February 17, 2004 – The Trofeo Laiguelgia was held today, in and around the seaside resort of Laiguelgia, Italy. Under sunny skies and cool temperatures, nearly 200 riders took to the start for this important one-day event.  With 184K to race and three climbs of nearly 2,200 feet, the initial racing action was fairly subdued.  The opening climb began at 19K into the race and continued until it peaked out atop Paso Del Ginestro at 40K. The field tackled it at a reasonable pace, with only the effects of gravity and wind causing the field to split into three groups.  The long descent saw a re-grouping of the large field of riders, but it didn't last long as the second climb was awaiting the riders immediately following the descent, giving no rest for the unprepared, or weak.

The second climb of the day was an assault of the same pass, but from the opposite side of the mountain.  By the time the riders had reached the peak, with its picturesque vistas, a group of approximately 25 had created a gap on the rest of the field.  Over the next 30K, the chasing field slowly brought back the escapees as they wound their way along the Mediterranean coast and resort towns. Nearing the base of the third and final ascent of the day, the Rabobank squad went to the front and drove the pace hard into the lower slopes, finishing the job of neutralizing the breakaway.

After sacrificing three riders during the chase, the Navigators squad still had five riders in the lead group, which now numbered about 120.  The team's goal was to maintain a good position, as the race frequently ends with a large group at the finish, and this year would be no different.  Although five riders were able to get clear on the climb, the Fassa Bortolo team was not interested in seeing a breakaway get to the finish.  With 30K of mostly downhill racing to the finish line in Laigueglia, it would prove to be impossible for any attacks to gain any substantial advantage.  The peloton, now numbering about 60, drove hard along the coast toward the line.

Now down to just three riders; Chris Baldwin, Ciaran Power and Mark Walters, the Navigators trio worked to place Ciaran into position for a sprint finish.  In another fast, and very close sprint, it was the Fassa Bortolo train that out muscled the competition as Filippo Pozatto took the top honors for the second year in a row, over Lorenzo Bernucci (Landbouwkredit-Colnago) and former World Champion Romans Vainstains (Lampre).  Power came in at 22nd, barely three bike lengths from Pozatto. Close, but no cigar.