Colombia Coldeportes’ youngster Frank Osorio was a great protagonist of protagonist of 49th Trofeo Laigueglia, taking part in the 5-man breakaway that characterized the early and central part of the race. The action held on until about 35km to go, giving way to an entertaining battle on the final climbs of the day. In the end, Italian Moreno Moser (Liquigas), nephew of well-known Francesco, clinched his first victory as a pro, soloing to the line in Laigueglia after 196 km.

A deep bunch of 193 riders took the start in Laigueglia on Saturday, February 18^th, to face one of the toughest Trofeo Laigueglia’s routes in recent years: three ascents of the Testico climb preceded the Pinnamare and Capo Mele’s slopes in the last 10 km of the day.

After several attempts in the early stages, a 5-man breakaway formed at km 35: Frank Osorio and Nippo’s Vincenzo Garofalo joined Giairo Ermeti (Androni Giocattoli), Alfredo Balloni (Farnese Vini) and Luca Dodi (Team Idea). The attackers’ advantage peaked at 9 minutes around km 65, when Liquigas and Lampre took charge of the chasing effort. Still, the frontrunners didn’t give up, keeping the pace high on the first two ascents of the Testico, but the peloton proved too strong for today’s brave attackers, who were reeled with 35 km to go.

As widely predicted, the Pinnamare climb had a strong impact on the race: no rider managed to leave the bunch, but the high pace reduced its number to just 20 athletes, who tackled the Capo Mele with everything on the line. With 3 km to go, Moreno Moser launched a strong solo attack: no one could respond to the action of Liquigas’ neo-pro, who enjoyed the taste of his first professional win ahead of Colombian Miguel Rubiano Chaves (Androni Giocattoli) and Italian Matteo Montaguti (Ag2r-La Mondiale). Fabio Duarte was the first home for the Team, in 16th position.

At the end of the race, General Manager Claudio Corti was satisfied with his team’s display, and with the thick presence of Colombia black jerseys in a tough finale: “There were 5 of our guys in the front group ahead of the final two climbs: Fabio Duarte, Esteban Chaves, Felipe Laverde, Jarlinson Pantano and Javier Gonzalez. Laverde and Chaves dropped on the Pinnamare climb, but we were still in contention on the last ascent.”

“When Moser attacked, Duarte was on his wake: he had a moment of hesitation, or we could be commenting a different outcome. Nevertheless, his first-time reaction was good to see.”

“I am happy with the Team’s performance – Corti continued – as our riders were in the thick of the race once again, and they are proving to be very tough opponents when it comes to climbing. Let’s keep on this way, results will come.”

Photo: Frank Osorio on the day’s breakaway

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