Filippo Simeoni (Ceramiche Flaminia Bossini Docce) captured the men’s road Italian National Championship on Sunday in Bergamo after 254.8 km including 13 laps with one trip per lap up the Colle Aperto. The rider from Milano finished ahead of Quicksteps reigning champion Giovanni Visconti and Liquiagas’ stylish Filippo Pozzato.
The 37 year-old won with his usual tenacity, determination and courage after he attacked with four kilometers to go in the race. He managed to gain 12 seconds over his former break away companions before the finish. It was a long way to the finish and his chasers were driving hard to close the gap, but Simeoni made it to the final Piazza Vittorio Veneto with time to raise his arms.
“This tricolour jersey gives me so much joy,” said the new Italian Champion. “I have dreamed of it since I was a small child. I have risked my attack and in the end it paid off.”
“I was afraid I would not make it in the last kilometer, but I kept pedalling and in the last 100m, I understood I had won. I dedicate this to all who have wished me well and to my wife Annalisa and my son Simone, who followed me on TV.”
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