The third victory of the season forManuel Belletti has a special flavor.The first stage of Settimana Coppi e Bartali took place on his home roads and his family and supporters had gathered at the finish to support him. 

"A great feeling," he told Spaziociclismo. When I launched the sprint I realized that I had won. Several persons have told me that  I was celebrating already twenty meters from the finish. I did it which is a sign that I'm really good because I know I can win.

"It was a regular race. A breakaway and we controlled the race. On the first climb, in Sogliano al Rubicone, no problem. But in the second, one kilometer before the KOM of Torre di Massamanente, it was hard for me and Giorgio Cecchinel helped me very well. I thank him. For the final sprint, I understood immediately that I would win This victory is a team victory, a victory of Giorgio and all my teammates. A wonderful team!"

In the past, he has won on home roads, even at the 2010 Giro d'Italia. His beginning of the season has been truly remarkable, and the impression is that he has found the right environment in his new team. 

"I can safely say I have found an exceptional environment," he said. "A team that does not put pressure on me, but at the same time believes in me. I also changed the preparation because Michele Bartoli helps me extremely well, but certainly the mind makes the difference. I feel the responsibility, but the team believes in me and I can give 100%."

The regret of not being able to ride Milan-Sanremo increases after this good result, but now the mind is focused on upcoming events, starting on Saturday with the stage to Crevalcore, in which he hopes to "do well, not necessarily win, but at least continue along this line." After the Coppi and Bartali, he will take a little rest and do the Tour of Turkey to prepare for the Giro.