Bandiera, Kwiatkowski Make Pino Cerami Breakaways

Bandiera, Kwiatkowski Make Pino Cerami Breakaways

Marco Bandiera and Michal Kwiatkowski tried to get involved with moves in Grand Prix Pino Cerami, in a race where peloton splits were frequent and attacks were flying at will.

Bandiera attacked with a little more than 22km remained, and after Marco Marcato (Vacansoleil) followed his wheel, the two went up the road and built up a 15" with 13km remaining. They were then joined by Elia Favalli of Farnese-Vini, and the trio continued to stay away until 3km remained. Marcato attacked, but the peloton was chasing hard and caught Bandiera and Favalli. In the final km, Gaetan Bille of the Lotto - Belisol Team decided he was going to bridge to Marcato up the road. He not only did that, he passed Marcato and earned the victory, with the rest of the peloton close behind.

The top finisher for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team was Gerald Ciolek, in 29th place. Michal Kwiatkowski also made a 19 rider break earlier in the race, which was eventually as many as 23 riders before two of the break members attacked.