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Ballan aims for Flanders, Roubaix double

By VeloNews.com
Published: Jan. 7, 2009
Alessandro Ballan wants to do the jersey proud.
Alessandro Ballan wants to do the jersey proud.
Photo: Graham Watson

Reigning world champion Alessandro Ballan isn’t changing his program going into 2009.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that the gangly Italian is focusing on the spring classics, where he helped carve his reputation with victory in Flanders in 2007 and consistency at Roubaix ahead of his breakout victory in Varese last fall.

For 2009, his top goals in the first half of the season will be the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. A detour through Milan-San Remo is also likely for the Lampre rider, but a start in the Giro d’Italia remains uncertain.

“I will only start the Giro if I am in condition to do well. My objectives are Flanders and Roubaix and, of course, to try to revalidate the world title,” he said in an interview. “To win San Remo is never easy. It’s very controlled and the sprint is wide-open and complicated.”

Ballan is currently training with his Lampre teammates to prepare for his 2009 season debut. He’s keen to perform well wearing the world champion’s rainbow jersey.