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Two on Two for super Chicchi!
by Alessandro Tegner

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Published: 01/24/2012

24-Jan-2012: The magic moment of the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team and of its sprinter Francesco Chicchi at the Tour de San Luis goes on. After yesterday’s magnificent photo-finish win, the 31-year-old Italian sprinter gave a repeat performance today edging out team mate Tom Boonen as both crossed the finish line with their arms up, celebrating a double podium for Omega Pharma – Quick-Step.

This is an important success that confirms Chicchi’s excellent form as well as that of the entire team, that today again worked brilliantly during the final sprint. During the first part of the race, Grabsch and Rabon dictated the pace in the leading pack of the peloton. Chavanel and Leipheimer started their action in the final 10 kilometers of the race, guiding Boonen and Chicchi up until the last kilometer.

“It was yet another phenomenal day”, a very happy Chicchi said. “I was supposed to help Boonen’s sprint in the end, seen as that was what we had decided during the morning meeting. I started the sprint with Casper and Tom right on my wheel. About 300 meters from the finish line I looked behind me and I didn’t see Tom anymore. At that point I launched my sprint and only in the last 50 meters I saw Tom near me. We both raised our hands and I stopped thinking about the sprint. It was only after passing the finish line that I understood I had won. It’s the first time I win two stages in a row during the same race, it’s a great feeling. Winter training and the serene atmosphere in the team are bringing in great results. Let me thank my team once again. The guys raced a team time-trial again today and they took Tom and I by the hand up until the very last kilometer. It’s a pleasure to race alongside athletes that are such great professionals.”

“We controlled the race perfectly once again today,” Boonen said after the end of the stage. “I was trying to get Chicchi’s wheel at the last kilometer in order to enhance my sprint, but another rider hit my front wheel making me wallow for a moment. I lost a few positions but I managed to keep good speed. I made my sprint attempt in the final meters and found myself head to head with Chicchi. We looked at each other and just by instinct we both raised our arms. We didn’t know who of us had won but it didn’t matter. We’re happy to have given the team another great day. I am in good shape and there will be more time for me to win.”

Thanks to today’s time bonuses, Chicchi can consolidate his advantage as leader of the standings while waiting for tomorrow’s mountain stage and Thursday’s time trial stage, when all the athletes atop the standings will put in their best effort.

Stage Classification: Fraga - Juana Kuslay 145.3 km.

1. Francesco Chicchi (ITA) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step

2. Tom Boonen (Bel) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step

3. Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealtchare

4. Fco. Jose Ventoso (Spa) Movistar

5. Jimmy Casper (Fra) Ag2R-La Mondiale

General Classification

1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step

2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank

3. Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealtchare

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