A year ago, the Lampre-Merida team had some initial difficulties. 2014 is definitely different. So far, Sacha Modolo, who has already given the Italian team four wins this season, and Diego Ulissi, who came up trumps at the start of the season in Australia, are primarily responsible for this. The Colombian José Serpa continued this series with the first classic of the Italian calendar.
The finale of the Trofeo Laigueglia was dominated by Serpa's attack, who, together with Patrik Sinkewitz (Meridiana-Kamen) from Fulda, broke away from the peloton on the Cima Parvenna with just under 35 kilometers to go. Initially, Matteo Rabottini (Neri Sottoli-YellowFluo) managed to keep pace with the duo, but before reaching the summit, both were alone at the front.
Over the following kilometers, the duo managed to extend their lead to more than a minute. With two other strong riders, Damiano Cunego and Ulissi, in the chasing group, it was difficult for them to close the gap. While Serpa eventually beat Sinkewitz in a tactical sprint, Andrea Pasqualon led the chasing group to the finish line a few seconds later.
The 180 kilometers around Laigueglia were initially characterized by a top quartet, whose most famous driver was the South African Songezo Jim (MTN-Qhubeka). The flight lasted more than 100 kilometers, but ended at the entrance to Cima Parvenna.
Result
1. Jose Serpa Perez (Lampre-Merida) 6:17:43
2. Patrik Sinkewitz (Meridiana-Kamen) 0:00:00
3. Andrea Pasqualon (Area Zero) 0:00:12
4. Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani-CSF) 0:00:12
5. Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida) 0:00:12