Moreno Moser powered to victory in an exciting edition of the Strade Bianche

Moreno Moser became the first Italian to win the Strade Bianche as the race came down to a grandstand finish in Siena.

The first of the big names to blink and attack was Juan Antonio Flecha, the Vacansoleil-DCM Spaniard sticking his nose out on the undulating Monte Sante Marie section with the hope of instigating another chase group. With the lead group whittled down to 35 riders Cannondale took hold of the race for favourite Sagan before the pace shot up inside 20km to go, Cancellara highly active as Flecha was finally caught after a fruitless attack. With Cannondale looking exposed for the first time the Italian squad went on the front foot via Moser, the second-year pro pushing on and eventually dropping the plucky Flecha en route to the biggest win of his career. Cavendish denied Elsewhere at the 3 Days of West-Flanders Mark Cavendish was unable to claim a sprint victory despite the hard work of his Omega Pharma - Quick-Step squad. The Manxman was not present in the top 10 as Danilo Napolitano (Accent.Jobs) took the win one stage one ahead of young guns Tom Van Asbroeck (Topsport Vlaanderen) and Barry Markus (Vacansoleil-DCM). Kristoff Vandewalle (Omega Pharma - Quick-Step) retained the race lead following on from his victory in Friday's prologue.