Cannondale Pro Cycling is ready for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge from August 19 to 25, aiming for daily stage wins and a good showing in the general classification.
To achieve these goals, Directeurs Sportifs Stefano Zanatta and Paolo Slongo have selected a well-equipped team including Peter Sagan to hunt stage wins, and Damiano Caruso and Alessandro De Marchi to fight for the GC. At their side will be the reliable and capable American rider Ted King, Fabio Sabatini, Nariyuki Masuda, Juraj Sagan, and the Italian stagiaire Davide Villella in his first race as a professional.
"We lined-up a team well suited to achieve our goals for the race," said Zanatta. "For Sagan, Colorado could be the launch pad for the final part of the season. He's done one race since the Tour, but there are a lot of good chances for him. Caruso and De Marchi have the right characteristics to do well in the GC. Damiano already knows the race and Alessandro can take advantage of good form coming from the Tour de France."
"It's always a great pleasure for me to race in the United States," said Sagan, who arrived in Colorado on August 6 to train and acclimatize to the altitude. "I like how people enjoy the event, their warmth and their support. This gives me a big push to express myself at my best. The Ride London Classic was the first race after my return to the peloton and it was normal to have a hard time. For USA Pro Challenge, I expect better condition and good race legs. I decided to come to Colorado almost two weeks ago to train and prepare for the race in the best way. To be competitive is my first goal, as well as prepare for the final part of the season. I want to find the right form and the confidence to achieve great results."
For Caruso, who raced in Colorado in 2012 (3rd in the first stage, 2nd in the third), competition with the best riders is an important test. "When I feel good, it's just a push to do my best," he said. "In July, I worked hard and now I have good form to face this challenge. I really want to race and be competitive for the GC."
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