Liquigas-Bianchi going for Pagliarini

The Liquigas-Bianchi team for Sunday's Italian opener GP Costa degli Etruschi will be based around Brazilian sprinter Luciano Pagliarini, who feels in good condition at the moment. "In 2004, at the beginning of the season in this period I won two stages of the Tour de Langkawi," said Pagliarini. "This year I would like to start in the same way, maybe just in the very first race of the season. I feel good: we are carrying out very good work in Cecina. I hope to imitate Cipollini. [who just won a stage of the Tour of Qatar - ed.]"

The team for the race will be Pagliarini, Albasini, Calcagni, Colli, Gasparotto, Gerosa, Mugerli and Righetto.