Gallopin: ‘Giro Entering Critical Phase’

By Julie Smith

May 21, 2007

Team CSC Sports Director Alain Gallopin expressed satisfaction with how things have unfolded so far at the Giro d’Italia as the race rolls into the decisive second half of the three-week race.

Kurt-Asle Arvesen delivered the team’s first stage victory Sunday with a dramatic sprint against reigning world champion Paolo Bettini.

“We have the stage win in the bag, so now we can try to push Dave and Andy in the mountains,” Gallopin said. “Kurt is so strong right now. He really deserved that stage victory and we are very happy for him.”

Team CSC has protected its young leaders, Dave Zabriskie and Andy Schleck. Both are poised within range of the overall favorites and haven’t ceded too much time relative to major names expected to duel for the maglia rosa when the Giro ends June 3 in Milan.

“The Giro is entering it critical phase, but we don’t have any pressure. We haven’t had any stress at all in this Giro,” Gallopin said. “So far things are quiet for us. We don’t have a big captain for victory so we can watch the other teams do the work. Right now, I see Liquigas very strong. Di Luca is my favorite right now, but let’s see how he holds up in the high mountains.”

Team CSC is betting on Schleck and Zabriskie to carry the team’s hopes into the decisive climbing stages in the Alps and Dolomites. Both are making a test of how they can hold up to the pressures of a major stage race.

“This is Andy’s first grand tour, so this is just to see how he can do. We have been trying to keep him out of trouble, to tell him to save his energy, not to go too hard. We know he is strong so if he goes well here, maybe he can be a man for the future,” Gallopin said. “With Dave, we never know how he will go. He is very smart and his is very skinny this year. That will help him in the mountains.”

Tuesday’s summit finish to Nostra Signora della Guardia will tell a lot.