Diego Ulissi got an important confidence boost ahead of the World Championships by taking a big victory in the Memorial Marco Pantani. Riding for the Italian national team, he combined forces with teammates Giovanni Visconti and Vincenzo Nibali and the trio held of the 40-rider chasing group before the Lampre-Merida rider was given the win

Several months ago Italian national coach Davide Cassani hinted that he intended to build the Italian Worlds team around Diego Ulissi. Since then, he has slightly changed his mind and even though the Lampre-Merida rider will still have a protected role in Richmond, it seems that more riders will have a leadership status.

Today Ulissi did a lot to prove his position in the internal hierarchy when he took the win in Memorial Marco Pantani. Riding for the national team, he was the first rider to cross the line in what turned out to be a demonstration of power from the riders in blue as his teammates Giovanni Visconti and Vincenzo Nibali completed the podium after the trio had dropped the rest.

Visconti and Nibali decide to give the win to Ulissi who lost his son due to a miscarriage a few days ago.

"In recent days I have not had many happy moments. My first thoughts go to my family and I am really happy I gave him this joy," Ulissi said. "I have to thank Vincenzo and Giovanni who saw that I had had a personal crisis but we made ​​a big step and I think both riders hve contributed to one of the most beautiful days of my career."

"It been touching," national coach Davide Cassai said. "On the last lap I went to talk to the three guys in front to understand what they were going to do. And Giovanni Visconti, not selected for the Worlds and looking forward to a victory that has been missing for a long time, told me: "Davide, I have not won for two years but today it's for Diego Ulissi'.

"This victory, as it took place, speaks volumes on the men more than the riders. I was touched because I think it was really a great demonstration of attachment to the national team. They felt really like a team and showed humanity.

"Today the boys used a lot of energy, they were all very good, and the race in Prato tomorrow is an important test, because on Monday they will fly to America.

"They were good because they rode the last 60 kilometers to the finish . Then this final I was particularly excited because there was more than one reason to be so: the performance, the win and the dedication. It was wonderful."

"The important thing is that you understand your condition and it is definitely there as we go into Richmond," Ulissi said. "We attacked from a distance and in the end we made ​​great effort . There was a little tension in recent days but that has disappreaed.  The first thought was definitely my family and I am happy to have given them this joy . "

"I have had a great satisfaction among the professionals here. This region always gives beautiful days and we are pleased to honor it it in the best way."