Ballan focussing on San Remo and northern classics

ROME, March 5, 2009 (AFP) – World champion Alessandro Ballan said he would be focusing on the Milan-San Remo and northern classics in the early part of this season.

The Italian also claimed he was looking forward to competing in May’s Giro d’Italia wearing the rainbow jersey.

The 29-year-old Lampre rider has never won the prestigious Milan-San Remo race but came eighth in 2006.

“I feel good, it’s been a tough winter but I’ve worked hard with my team,”
he said.

“For the first part of the season I’m aiming for the San Remo and the northern classics. After that I’ll think about the centenary Giro and it would be great to ride in that wearing the world champion jersey.”