Bennati

“Bennati is such a classy rider and we are very happy to have him,” general manager Brian Nygaard said in a team release Wednesday.

New Luxembourg squad signs Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati 2010

Unfortunately for Bennati, who has been on the podium each stage this week, Renshaw had fought his way onto his wheel and timed his kick perfectly for the line.

Mark Renshaw sprints to win and into lead at Tour of Qatar 2011

Leopard Trek, working to set up Bennati, took control of the front with 1 1/2k to go, and Bennati was the first to jump for the line.

Mark Renshaw sprints to win and into lead at Tour of Qatar 2011

Viganò has a strong finishing kick and will likely slot into the role of leading out Bennati.

New Luxembourg squad signs Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati 2010

The yet unnamed team revealed four new riders to its 25-man roster for next year, including Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati, who will give the team some heft in the bunch sprints and spring classics.

New Luxembourg squad signs Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati 2010

Bennati came in second and stage 1 winner Boonen Quick Step was third.

Mark Renshaw sprints to win and into lead at Tour of Qatar 2011

“My objectives for the coming season are to get off to a good start from the first and try to make the most of Tirreno-Adriatico in order to be supremely prepared for the Milan San Remo,” Bennati said.

New Luxembourg squad signs Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati 2010

Bennati, meanwhile, will be keen to try to become a presence again in the mass sprints.

Nibali, Kreuziger, to lead Liquigas at Vuelta a Espana 2010

“When I saw Bennati was there, I knew that was the wheel I had to follow,” Hushovd said.

Thor Hushovd wins Vuelta a España stage 6 into Murcia; Gilbert retains lead 2010

Certainly Boonen and Petacchi and Modolo, and Bennati, and Hushovd with his milky frame worked just as hard as Freire.

A Matter of Time: Grace Periods BikeSnobNYC 2010