CIPOLLINI: “THIRD HERE IS WORTH A HUNDRED OTHER VICTORIES”

Mario Cipollini was only third in the Tour of California sprint in Sacramento behind Tom Boonen (Quick Step) and Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) but was happy to have proved to himself, his younger rivals and the controversial owner of the Rock Racing team Michael Ball, that he could still be competitive at 40 after three years in retirement.

?I don?t want to seem big headed but I could have won that sprint if Cavendish hadn?t got a gap and the sprint had been straight forward,? Cipollini told Cycling Weekly with a hint of emotion in his voice seconds after crossing the line.

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TOUR OF CALIFORNIA: STAGE REPORTS
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TOUR OF CALIFORNIA: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.