ROME, March 28, 2009 (AFP) – Damiano Cunego won his second Coppi e Bartali title on Saturday despite being beaten in a sprint finish by Australian Cadel Evans on the fifth and final stage.
Evans, the reigning champion, edged out Cunego, also the 2006 winner, and Italian Giovanni Visconti at the end of a 178.5km trek from Scandiano to Sassuolo.
The Australian, who finished second overall, had begun the day 28 seconds behind Cunego with Massimo Giunti a further four seconds back.
Evans tried repeatedly to break clear of Cunego on climbs in the final 20km but failed to shake off the Italian former Giro d’Italia winner.

Results from the fifth and final stage of the Coppi e Bartali over 178.5km from Scandiano to Sassuolo on Saturday:

1. Cadel Evans (AUS) Silence Lotto 4hr 19min 41sec, Damiano Cunego (ITA) same time, 3. Giovanni Visconti (ITA) s.t., 4. Christian Pfannberger (AUT) s.t., 5. Massimo Giunti (ITA) s.t.

Final standings
1. Damiano Cunego (ITA) Lampre 18hr 48min 10sec, 2. Cadel Evans (AUS) at 24sec, 3. Massimo Giunti (ITA) 38, 4. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO) 40, 5. Giovanni Visconti (ITA) 1:01