Filippo Pozzato wins 2011 Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli

Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) finally climbed back atop the podium on Sunday, escaping a lead group in the final kilometers of the Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli in Monteveglio.

The former Italian champion finished just 19 seconds ahead of his erstwhile break-mates, led in by Manuel Belletti (Colnago-CSF). Giovanni Visconti (Farnese Vini-Neri Sottoli) rounded out the podium in third.

“I’m very happy to be back among the victories,” Pozzato told Eurosport. “I needed it in order to erase a long, bad period, in which I suffered for some serious injuries too.”

Pozzato also praised Katusha teammate Luca Paolini for supporting him.

“I want to thank my teammates, especially Paolini — thanks to his brilliant work, the following group slowed down its chase, so I was able to win quite easily,” he said.

Quick results

• 1. Filippo Pozzato (Ita), Team Katusha, 4:39:08
• 2. Manuel Belletti (Ita), Colnago-CSF, at 0:19
• 3. Giovanni Visconti (Ita), Farnese Vini-Neri Sottoli, at 0:19
• 4. Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez (Col), D’angelo & Antenucci-Nippo, at 0:19
• 5. Bauke Mollema (Ned), Rabobank Cycling Team, at 0:19

Complete results

FILED UNDER: News / Race Report / Road TAGS: Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli / pozz