July 14, 2006

Simoni Fires with Favorites

www.bicirace.com

Oh Mamma Mia! A great day for Saunier Duval-Prodir: First, David De La Fuente was the day's main breakaway and Gilberto Simoni made the cut with a handful of favorites to battle on the Pla-de-Beret.

After a brief absence from the Maillot Blanc à Pois Rouges, De La Fuente is back. The 25 year-old topped the Col du Tourmalet 1st, the Col d'Aspin 2nd, Col de Peyresourde 1st and was also first over the Col du Portillon before his escape was reeled back. De La Fuente was happy with his impressive day over the famed slopes, gaining enough points to move into first overall in the King of the Mountains competition, 18 points in front of Dessel.

De La Fuente's escape aided Gibo; he and his team were able to let the other teams do the chasing because they had a man in the break. Before the start of the Pla-de-Beret, the juncture was made and Gibo was there.

Il Trentino was there with eventual stage winner, Denis Menchov, and overall leader, Floyd Landis. Simoni stuck with the small group of favorites until the pressure of Rabobank forced him off the back. Our Italian friend kept cranking out the rhythm to finish the 13 kilometer climb in 16th at 4'10".

Bravo for both Gibo and Saunier Duval-Prodir... A great day.

Stay tuned... Tomorrow is going to reshape the landscape of the 2006 Tour.

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