29th Mentone-Alassio, Cat 1.6

Race Distance - 161 kms, Avs 40.576

 1. Ivan Basso (Ita) Zalf Euromobil-Fior     3.58.04
 2. Denis Lunghi (Ita)
 3. Girelli (Ita)				0.10
 4. Cristiano Colleoni (Ita) Polti  
 5. Paolini (Ita)
 6. Zuccotti (Ita)
 7. Sammassimo (Ita)
 8. Saprykinas (Lit)
 9. Ortenzi (Ita)
10. Dondoglio (Ita)

Brief

The 29th edition of Mentone-Alassio, is an international Classic for under-23s and elite riders without contracts. The notable news at the beginning was the withdrawal of Norwegian rider Kurt Atle Arvesen due to influenza.

The decisive break came with 25 kms to the finish. A large group with Basso, Paolini, Dondoglio, Colleoni, the Lithuanian Saprykinas, Vecchi, Ferrara, Caravaggio, the Dutchman Cerneis, Sammassimo, Romio and Denis Lunghi went away from the peloton. Basso eventually broke this group us and won the sprint. Vechi crashed and was taken to hospital as a precaution.