Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Caffita) has started his racing season well with a third overall placing at the Vuelta a Murcia. The Giro d'Italia winner of 2004 now feels confident about the upcoming events. "I think I rode a good race, definitely better than last year," the 24 year-old said. "It's been a return to racing that has comforted me for the future. I've done well in the time trial, and there is space for improvement, still."
Cunego proved his main talent, climbing, in the fourth stage of the race on Saturday, when he arrived third at a six km-mountain finish, only 40 seconds behind winner Pedro Arreitunandia after a mechanical problem. "I was right inside the action, in a medium-difficult stage with rides who are more advanced in preparation than me," he stated. "I've learned a lot in one year, I now understand the race much better. When we went into the climb, I felt really good. I've left behind the fears of having difficulties, and I'm heading home with the certainty of being on the right track."
