Rebellin grabs second race triumph
HUY, Belgium -- Davide Rebellin of Italy took his second big race inside a week on Wednesday when he triumphed in the Fleche Wallonne spring cycling classic in Belgium.
The 32-year-old, who won Sunday's Amstel Gold Race, edged compatriot Danilo Di Luca by three seconds after the final climb up the dauntingly steep Huy hill.
Germany's Matthias Kessler was third ahead of Michele Scarponi of Italy and Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan.
"I am on a roll and getting more confident with each victory," said Rebellin.
"I wouldn't call it a new lease of life, I have simply overcome the stomach problems I have had for the last two years.
"I recognise that winning two races in a row is a surprise but I've now shown that I am once again in the sort of shape to win races.
"I'll try to make it three consecutive victories in the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race on Sunday."
Rebellin and Di Luca broke clear from a peloton of around 30 riders on the third and final climb up Huy hill.
With the slope reaching up to 20 percent, Di Luca piled on the pressure in a bid to break his rival.
But he was unable to do so and Rebellin edged ahead as the slope decreased over the final 100 meters to triumph in four hours 31 minutes and 33 seconds.
"I feel in great condition and have faith in my abilities," said Rebellin, who fell in last year's race. "On the climb up the Huy, Di Luca went off fast and I just tried to stay with him."
