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Chicchi strikes like lightning in Argentina
by Alessandro Tegner

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Published: 01/23/2012

23-Jan-2012: Today in a photo finish Francesco Chicchi won the first stage of the Vuelta a San Luis, from San Luis to Villa Mercedes. After 189 kilometres buffeted by rain, hail and strong winds that even split the pack into several parts in the final, the rider from the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team came in just a few centimetres ahead of local idol JJ Haedo (Team Saxo Bank). The strong Italian sprinter was really hungry and on the prowl for this success, which has given his team their first road win for 2012. It was Chicchi's second personal success in Argentina, where he also won the first stage in 2010.

"It was a gruelling stage," said Chicchi after the arrival. "I must thank the entire team for the great work they did and the trust they placed in me. We attacked with about 50 kilometres to go to the arrival, with team Saxo Bank taking advantage of the wind. My team mates did a splendid job and we managed to break up the group into several parts. When I lifted my head I would see athletes in front of me like Chavanel, Leipheimer and Boonen, all working for me, and my only thought was that I couldn't let them down. Having a last man like Boonen was super. Tom launched me perfectly. In the final metres I saw that Haedo was catching up to me. So I gave it everything I had and managed to just barely stay ahead of him. It's an enormous joy. I felt really well. During the winter, both in the team retreats and at home I worked really hard to regain my feelings for victory. The specific work we did has given the desired results. I'm happy that I gave the team their first 2012 success. I'm going to remember this victory for a long time. For more than a year I hadn't been able to clinch a victory. Now I hope the situation can change. Argentina is lucky for me. I also won here in 2010. Now we can look ahead to the next stages with more serenity. The team is in good shape and we are all highly motivated. In the next few days we're going to try to do some more good things."

“Today the team was perfect," said Sport Director Davide Bramati. “The guys supported Chicchi all day long, and he was really ready for this event. We decided to bet on him. We knew he could do well and even Tom put himself at Francesco's service, proving that he's a champion of altruism. The weather was horrible but fortunately all our guys arrived in the first group except for Rabon, who fell after having worked very hard. Luckily there were no serious consequences and he'll be able to take to the starting line tomorrow, too."

Thanks to this victory Chicchi is also the first leader of the race.

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