Koren takes first pro victory

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Kristian Koren (Liquigas-Doimo) took his first win as a professional at the Gran Premio di Camaiore on Saturday. The 23-year-old Slovenian outsprinted Italian champion Giovanni Visconti (ISD Neri) and Francesco Ginanni (Androni) to take the prestigious event, traditionally the beginning of the Italian peloton’s build-up to the World Championships.

A six-man move broke clear on the penultimate lap, composed of Koren, Visconti and Ginanni as well as Riccardo Chiarini (De Rosa-Stac Plastic), Paolo Ciavatta (Acqua & Sapone) and Leonardo Bertagnolli (Androni). The sextet quickly built up a winning lead over the chasing pack, and a tactical final lap saw a flurry of attacks. Eventually, it all came down to the sprint, and it was the young Koren who held his nerve to time his effort to perfection and take the spoils.

“I’m very excited about my first win as a professional,” Koren said afterwards. The Slovenian credited his exceptional form to the hard racing he put in during his Tour de France debut in July.

“When I got home, I didn’t take a break but rather I worked to maintain my condition,” Koren explained. “The route today was very suited to my characteristics. In the event of a sprint, I knew I’d have a good chance. 100 metres from the line, I found the right time and space, and that’s how I won.”