Pozzato almost in the top 10 in the opening time trial

Despite headwind that blew when he was pedaling on the course, Filippo Pozzato managed to be almost in the top 10 of the first stage of Dubai Tour, that was opened by a 10,1 km time trial on Dubai Downtown roads.

On a flat course, with large bends and only two turns in which decrease the speed, Pozzato (photo Bettini) completed his performance in 12'43", 40" higher more than Phinney, who won the race.
The tenth place of Velits is at only 3".

"Phinney realized a huge performance, he deserved the victory but, checking the timings of the other top specialists of the time trial, you could notice that the headwind partially conditioned the results. I think my performance was good, it's a pity I missed the top ten for few seconds".

Rui Costa too, who started as penultimate and who wore the Portuguese time trial champion body, suffered for the wind: "It was difficult in the final sector to keep the speed high, because the wind slowed me.
I had quite good feeling, it would have been better to limit the gap, anyway it's ok what I did".
For the world champion, the 24th place at 47" to Phinney.

STAGE AND OVERALL CLASSIFICATION
1- Phinney 12'03"
2- Cummings 14"
3- Hansen 16"
4- Martin 22"
12- Pozzato 40"
24- Rui Costa 47", 35- Oliveira 53", 49- Cimolai 1'04", 70- Dodi 1'18", 79- Bonifazio 1'30", 86- Palini 1'33", 99- Ferrari 1'48"