Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team (Italy) – “I’m not a fast rider, I had to invent something”. Vincenzo Nibali smiles happily on the podium of the 109th edition of the Milan-Sanremo.

The Italian champion arrived solo on Via Roma’s finish line after having attacked on Poggio and started the swooping on Sanremo with only 12 seconds ahead of the pursuers.

“I attacked also to favor Sonny Colbrelli (then 9th overall) who was feeling very well. At one point, I turned round and I saw that I had a good advantage and so I insisted. The most difficult moment was the last 2 kilometers: I never turned back and on the radio the sport director Alberto Volpi was saying ” 10/11 seconds, push, push”. I only thought about giving everything I had. When I was with 50 meters to go I looked back and I enjoyed the moment!”, shared Nibali.

“I arrived at this “Sanremo” with so much tranquility, I knew that I had finished the Tirreno-Adriatico in growth and this morning I had confidence. You do not win alone and for this I have to thank all my teammates for the great work of today. They were fundamental”, concluded Vincenzo Nibali.

Head of Performance Paolo Slongo commented: “This morning Vincenzo had that expression that he has usually before his great victories. The season did not start as we wanted, but in these two months Vincenzo has worked hard and today’s result confirms it .”

Photo: © Team Bahrain-Merida / @BettiniPhoto.