Stage 6 provided for a big change with some big names making a move to topple Astana and race leader Kloden. Ivan Basso, Michele Scarponi and Stenfao Garzelli mounted a strong attack that resulted in a stage win for Scarponi and the new overall lead. Ivan Basso seemed to be testing his legs for the Giro with teammate Vincenzo Nibali helping with the work. Basso did not just use his teammate to gain time advantage, he was also seen pulling at the front to drive the pace.
The Italian one day races in August are a chance for top Italians to show off their form to Franco Ballerini in order to get a spot on the coveted Azzurri squad for the World Championships road race. This year Stefano Garzelli has been one of the more dominat riders in these one day races. Garzelli chalked up another win in the Trofeo Melinda. He beat out Giovanni Visconti and Siclian Santo Anza of Selle Italia. This win would probably wrap up Garzelli’s selection for the Salzburg worlds.
Garzelli may be joined by the resurgent Danil DiLuca who is not aiming for a high placing in the Vuelta even though he took the race by the scruff of the neck yesterday. Diluca is always coy about his intentions when he is on form. This may be another Giro 05 situation where DiLuca keeps playing down his chances while going for a high GC finish.
Stefano Garzelli seems to be the default Tour contender on a team that is mostly focusing on the Giro D’Italia. Last year Garzelli and Cioni were supposed to be the main Liquigas antagonist for G.C. but Danilo DiLuca’s surprising and inspired performance put Cioni and Garzelli into a supporting role.
This year with DiLuca looking to win the Giro, Garzelli is aiming to perform well at the Tour de France by skipping the Giro and putting all of his training efforts to performing well in France. Although he has never placed very high in France, Garzelli is highly motivated by the arrival of his new baby. “I have a new motivation this year part to go much faster. Because of this I have more calmness and tranquility”
On the subject of DiLuca’s Giro chances Garzelli think’s Danilo has a chance. “Maybe the course is too tough for his abilities, but for me that is an exaggeration. Diluca showed last year that he could ride well in very tough climbs after performaning well in the spring classics. This year he will focus entirely on the Giro. By saving his energy for the Giro, he will be one of the main protagonist with a chance to win the race that he holds close to his heart.”
