Final preparations for this weekend's 53rd edition of the Coppa Sabatini are taking place in Peccioli. Race favourite Damiano Cunego goes into the race with a solid though not spectacular 2005, with a stage win at the Tour de Romandie and victories at the GP Nobili Rubinetterie Trofeo Melinda. He won't have it easy, however, with Italian champion Enrico Gasparotto (Liquigas) out to take a late-season win, as will Fassa Bortolo rider Paolo Bossoni, who won the race in 2003. Lorenzo Bernucci, fresh from his third place at last Sunday's Championship of Zurich, also has the legs to stand on the podium in this race, with South African national champion Ryan Cox also making an appearance among a quality field.
The complete team list for Sunday's race: Fassa Bortolo, Lampre Caffita, Liquigas Bianchi, Domina Vacanze, Saunier Duval Prodir, Team LPR, Miche, Ceramica Flaminia, Androni Giocattoli, Universal Caffè, Team Barloworld, Tenax Nobili Rubinetterie, Naturino Sapore di Mare, Acqua & Sapone.
