Bennati’s turn at Sardegna

Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) sprinted to victory Friday at the Giro di Sardegna and overtakes the leader jersey at the end of the 147km fourth stage.

Bennati darted ahead of Mirco Lorenzetto (Milram) as the pack came in for the mass sprint into Cagliari on the southern tip of the Mediterranean’s second-largest island. Overnight leader Oscar Gatto (ICS) finished out of the bonuses and slipped to second at six seconds back.

Bennati is confident he can hang on for Saturday’s finale and secure the overall victory if it all comes down a sprint as expected.

“It would be nice to win the overall. There are no big mountains, but it’s not too flat, either,” Bennati told reporters. “What’s most important is the form is good. I’ll do the Giro and Tour this year, but up next are the spring classics. I’ll do Milan-San Remo, Flanders and Ghent-Wevelgem. I’ve won stages in all three grand tours, but I am missing a win in the classics. That’s what I am working for.”

It was the third win on the year for the self-styled Panther and Bennati called it revenge against his second place finish to Lorenzetto a few days earlier.

World champion Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) was fifth in the stage and slotted into third at 10 seconds back. Alessandro Petacchi (LPR) lost his chain in the finale and has gone winless all week.

FILED UNDER: Road