While Mark Cavendish was taking the stage win San Benedetto del Tronto, Michele Scarponi was ensuring he made it to the finish safely to record the overall victory in Tirreno-Adriatico.
The experienced Italian was an unexpected victor, although he admitted that he hadn't lost faith in his chances against the Stefano Garzelli, Andreas Klöden, Ivan Basso and Davide Rebellin.
"I hoped I could pull this off at the start of the race," said Scarponi. "I did a great time trial and had a great stage win yesterday that put me in place for the overall win."
The former Liberty Seguros rider, who was embroiled in the controversy surrounding Manolo Saiz's former team and Operación Puerto, now seems to have found a home with Gianni Savio's Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoni squad.
Scarponi paid tribute to the team after the finish. "I am finally past all the troubles; a lot of thanks to the team and everyone else."
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