August 22, 2005

Tafi, the man

The 2005 edition of Paris–Roubaix has been of particular interest for SAUNIER DUVAL – PRODIR, with Andrea Tafi announcing a few weeks ago that he would end his career after this last participation. He has been a pro rider for 18 successful years and he wanted to draw an end to his career showing his reverence for this legendary race.

One day before the race, Saunier Duval organized a press conference. Eyes full of tears, Tafi explained how hard it is to turn the page after such a beautiful adventure. The team presented a jersey especially designed for him and thanked him for choosing SAUNIER DUVAL – PRODIR for his final season.

At the start Sunday, Tafi’s eyes were still expressing a lot of emotion. As usual, Paris-Roubaix was an intense, hard, and painful race, with crashes, withdrawals and much suffering. 24 year-old Tom Boonen (Quick Step) entered the legendary ranks by winning the race, just one week after his victory in the Tour of Flanders. George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) was second, while third went to Juan Antonio Flecha (Fassa Bortolo).



Tafi finished in 42nd position but on the finish line, the emotion was there with the same intensity. It was the last race of a big champion; 13 participations, 0 abandon, 1 victory and 1 second place.

The Velo Club Roubaix Lille Metropole and A.S.O honoured Andrea Tafi during the official closing ceremony and thanked him for his beautiful career and for having marked the history of Paris-Roubaix.

(Andrea Tafi will take part in the Tour of Georgia next week)