Chicchi awaits sprint showdown in California opener

Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo)

Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo) (Image credit: Sirotti)

Italian sprinter Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo) is looking to mark his territory in the bunch sprint at the opening stage of the Tour of California on Sunday. The 168km road race begins in Nevada City and is expected to end in a showdown between some of the fastest men in the world on the streets of Sacramento.

Kirsten Frattini
Deputy Editor

Kirsten Frattini is the Deputy Editor of Cyclingnews, overseeing the global racing content plan.

Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.

She began her sports journalism career with Cyclingnews as a North American Correspondent in 2006. In 2018, Kirsten became Women's Editor – overseeing the content strategy, race coverage and growth of women's professional cycling – before becoming Deputy Editor in 2023.