The Italian cycling season began in earnest today with the Trofeo Laigueglia. Lampre Merida were able to control most of the action from start to finish, never allowing any breakaway attempts to develop into serious threats.

In the deciding bunch sprint the team had its lead out train working to perfection and Filippo Pozzato could take the sprint and his third victory in Italian cycling’s opening race. Francesco Reda (Androni Venezuela) and Mauro Santambrogio (Vini Fantini) took the remaining podium places ahead of Pozzato’s team mate Diego Ulissi and Anthony Roux (FDJ). Pozzato also won the race in 2004 and 2005.