Dekker hits the big time

Youngest winner on Tirreno since 20-year old Giuseppe Saronni in 1978, Dekker was already hailed as a possible successor to Dutch great Joop Zoetelmelk when he was named to his country's Olympic squad in 2004.

The native of Diakshorn, north of Amsterdam, wears it well.

When asked if it had an impact wearing the leader's jersey on a big race like Tirreno in only his second season as a pro, Dekker replied "not at all. When a rider is strong, it's very normal."

He's also shrugged off the comments of the Dutch press concerning his collaboration with Cecchini, whom he met through his manager during the Italian classics last year.

"Cecchini made me do tests on the Monte Sera, which were conclusive," Dekker told French newspaper L'Equipe. "Since then, I've pratically moved into his house and for me, it's a great honour. For me, he's the best in the world."

Cecchini, who in a previous life worked with 1996 Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis, has been nicknamed the "Magus of Lucca" for his role in helping the likes of Riis, Jan Ullrich, Alessandro Petacchi, and another precocious rising star, 2004 Giro winner Damiano Cunego.

Dekker, who turned heads by winning the most difficult stage of the Critérium International last season, has moved into a hotel in Tuscany drawing questions about a man whose name has been mentioned in the same breath as Lance Armstrong's past trainer, the under-fire Dr. Michele Ferrari.

Dekker's Rabobank team again issued a statement this week in Dutch daily De Telegraaf distancing itself from Cecchini.

Dekker will now put his personal ambitions aside and work for team-mate Oscar Freire in Saturday's first major classic of the season, Milan-Sanremo.

"Saturday, in the Poggio, I'll be working for you," the Dutchman promised the triple world champion.

2005 Milan-Sanremo: Video highlights