Daniele Bennati will stay with Liquigas through 2010

Daniele Bennati will stay with Liquigas through 2010 after the Italian sprinter penned a two-year contract extension with the team.

After struggling through an injury-plagued 2008 season that saw him sidelined during the Tour de France, a healthy Bennati should once again be at the forefront in the mass sprints.

“My physical problems suffered last year are memories now and I can train now with consistency,” Bennati said in a team release. “I’m still not in my best form, but by March I want to be competitive.”

Bennati is set to travel to Spain for a team training camp in Calpe this week ahead of his season debut next week at the Mallorca Challenge (Feb. 8-12).

The 28-year-old Bennati turned pro with Acqua e Sapone in 2002 and became an essential part of the train during the final years of Mario Cipollini’s career. After one season at Phonak, he enjoyed a three-year run at Lampre that included breakout victories in the grand tours.

He switched to Liquigas for 2008, but knee problems delayed his season and then a heavy crash at the Giro d’Italia hampered his progress despite winning three stages and the points jersey.

He skipped the Tour with injury, but bounced back to win the team time trial and a stage at the Vuelta a España and closed out the season with a victory at the Giro del Piemonte in October.

“We’re satisfied with this agreement,” said Liquigas team boss Roberto Amadio. “Daniele is an excellent rider and represents in the best way the valor of our team — sportsmanship, pluck, seriousness and dedication. This agreement will let us to aspire for important results.”

Bennati’s first big goal will be Milan-San Remo and then the northern classics. While Bennati has proven to be one of the most consistent sprinters in the pack, his ultimate dream is to shine on the cobblestones.

FILED UNDER: Road