The third stage of the Lombardy Triptych - it should be subtitled "There is always hope".

The race was about 200 Km long around the houses in Legnano. The first 177 Km were led by a breakaway of several people I have never heard of, and I watch these all the time. OK, I recognized a few of them, but that's not the point.

At about 6 Km to go, the Blue Train of Fassa took over - Petacchi was there, probably testing himself after his broken finger. It was, as expected, a group sprint, and FB looked typically great in the leadout.

But in the end, by a wheel, the winner was Napolitano, who races for LPR. Big win for him, good test for Petacchi, tune in for more at the Worlds.