Gent - Wevelgem

07-04-2009 19:16:10

Daniele Bennati has to withdraw forfait from the Gent-Wevelgem. At the end of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, where the sprinter retired after 100 kilometres, team Liquigas has decided for his return at home. «The pain of the right thigh became acute again – explains directeur sportif Stefano Zanatta – and we can’t run other risks. Yesterday evening Daniele came back in Italy where will face five days of rest and a new scan, then he will restart gradually to pedal. The muscle problem causes the pain, above all, during forcing and change of rhythm. A rest period and a physiotherapy work could guarantee the complete recovery for the Giro d’Italia. After seven days, when we’ll have new checking, we’ll value together with the medical staff the program for next weeks».

The absence of Daniele Bennati in this Flamish classic that will take the riders, after 203 kilometres, from Gent to Wevelgem, will be filled by another sprinter, Francesco Chicchi. «The history of this race speaks of many sprint arrivals. – affirms Zanatta – If the script will be repeated Chicchi will be our point of reference. In the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Liquigas showed a good general condition, in particular Quinziato, Kuchynski and Willems: we’ll search to be protagonist during all the race».

Together with Chicchi, Quinziato, Kuchynski and Willems also Murilo Fischer, Enrico Franzoi, Jacopo Guarnieri and Daniel Oss will be ready to go. The Polish Maciej Bodnar, present in all the Flamish appointments of Liquigas, will take a break in view of Paris-Roubaix.