Bardiani-CSF got their season off to a good start. The italian squad animated the opening stage of Dubai Tour (145km completely flat inside the arab city). In the first part, Enrico Battaglin went into the early breakaway for almost 120km andin final bunch sprint the young neo-pro Paolo Simion took a fine 8th place, taking the white jersey as best young rider of the race.

Stage 1 of Dubai Tour had was decided on the final circuit of 6.2km. Battaglin and the other escapees were caught with 20km to go when the peloton started to prepare for the final bunch sprint. Inside the last km Nicolas Ruffoni was in really good position but he missed the moment to jump out from Guardiniøs wheel. Instead, Simion came from behind and took 8th and the leadership in the young classification.

”I guess we started in the right way," manager Roberto Reverberi said. "I’m pleased with the team attitude and how they managed this opening stage. Battaglin went into the breakaway, gaining some seconds in the intermediate sprints. It’s important for the final general classification if he will be able to stay with the best in the uphill finish of Stage 3. Simion’s performance was also really good. He’s a talented guy and since the first day with us he proved to be smart and concentrated on his job. Tomorrow we have a new stage for sprinters. I hope to see Ruffoni who lost a good chance today."

”A spot inside the top-10 in this kind of race is of course great and gives me a lot of confidence," Simion said. "Also the white jersey is a new satisfaction. I’m focused to begin my professional career in the best way. Here at Bardiani – CSF there’s a fantastic atmosphere, it’s the best squad to grow in. The motivation to get new important results is big and I wish this is only the start."