.  He rode the last meters on the rear wheel of Daniele Bennati, but at the decisive moment was trapped between the man in front of him and the roadsider barriers, and had to let the Italian take the win.
On Monday, May 29, the peloton has its first rest day after nine Giro stages.  Things start up again Tuesday with an individual time trial over a rolling course with some climbs.  The favorites for the overall title are expected to show something for the first time as to the eventual outcome of the race.