A technical route with plenty of pace changes, not entirely for specialists - "especially in the first kilometers", as explained by Movistar Team sports director José Luis Arrieta. However, Adriano Malori dominated as he usually does when he rides against the clock. The Parma-born rider claimed his third Italian time trial title after smashing the 36.6km course in Bogogno in the province of Novara, Piedmont.

Malori, who came into the national event just three days after taking 4th in the final TT of the Tour de Suisse, already clocked the fastest time at the only intermediate point (18km) - 23" ahead of Daniele Bennati (TCS) who was second through - before opening the gap even more in the remainder - 44'13", 1'01" better than Moser (TCG). "Having put almost half a minute over the rest in that demanding section, he really must have to felt strong", Arrieta said.

It's Malori's fourth victory of the season - after TT wins in San Luis, Tirreno-Adriatico (prologue) and La Sarthe (also taking the GC lead) - the Italian increasing the Movistar Team's victory tally to 24 this year and now setting his sights on the Tour de France, as one of the main favourites for the opening stage in Utrecht.

“After making 'Arri' and the whole team coming to guide me in the TT, I really had to win - otherwise, if I didn't keep the jersey, Eusebio [Unzue, manager]would kick me out of the building (laughs.) It was quite a technical course, with lots of turns, climbing... it wasn't easy at all. Fortunately, I felt really great, stronger than in the Tour de Suisse, and as there were many descents between the climbs, I was able to give my everything from the very start.

"Now it's time to start thinking about next Saturday: the competition will be stronger, it'll be a difficult day for me... but I feel strong and motivated. There's not much work to do: some specific training on the TT bike, with short, fast sessions... from a physical point of view, I'm ready for the Tour.

"I will work as part of the whole team for Nairo Quintana who can win the yellow jersey. We really believe in him and the team will start in great condition.

"Of course I think about the prologue in Utrecht. It would be a dream, one of those you have in your head as a child. It would mean so much to raise your finger to the sky. It will not be easy to achieve. All the best riders will be there at the start in top form. I'll have to beat the likes of Martin, Domoulin, Cancellara and Kwiatkowski but I hope this tricolour flag will give me the strength I need to do it."