01-09-2008 23:56:42

From North to South, the green-blue of Liquigas continues to shine: Leonardo Bertagnolli wins the third stage of the Deutschland Tour and Daniele Bennati is the new leader in the Vuelta a España.

«This victory is a great joy» comments Bertagnolli «and is a good redemption after the Saturday’s stage in which I accumulated too much delay. I gave up the dreams for the final ranking, I could only think to the journey’s successes». The rider imposed himself in a difficult sprint on the finish line of the stage Herrieden-Wiesloch, after an escape with the Spanish Navarro in the final kilometres. «He collaborated only a little and I was really afraid that in the last metres he could surpass me. In addiction, the group was arriving: I risked everything and I was rewarded ». His hope now is to collect a new satisfaction before the arrival in Bremen: «One goal was hit» concluded Bertagnolli «now I will try to exploit all the opportunities to bring at four my victory in this season».

Who is satisfied only half is the “Panther” Bennati. The sprinter, thanks to the bonus, carried back the leader’s jersey, already dressed up by Pippo Pozzato, in the Liquigas’ house. But, unfortunately, he didn’t beat Boonen in the sprint of the third stage. «Wear the amarillo jersey is a big honour» affirms Bennati «but, onestly, I preferred win the stage: I’m here to obtain much victories as possible and today I lose an opportunity. The team worked really good and I thank them for this. After the great work of Pozzato in the final, I find opposite wind and Boonen, behind me, exploit the situation in the best way». Bennati, however, is optimist for the future and the impressions for tomorrow are good:«The route is good for a sprint and my conditions is growing day by day: the Amarillo jersey is a stimulus in plus to perform well».