Unfortunate puncture for Sella

CSF Group Navigare's Emanuele Sella had an unfortunately timed flat during stage seven of the Giro d'Italia on Friday. Sella was in a break away with the winner and five others. However, with just seven kilometres to go, eventual winner Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes - Ballan) attacked on the final climb when Sella punctured.

"It was a shame, because I had 180 kilometres to have a puncture, and unfortunately it happened at few kilometres to go," said a sad Sella who was tearfully disappointed after the race. "I felt very good and the victories in the KOMs [along the way] were a signal. I preferred my chances against Bosisio."

Bosisio, winner of the road race at the Olympic test event in Beijing last summer, was questioned about surging when the new KOM leader Sella had a flat. He denied that there was anything unsporting going on. "I didn't know he had a puncture just when I attacked. I was surprised that he wasn't with me, I knew only after the finish that he had a puncture. I don't know who would have won between us if we were together going for the win. We are very different."

Putting it in perspective, Sella said, "Anyway, my Giro doesn't finish today, and now I have a good GC classification, the green jersey. For a stage victory, there will be other days." Sella ended up third for the day, with a gap of 1'02" to winner Bosisio, and he sits in fifth overall at 7'36" behind maglia rosa Visconti.