Robert Hunter has given Team Barloworld an important stage victory at the Giro del Trentino . The South African sprinter beat Italy's Stefano Garzelli and Danilo Di Luca at the end of a testing 160km third stage from Tesero to Innervillgraten that included two tough climbs.
Hunter's impressive victory on such a hilly stage against such well known riders is confirmation of his form just before the Giro d'Italia.
"My form is good this year and I even felt strong at the recent Tour of Turkey, where we helped Daryl Impey win overall, despite him being involved in that crazy crash that stopped him celebrating on the podium," Hunter said.
"I think we all have to reflect on what happened in the crash and remember that you cannot take your hands off the bars in a sprint. Otherwise it puts people's life at risk."
The third stage of the Giro del Trentino included the Sella and Gardena climbs in the first half of the stage. The final part was also tough with six kilometers of steady climbing to the finish.
"I felt good and jumped at the right time. On a long straight finish Garzelli nd Di Luca could have beaten me but I got it. I'm really happy because Trentino is an important race where it's never easy to win." Hunter said.
"It's an important victory for Team Barloworld as we build-up to the Giro d'Italia, a key moment of our season. I think I can do well because I'm one of the best at surviving in the hills and then have the speed to win the sprints. I also think I have a good chance of winning the points competition."
1. Robert Hunter (RSA) Barloword 4hr 09min 16sec, 2. Stefano Garzelli (ITA)
Acqua e Sapone s.t., 3. Danilo Di Luca (ITA) LPR s.t., 4. Jackson Rodriguez
(VEN) Diquigiovanni s.t., 5. Pasquale Muto (ITA) Miche s.t.
Overall standings
1. Janez Brajkovic (SLO) Astana 8hr 19min 23sec, 2. Ivan Basso (ITA)
Liquigas at 04s, 3. Przemyslaw Niemec (POL) Miche 19, 4. Gilberto Simoni (ITA)
Diquigiovanni 1:00, 5. Branislau Samoilau (BLR) Amica Chips s.t.
Selected 6. Stefano Garzelli (ITA) Acqua e Sapone 1:07, 14. Danilo Di Luca (ITA) LPR
2:07