Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

In the 2006 Giro that is rumored to be rich with climbs, Damiano Cunego will return to win

So says Giuseppe Martinelli who coached Cunego to a 2004 Giro win. 2005 has not been a good year for Cunego due to a bout with Epstein-Barr syndrome.

The Tour is on Damiano’s program for 2005 after having missed his first chance this year. We will use the numerous climbs in the Tour to gain experience in a race that will be up for grabs between Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich.

Martinelli is not bitter over the recent departure of Gilberto Simoni after two very difficult years of co-existence with Cunego.

Gilberto was very close to winning his third Giro this past May. He performed well during difficult moments that were brought on by various marking tactics by several teams. He will be back as one of our competitors next year. Our team will now focus on younger riders like Napolitano and Corioni who will help Damiano and not go after personal goals.

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