September 13, 2009 – Franco Pellizzoti (Liquigas- Cannondale) is racing at the Tour of Missouri – yes, that’s Franco Pellizzoti, winner of the climber’s Maillot Pois (Polka Dot Jersey) at this year’s Tour de France and was also on the podium in third at the Giro d’Italia. That could very well change to second place if Danilo di Luca’s doping infraction is upheld (he tested positive for the blood-booster CERA in samples taken May 20 and May 28 during this year’s Giro, where he won two stages and finished second overall).

Granted the hills of Missouri do not compare to the topographic map of the Tour or the Giro. In Missouri they’re steady rolling hills with no flats in between – not really Pellizzoti’s forte. Still, it’s quite a flourish for riders and the media to have the Italian star here and he took a moment between stages on Saturday to chat with Pedal. Rory Mason assisted with translating.

When I asked Mason why Liquigas, an Italian team, was racing here in North America, he told me that it was due to Cannondale, the team’s bike sponsor. They’d been working with the organizers in California, Missouri and Philadelphia to have their main road team more visible and more accessible here in North America.

How do you find the fans here compared to in Italy?
Franco Pellizzoti: Cycling is obviously much better known in Europe but seeing the amount of fans alongside the road, it is obvious that road cycling is growing here and the fans are actually very well-educated and quite enthusiastic.

You have competed at both the Tour of California and now the Tour of Missouri. The climbs are actually a bit harder in California than here but how would you compare the two races?
FP: Obviously here there are really no long climbs but there are no flats at all. In California you had more flat sections but there weren’t really any huge climbs there either. I noticed that in California the time trial made the difference and maybe that’s why California is looking at May dates so they can open up the mountains.

How do you feel a May date will impact on the participation of the Italian teams?
FP: I will certainly do the Giro.

If you could win any Classic which would it be and why?
FP: Liege-Bastogne-Liege no doubt about it. If my focus is on the Giro then I wouldn’t be able to prepare for Liege, but if it was the Tour, then maybe.

Of all of the famous climbs in Europe, which is your favourite?
FP: For prestige at the Tour de France it would be the Tourmalet and at the Giro probably the Marmolada.

What do you do that sets you apart from other riders and allows you to ride so consistently and successfully day after day?
FP: I have worked over the winter at four or five camps at altitude for four or five months in advance of the season. Plus I have made a lot of sacrifices to achieve my goals.

Which brought you greater satisfaction – the podium at the Giro or the jersey at the Tour?
FP: They are two different things and I cannot choose between them. There’s great satisfaction for both because it shows that I have worked hard.

What is your ideal day on the bike?
FP: Of course to win but also to feel good on the bike is ideal as well.

Pellizzoti is very popular here at the Tour of Missouri, and while he is not contesting the KOM classification, he is enjoying himself here.