Milan - San Remo
PJ KIRKWOOD
The battle for "La Primevera" will probably be one of the greatest
this Saturday. Why ? Isn't this classic one of the 5 UCI monuments
of cycling I hear you say ? Of course it is but this year there are
several riders with somthing to prove after disasterous '94 seasons.
1. Maurizio Fondriest - Desperate to show that he is back to his '93
best and will be looking forward to showing the tifosi that with
a solo descent on the Poggio. However, seeing as he won it that
way in '93, he will be a heavily marked man and will probably find
it harder to break away this year.
2. Mario Cipollini - confessed in Cycle Sport to having a love affair
with this race and coupled with the fact he is looking to prove
that his training with Dr.Ferrari has paid off, he will be the one
to watch if (!) it comes down to a bunch sprint or, if he can get
away with a small group of the top of the Poggio.
3. Gianni Bugno - wants to be the Bugno of '90 again. We've heard this
line a few times now and it's wearing a bit thin but I think Bugno
will do it this year with the backing of MG. Look for him jumping
clear on the Poggio (along with everyone else !)
4. Pascal Richard - didn't win much after the Tour of Romandie last
year and after his solo charge in Paris-Nice which brought him a
stage win, he win be looking for the big classic win to impress
MG's boss.
Top three prediction
1. Bugno.
2. Cipollini.
3. Colage - the inform sprinter at Tirreno - Adriatico.
Paul Kirkwood.
Arthur C Clay
Excellent lineup, Paul! But there are others that should be included that will
add to the excitement of the 1995 edition of "la Primavera". You can't forget
last year's number one, Furlan. What about X-World Title holder Lance Armstrong?
There's always "il Diablo" who would be delighted with a second victory in this
race. Then there is also Jalabert who will be rocking after a terrific overall
win in Paris-Nice. Others to think about: Berzin, Zabel, Spruch, and Svorada.
Anyhow, just five more days and we'll see who takes the race!
HLReid
on some lesser known Italians to make their mark:
Michele Coppolillo - not really a power rider but showed great heart in
the Giro
Luca Gelfi - got 2nd a couple of years back, could be a surprise.
Wladimir Belli - will be working for Mau, but if he gets his chance...