Sagan escapes to secure 1-2 for Cannondale.

Moreno Moser (Cannondale) captured the biggest win of his career by claiming Strade Bianche in brilliant manner. In his second year as a professional, Moser finished alone and took the honours ahead of teammate and pre-race favorite, Peter Sagan, while Rinaldo Nocentini (AG2R) cames third.

In the closing stages of the race Moser went on the attack immediately after Juan Antonio Flecha (Vacansoleil-DCM) was reeled in. The Italian pursued the day’s early break which comprised Aleksejs Saramotins (IAM Cycling), Belkov (Katusha), Giairo Ermetti (Androni) and Michael Schär (BMC).

Last year’s winner, Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack Leopard), tried to break clear from the hunting pack but with Moser up the road, Sagan played the role of the loyal teammate and efficiently annulled the Swiss rider’s belligerence. It created a far from unified pursuit and once Moser caught the remnants of the lead group he always looked in complete control.

In the final km, despite belated attacks from the chase group, Moser still had things under control and it was no surprise to witness him ride away from Belkov and Saramotins as the road reached an 18 per cent gradient to achieve the most prestigious win of his career so far.

Results

1 Moreno Moser – Cannondale
2 Peter Sagan – Cannondale 0.05”
3 Rinaldo Nocentini – AG2R 0.07”
4 Fabian Cancellara – Radioshack Leopard

5 Aleksejs Saramotins – IAM

6 Greg Van Avermaet – BMC

7 Alexander Kolobnev – Katusha

8 Francesco Reda – Androni Giocattoli – Venezuela”

9 Gianpaolo Caruso – Katusha 0.10”

10 Maxim Belkov Katusha 0.13”