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57th Vuelta a España
Spain, September 7- 29, 2002
Vai Dani! Danilo Di Luca's Vuelta diary
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Nationality: Italian
Team: Saeco-Longoni Sport
Italian speedster Danilo Di Luca from the Saeco-Longoni Sport Team will be writing a diary for Cyclingnews.com during this year's Vuelta a España. The classy rider has been in excellent form leading into the 2002 Vuelta, with a recent victory in the Giro Del Veneto showing he has hit Spain's major tour with motivation and speed. With his consistent performances in Italy during August, Di Luca is looking to the Vuelta with confidence. "The Giro del Veneto was my last race before the Vuelta... we've got big plans for the Spanish race. Simoni will be going for the overall and I'm looking for stage wins."
Stage 8 - September 14: Málaga - Ubrique, 173.6 km
Too bad!
Friends, stage 8 for me can be summed up in two words: too bad!
Good for Aitor Gonzalez, too bad for me.
Today we went the hardest,and I believe that this is one of the reasons there were so many abandons at the end of the stage. The climb to 30km from the finish was difficult, and the riders in the front group had to make a decision.
First to cross the summit was my teammate Simoni, who also took over the mountains jersey! Then came the finish, and thinking about it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth...
The legs were good, the sensations were good, but something didn't work and we didn't pick the right moment to take control of the race. I gave it everything in my 53x17, but it wasn't enough. We arrived just behind the leading duo.
Thanks to the whole team for the great work. I hope to give the Saeco team and my tifosi another victory in the 2002 Vuelta.
Ciao, cyclingnews.com!
Danilo Di Luca
Danilo Di Luca's official website - www.danilodiluca.com
