The 42-year-old Italian, who had both legs amputated following a Champ Car crash at the Lausitzring in 2001, crossed the line first in the hand-cycling section in 1 hour 13min 56sec. 

It was his first victory since taking up the sport two years ago.

Zanardi, who lives close to Venice, had to overcome technical difficulties to win.

He said: "I was hoping for a lot from this race.

"My chain came off three times but I never lost heart, even if I did have to drive like a madman."

Zanardi, who finished 14th in the individual time trial at the Para-Cycling Road World Championship in Italy in September, is now targeting the 2012 Paralympics. 


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