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Levi Leipheimer Calls It Quits

5/20/2013

Levi Leipheimer, teamless since last fall after admitting to doping, has retired from professional cycling, a US newspaper reported. The American was fired by Omega Pharma in October following his admission during an investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency into shamed compatriot Lance Armstrong.

   "I'm retired," he told The Press Democrat on Sunday on the sidelines of the final stage of the Amgen Tour of California. It's just been an unceremoniously retired," Leipheimer said. "I sort of miss racing. I still love riding my bike."

   The 39-year-old veteran - who rode with Armstrong for US Postal in 2000 and 2001 and then again with Discovery Channel in 2007 - served a six month suspension imposed by USADA that ended March 1.

   Leipheimer admitted to taking several banned substances including EPO and testosterone, as well as using blood transfusions, which are prohibited. His results between June 1, 1999, to July 30, 2006 and July 7 to July 29, 2007 - the periods of time he admitted to doping as he continued with other teams such as Rabobank and Gerolsteiner - were erased from the record.

Cadel Evans - Not Giving Up Yet

5/20/2013

Amgen Tour of California, Finale

5/19/2013

After eight epic days of racing along nearly 750 miles of California’s most iconic roadways, highways and coastlines, BMC Racing Team’s Tejay van Garderen (Boulder, Colo.) sealed his first major stage race win at the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, which concluded today in Santa Rosa, Calif.

      “It’s a big relief. It’s a weight off my shoulders. I got the monkey off my back and hopefully this gets the ball rolling, and I can start racking up a bit more [wins],” said van Garderen, of ending the race in the Amgen Race Leader Jersey he gained after Stage 5. With his five-week-old daughter Rylan there today to share his victory, he reflected: “Maybe becoming a daddy was the difference [in taking the overall win]… I think I’m just maybe a bit more relaxed, a bit more mature, and I just had to be patient.”

      Cannondale Pro Cycling’s Peter Sagan outsprinted the field to win the race’s final stage, a 80.7-mile jaunt that took cyclists from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge for the only the second time in race history, to the overall finish in the cycling mecca of Santa Rosa. The race’s final stage aired live on NBC. It was Sagan’s 10th career Amgen Tour of California stage win, the most of anyone who has ridden in America’s Greatest Race. A sea of fans turned out for the BMC Racing Team’s homecoming, which included overall team honors in this year’s race. Team leader van Garderen was named the Best Young Rider in the 2011 Amgen Tour of California and placed fourth overall last year, but today marked his first career overall title with a final time of 29:43:00.

      “I’m very happy for the win today and I thank all my teammates because we did work hard from the start and then when we [came to the] circuit, we were always in the front. And then Garmin was the last group, but my teammates helped me on the last turn. I was on the front, then I started doing my sprint the last 200 meters, and I won,” said Sagan. “I dedicate this victory to my Cannondale friend, Alex Shephard [an 11-year-old fan fighting brain cancer]. It’s great to win this stage because I get to dedicate this to him.”

      In the final five miles, where the racers completed two circuits in downtown Santa Rosa at speeds of up to 40 mph, teams jockeyed for position to lead out their sprinters for a dash to the finish line. After challenges from Team Garmin-Sharp, Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies and ORICA GreenEDGE, Cannondale regained control with .7 miles left in the race.

      Stage winners were equal parts sprinters and climbers this year, as racers had to contend with several game-changing climbs that totaled a race record of 60,000 feet. Second for the overall finish was 2010 Amgen Tour of California champion Michael Rogers (AUS) of Team Saxo-Tinkoff (1:47), followed by Team Jamis-Hagens Berman’s Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), whose determined climbs in Stages 2 and 7 earned him the precious seconds he needed for a podium finish (+3:26). Acevedo wore the yellow jersey for the first half of the race, and after getting caught out by a breakaway in Stage 5, he battled his way back to podium position yesterday to end the race just ahead of fourth- and fifth-place finishers Mathias Frank (SUI) of BMC Racing Team (+3:32) and Cameron Meyer (AUS) of ORICA GreenEDGE (+3:33). Proving on home turf they are a force to be reckoned with, American cyclists took four of the top 10 finishes overall.

      Earlier in today’s stage, a three-man breakaway escaped from the peloton around mile four and held their advantage until 10 miles to the finish, when Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team’s Thomas De Gendt (BEL), the third-place finisher in last year’s Giro d’Italia, fell back into the pack. The remaining two riders, Bontrager Cycling Team’s Antoine Duchesne (Petaluma, Calif.) and Santa Rosa-based BISSELL Pro Cycling’s Jason McCartney (Coralville, Iowa) kept their lead until just before the finishing circuits. McCartney, the second of the three to rejoin the peloton, was awarded the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey for his ride out front today. McCartney is the only cyclist of the 127 who began this year’s competition who has started and finished in all eight editions of the Amgen Tour of California.

      “It’s been fantastic,” said McCartney of his time with the race over the years. “One year I was third….I got the climbers jersey one year…we won it with Levi [Leipheimer] one year, with [Chris] Horner another year, so I’ve just had great experiences here. It’s a beautiful state. I love racing here.”

      McCartney’s teammate on BISSELL Pro Cycling, Carter Jones (Boulder, Colo.), cinched the Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey competition yesterday, having worn the polka-dotted jersey every day since the race began; and Bontrager Cycling Team’s 21-year-old Lawson Craddock (Austin, Texas) came away with the Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey, which he has worn since Stage 3.

          “The future of American cycling has arrived. How fitting that in America’s biggest stage race, we’ve seen America’s next big cycling superstar emerge to claim his first major stage race victory. And, a great showing of top-10 finishes by Americans in a field of the top riders in the world,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “The 2013 Amgen Tour of California was the most spellbinding yet, and it’s thanks to our sponsors, partners, Host Cities, teams and riders – and most importantly the fans – that the race continues to grow in both size and prestige year after year.”

Jersey Winners
•Amgen Leader Jersey – Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team (USA)
?van Garderen won the Amgen Leader Jersey four times since stage 1
•Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey – Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling (USA)
?Jones won the Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey for all eight stages
•Visit California Sprint Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA)
?Sagan won the Visit California Sprint Jersey five times since stage 1
•Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey – Jasper Stuyven (BEL), Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)
?Craddock won the Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey three times since stage 1
•Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Jason McCartney (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling Team (USA)

STAGE
Pl Bib Name First Name Team Nat B P Split
1 51 SAGAN Peter CAN SVK B:10" 00"
2 107 SCHORN Daniel TNE AUT B:06" ' '
3 14 FARRAR Tyler GRS USA B:04" ' '
4 24 MEERSMAN Gianni OPQ BEL ' '
5 125 HANSON Ken OPM USA ' '
6 35 HUSHOVD Thor BMC NOR ' '
7 46 MATTHEWS Michael OGE AUS ' '
8 86 KEOUGH Jacob UHC USA ' '
9 21 CHAVANEL Sylvain OPQ FRA ' '
10 92 BRAMMEIER Matt CSS IRL ' '
11 73 FLECHA GIANNONI Juan AntVoCniDo ESP ' '
12 148 *STUYVEN Jasper BLS BEL ' '
13 117 PIPP Frank BPC USA ' '
14 118 VENNELL Jeremy BPC NZL ' '
15 131 ACEVEDO CALLE Janier AlexJiSsH COL ' '
16 31 VAN GARDEREN Tejay BMC USA ' '
17 82 DEIGNAN Philip UHC IRL ' '
18 33 FRANK Mathias BMC SUI ' '
19 137 ROMERO AMARAN Luis JSH CUB ' '
20 47 MEYER Cameron OGE AUS ' '

OVERALL
Pl Bib Name First Name Team Nat Time Split
1 31 VAN GARDEREN Tejay BMC USA 29h43'00" 00"
2 61 ROGERS Michael TST AUS 29h44'47" 01'47"
3 131 ACEVEDO CALLE Janier AJleSxHis COL 29h46'26" 03'26"
4 33 FRANK Mathias BMC SUI 29h46'32" 03'32"
5 47 MEYER Cameron OGE AUS 29h46'33" 03'33"
6 2 BUSCHE Matthew RLT USA 29h46'50" 03'50"
7 151 MANCEBO PEREZ Francisc5oHR ESP 29h47'52" 04'52"
8 142 *CRADDOCK Lawson BLS USA 29h48'24" 05'24"
9 82 DEIGNAN Philip UHC IRL 29h48'33" 05'33"
10 121 HAGA Chad OPM USA 29h48'52" 05'52"
11 101 KÖNIG Leopold TNE CZE 29h49'03" 06'03"
12 81 DE MAAR Marc UHC AHO 29h49'28" 06'28"
13 103 DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJOT DNaEvidESP 29h51'58" 08'58"
14 152 ENGLISH Nathaniel 5HR USA 29h54'17" 11'17"
15 58 VANDBORG Brian CAN DEN 29h54'32" 11'32"
16 3 DIDIER Laurent RLT LUX 29h54'40" 11'40"
17 8 ZUBELDIA AGIRRE HaimarRLT ESP 29h54'51" 11'51"
18 83 EUSER Lucas UHC USA 29h55'41" 12'41"
19 105 HUZARSKI Bartosz TNE POL 29h57'29" 14'29"
20 78 WESTRA Lieuwe VCD NED 29h57'59" 14'59"

Giro d'Italia, Stage 15

5/19/2013

Giovanni Visconti won the 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday after a mountain finish in the snow following a 149km ride from Cesana Torinese to Col du Galibier. The Italian from the Movistar team held off a charge from the depleted peloton, made up of race favourites, to take his maiden Giro stage by 42 seconds from Carlos Betancur and Prezemyslaw Niemiec. Ahead of the second and final rest day, Vincenzo Nibali held onto the leader's pink jersey after coming home in seventh, 54 seconds down.

   The finishing line had been brought 4km down the mountain due to the adverse weather conditions at the top of the Galibier. But given the thick sheet of snow around the riders as they tackled the final climb, and snow flakes peppering their faces, that would have been something of a relief.

   Having broken clear of his six fellow breakaway companions on the penultimate climb up the Telegraphe, Visconti reached the Galibier with a couple of minutes on his chasers. And the 30-year-old Sicilian held on up to the finish at 2,301 metres, alongside a monument to former Italian champion Marco Pantani, before collapsing exhausted after the finishing line.

   "There are no words to describe that, I'm delighted, I'm delighted," said Visconti, who was briefly banned for three months last year due to his links to disgraced doctor Michele Ferrari. "Today we saw who I am, not what I've shown this last year. I was born the same day as Marco Pantani, January 13. Maybe today he helped me."

   Any hopes of fireworks amongst the overall contenders failed to materialise on the draining final climb. Nibali briefly stretched his legs but gained little and was quickly reeled back in before the favourites all came home in the same bunch.

Australian Cadel Evans remains second at 1min 26sec with Colombia's Rigoberto Uran third at 2min 46sec.
   "They were extreme conditions, I tried to shake things up at the end but it was very difficult because of the cold," said Nibali. "It really was very cold. It was an important day but the result is good. I have a good advantage, although it would have been better of I'd gained a bit of time. Evans is still very close and Uran still needs to be taken into consideration."

RESULTS: The 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 149km run from Cesena Torinese to Col de Galibier:
   Stage
   1. Giovanni Visconti (ITA/MOV) 4hr 40min 48sec, 2. Carlos Betancur (COL/ALM) at 42sec, 3. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL/LAM) same time, 4. Rafal Majka (POL/SAX) s.t., 5. Fabio Duarte (COL/COL) 47, 6. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 54, 7. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) s.t., 8. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) s.t., 9. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) s.t., 10. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) s.t., 11. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) s.t., 12. Damiano Caruso (ITA/CAN) 58, 13. Franco Pellizotti (ITA/AND) s.t., 14. Wilco Kelderman (NED/BLA) 1:00, 15. Yury Trofimov (RUS/KAT) s.t.

   Selected others
   16. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 1:06, 17. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/VIN) 1:09, 23. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 1:39, 26. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 1:52, 148. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 27:54.

   Overall standings
   1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 62hr 02:34, 2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 1:26, 3. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 2:46, 4. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) 2:47, 5. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 3:53, 6. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL/LAM) 4:35, 7. Carlos Betancur (COL/ALM) 5:15, 8. Rafal Majka (POL/SAX) 5:20, 9. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 5:57, 10. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 6:21, 11. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) 6:42, 12. Yury Trofimov (RUS/KAT) 7:25, 13. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 7:38, 14. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) 8:09, 15. Franco Pellizotti (ITA/AND) 8:15

   Selected others
   17. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 8:36, 20. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/VIN) 14:44, 137.
Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 2h40:42.

Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7

5/18/2013

STAGE 7
Pl Bib Name First Name Team Nat B P Split
1 101 KÖNIG Leopold TNE CZE 00"
2 131 ACEVEDO CALLE Janier AlexJiSsH COL 07"
3 31 VAN GARDEREN Tejay BMC USA 12"
4 61 ROGERS Michael TST AUS ' '
5 33 FRANK Mathias BMC SUI 23"
6 2 BUSCHE Matthew RLT USA 29"
7 142 *CRADDOCK Lawson BLS USA 32"
8 151 MANCEBO PEREZ Francisco5HR ESP 38"
9 106 MENDES José Joao TNE POR 44"
10 81 DE MAAR Marc UHC AHO ' '
11 12 DENNIS Rohan GRS AUS ' '
12 47 MEYER Cameron OGE AUS 48"
13 82 DEIGNAN Philip UHC IRL 53"
14 36 MOINARD Amael BMC FRA 56"
15 24 MEERSMAN Gianni OPQ BEL 01'02"

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
Pl Bib Name First Name Team Nat Time Split
1 31 VAN GARDEREN Tejay BMC USA 26h38'53" 00"
2 61 ROGERS Michael TST AUS 26h40'40" 01'47"
3 131 ACEVEDO CALLE Janier AJleSxHis COL 26h42'19" 03'26"
4 33 FRANK Mathias BMC SUI 26h42'25" 03'32"
5 47 MEYER Cameron OGE AUS 26h42'26" 03'33"
6 2 BUSCHE Matthew RLT USA 26h42'43" 03'50"
7 151 MANCEBO PEREZ Francisc5oHR ESP 26h43'45" 04'52"
8 142 *CRADDOCK Lawson BLS USA 26h44'17" 05'24"
9 82 DEIGNAN Philip UHC IRL 26h44'26" 05'33"
10 121 HAGA Chad OPM USA 26h44'45" 05'52"
11 101 KÖNIG Leopold TNE CZE 26h44'56" 06'03"
12 81 DE MAAR Marc UHC AHO 26h45'21" 06'28"
13 103 DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJOT DNaEvidESP 26h47'51" 08'58"
14 152 ENGLISH Nathaniel 5HR USA 26h49'51" 10'58"
15 58 VANDBORG Brian CAN DEN 26h50'06" 11'13"
16 3 DIDIER Laurent RLT LUX 26h50'33" 11'40"
17 8 ZUBELDIA AGIRRE HaimarRLT ESP 26h50'44" 11'51"
18 83 EUSER Lucas UHC USA 26h51'34" 12'41"
19 105 HUZARSKI Bartosz TNE POL 26h53'22" 14'29"
20 78 WESTRA Lieuwe VCD NED 26h53'52" 14'59"
21 91 BEYER Chad CSS USA 26h55'16" 16'23"
22 73 FLECHA GIANNONI Juan AVnCtoDnioESP 26h56'44" 17'51"
23 36 MOINARD Amael BMC FRA 26h57'54" 19'01"
24 32 BOOKWALTER Brent BMC USA 26h58'19" 19'26"
25 7 SCHLECK Andy RLT LUX 26h59'04" 20'11"
26 56 KING Edward CAN USA 26h59'36" 20'43"

Jersey Winners
•Amgen Leader Jersey – Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team (USA)
?van Garderen has won the Amgen Leader Jersey three times since stage 1
•Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey – Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling (USA)
?Jones has won the Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey for all seven stages
•Visit California Sprint Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA)
?Sagan has won the Visit California Sprint Jersey four times since stage 1
•Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey – Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)
?Craddock has won the Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey six times since stage 1
•Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team (NED)

You Can Own The Cavendish Venge

5/18/2013

To help celebrate the continues exploits of Mark Cavendish, Specialized is offering a limited edition replica frameset to mark the Manx Missile's 100th race win in Stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia. The $3,750 frame set is expected to be in stores as early as next week, the company said.

The special edition frameset has a UCI-legal, FACT 11r carbon monocoque frame with one-piece OSBB/chainstay, internal cable routing, and tapered headtube, along with a matching aero-section fork, CeramicSpeed bottom bracket, ultralight hybrid headset bearings and a bladed S-Works carbon seatpost.

News of the Cavendish replica frame comes just after Specialized released info on their special edition Vincenzo Nibali replica Tarmac SL frameset. As ardent race fans are keenly aware, Cavendish has also has won the Tour de France's Green Jersey, a World Championship and numerous Tour stages on a Venge. Here's a video of Mark's bike being built and delivered to him. For more info: Specialized.

Giro d'Italia, Stage 14

5/18/2013

Cold weather and a course change marked the biggest day of winner Mauro Santambrogio's life. Photo: Bettini

Race leader Vincenzo Nibali extended his lead over Australia's Cadel Evans as Mauro Santambrogio won a shortened 14th stage of the Giro d'Italia to claim his maiden win on the race Saturday. Italian Nibali, of the Astana team, came over the finish line in second place after giving his fellow Italian, of the Vini Farini team, the nod to take the stage win unhindered.

   Evans, the 2011 Tour de France champion, who started the day 41sec behind Nibali, crossed the finish line 33sec behind.

Saturday's stage in the high Italian Alps was due to finish in Sestriere, but was shortened by organisers due to fears over cold and wet conditions on the final descent. As snow and rain fell at high altitude, the finish line was lowered to 1908 metres at Jafferau, where BMC leader Evans and Colombian Rigoberto Uran (Team Sky) fell off the pace in a final kilometre which proved just too steep for the duo.

   Nibali's hopes of a maiden Giro win were boosted earlier this week when main rival Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin) pulled out due to illness. In the overall standings the Sicilian, who won a 12-second time bonus, now has a lead of 1mn 26sec over Evans, and 2:46 on Uran, who has taken the mantle of Sky's team leader after Wiggins's retirement from the race.

   Santambrogio's win, meanwhile, pushed the 28-year-old up to fourth place overall but he is nearly three minutes off the pace and not considered a threat to Nibali. After the race was shortened by 12km, from 180km to 168km, a four-man group broke from the peloton and went on to build a lead of nearly eight and a half minutes.

   They held a four-minute lead at the foot of the final climb, a 7.3km ascent with an average gradient of nine percent. However they were reeled in one by one as the battle for the stage win and for the pickings in the overall race took hold.

   After losing touch in the final kilometers, Evans, solid throughout the race so far, admitted that his victory bid was now compromised: "It was not my best day. I just couldn't react when the attack from Nibali came. I think that has something to do with the last couple of days. I hope this is my worst day in the mountains; otherwise to fight for the win will be difficult."

   Sunday's 15th stage, due to finish on the summit of the legendary Galibier climb in France, has also been altered due to poor weather conditions. The finish line will now be moved from the Galibier's altitude of 2642 metres to 2301 metres, at the site of a statue commemorating fallen Italian champion Marco Pantani.

RESULTS:The 14th stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 168km run from Cervere to Bardonecchia.
   Stage
   1. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) 4hr 42min 55sec, 2. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) same time, 3. Carlos Betancur (COL/ALM) at 9sec, 4. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 26, 5. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 30, 6. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 33, 7. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) s.t., 8. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) s.t., 9. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/BAR) 55, 10. Damiano Caruso (ITA/CAN) 58, 11. Rafal Majka (POL/SAX) 59, 12. Yury Trofimov (RUS/KAT) s.t., 13. Franco Pellizotti
(ITA/AND) 1:04, 14. Diego Rosa (ITA/AND) 1:08, 15. Niemiec Przemyslaw
(POL/LAM) s.t.

   Selected
   35. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 4:16, 163. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 22:31

   Overall standings
   1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 57h 20:52, 2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 1:26, 3. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 2:46, 4. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) 2:47, 5. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 3:53, 6. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL/LAM) 4:55, 7. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 5:12, 8. Rafal Majka (POL/SAX) 5:32, 9. Carlos Betancour (COL/ALM) 5:39, 10. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 5:51, 11. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 6:40, 12. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) 6:42, 13. Sergio Henao
(COL/SKY) 7:06, 14. Yury Trofimov (RUS/KAT) 7:19, 15. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) 7:36

   Selected
   17. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 8:24, 20. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/VIN) 14:29, 134. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 2h 13:42

Giro d'Italia, Stage 13

5/17/2013

Mark Cavendish claimed his fourth win of the 96th Giro d'Italia on Friday after sprinting to victory in the 13th stage, at 254 km the longest of the race, from Busseto to Cherasco. Italian Vincenzo Nibali remained in the race leader's pink jersey with Australia's Cadel Evans in second place at 41secs.

   Earlier, top favourite Bradley Wiggins and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal pulled out of the race due to illness. Cavendish, a former world champion from the Isle of Man, took his 13th win from five editions on the Giro on Thursday.

   A number of teams, including Australians Orica-GreenEdge, whose top sprinter is Matt Goss, had hoped to stop the Manxman dominating again on one of the last remaining chances for the non-climbers. However their top finisher was Goss's lead-out man, Brett Lancaster, who finished in fourth, ahead of Italian Elia Viviani.

   After Viviani's Cannondale team had taken over the fast pace-setting in the final kilometre Cavendish began his sprint early but held on to keep Italian Giacomo Nizzolo and Slovenian Luka Mezgec off his wheel at the finish line.

   Earlier, a seven-man breakaway enjoyed a lead of nearly 14 minutes after escaping from the peloton at the 21km mark. However efforts by Goss and Cavendish's respective teams soon ate into their sizeable advantage, with Spaniard Pablo Lastras the last rider from that escape to be caught with 15km to race by a small counter-attacking group.

   Italian Giampaolo Caruso managed to attack solo from the new lead group with around 6.5 km remaining but was reeled in with 1.5 km left of the 4km home straight. Cavendish, who turns 28 next week, now has 14 Giro wins, 23 Tour de France wins and three stage wins from the Tour of Spain.

   On Saturday's 14th stage the race heads into the high mountains for a 168 km run between Cervere and Bardonecchia, with the finish line at the end of a 7.3 km ascent to Jafferau, where Belgian legend Eddy Merckx prevailed on the Giro's last visit, in 1972.

RESULTS: The 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 254km run from Busseto to Cherasco on Friday:
   Stage:
   1. Mark Cavendish (GBR/SKY) 6hr 09min 55sec
   2. Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA/RSH) s.t.
   3. Luka Mezgec (SLO/ARG) s.t.
   4. Brett Lancaster (AUS/ORI) s.t.
   5. Elia Viviani (ITA/CAN) s.t.
   6. Manuel Belletti (ITA/ALM) s.t.
   7. Daniele Bennati (ITA/SAX) s.t.
   8. Filippo Pozzato (ITA/LAM) s.t.
   9. Anthony Roux (FRA/FDJ) s.t.
   10. Miguel Angel Rubiano (COL/AND) s.t.
   Selected
   39. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) s.t.
   50. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) s.t.
   64. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) s.t.

   Overall
   1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 52hr 38min 09sec,
   2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) at 0:41
   3. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 2:04
   4. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 2:12
   5. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 2:13
   6. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/FAR) 2:55
   7. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL/LAM) 3:35
   8. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 4:05
   9. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 4:17
   10. Rafal Majka (POL/SAX) 4:21
   11. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 5:06
   12. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) 5:08
   13. Carlos Betancour (COL/ALM) 5:26
   14. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) 5:57
   15. Yury Trofimov (RUS/KAT) 6:08
   16. Franco Pellizotti (ITA/AND) 6:55
   17. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 7:46
   18. Rafael Valls (ESP/VAC) 8:41
   19. Damiano Caruso (ITA/CAN) 8:43
   20. Wilco Kelderman (NED/BLA) 8:55
   Selected
   133. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 1hr 50:59

Amgen Tour of California, Stage 5

5/16/2013

Germany's Jens Voigt captured stage five of the Tour of California, with a solo climb to the hillside finish line, giving him a six-second victory over runner-up Tyler Farrar on Thursday. Voigt (RadioShack) finished just ahead of stage four winner Farrar and third place Thor Hushovd (BMC) in the 185.7 kilometre fifth stage from Santa Barbara to Avila Beach.

   Tejay van Garderen (BMC) grabbed the overall lead as the American finished with the same time as Farrar. Voigt launched his attack late in the race, timing it perfectly with five kilometers to go. He finished with a time of four hours, 41 minutes, 16 seconds.

   "I thought, 'I'm a little bit stronger than the other guys in the break, but of course, less fast,'" said Voigt. "I said, 'now or never, now or never. Everybodys hurting now.' And it worked. It worked once again."

   Earlier in the race, he was part of an elite group that formed when the crosswinds off the ocean - which had buffetted the riders for much of the day- started to change.

"It wasn't BMC's plan to split the bunch," said van Garderen. "It seemed like a headwind all day but then all of a sudden it changed and you could feel it getting nervous in the bunch. You knew something was going to happen."

   The fifth stage began with a steep climb over the San Marcos Pass before taking the riders through a stretch of scenic vineyards and horse country. The finish line was located at the top of a hill that overlooked the Pacific Ocean in the seaside town of Avila Beach.

The Tour of California continues Friday with an individual time trial in San Jose. For the first time, the Tour is taking riders on a route from the southern part of the state northward. After starting at Escondido near San Diego, they'll finish on Sunday in Santa Rosa, near San Francisco.

RESULTS: The185.7 kilometer fifth stage of the Tour of California from Santa Barbara to Avila Beach:
   Stage five
   1. Jens Voigt (GER/RadioShack) 4hrs, 41min, 16secs, 2. Tyler Farrar (USA) at 0.06, 3. Thor Hushovd (NOR) s.t., 4. Peter Sagan (SVK) s.t., 5. Michael Matthews (AUS) s.t., 6. Jay McCarthy (AUS) s.t., 7. Alexander Candelario (USA) s.t., 8. Michael Rogers (AUS) s.t., 9. Markel Irizar Aranburu (ESP) s.t., 10. Tejay van Garderen (USA)

   Overall standings after stage five
   1. Tejay van Garderen (USA/BMC) 21hrs, 55min, 32secs, 2. Michael Rogers (AUS) at 0:42, 3. Janier Acevedo (COL) 0:50, 4. Matthew Busche (USA) 1:04, 5. Philip Deignan (IRL) 1:17, 6. Cameron Meyer (AUS) 1:29, 7. Mathias Frank (SUI) 1:35, 8. Francisco Mancebo Perez (ESP) 1:53, 9. Chad Haga (USA) 2:03, 10. Lawson Craddock (USA) 2:22

TEAM REPORT
    Taking win number 66 on Thursday, RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK’s Jens Voigt sprinted away from the breakaway with 5km to go and won stage five on the 185.7km/115.4mi route from Santa Barbara to Avila Beach stage in the 2013 Amgen Tour of California.

Voigt’s winning move came with 5km to go after being part of a 60km effort in the crosswinds that saw the peloton blown apart and the yellow jersey distanced from the breakaway group. Teammates Andy Schleck and Laurent Didier read the signs and originated the effort, with Markel Irizar, Matthew Busche and Voigt taking up the challenge to split the field. At 5km to go, Voigt smelled the possibility of victory and blasted off the front to time trial into the finish line, collapsing against the barriers in exhaustion with the win in hand.

“I think maybe the last time I was feeling good was when I was 21,” said Voigt. “But we had a close look at the road circuit today and saw at 125km into the race when the road turned just a little bit and the headwind switched to a crosswind that we could do something there. Markel Irizar and I were in the front to drive the break, and after awhile Markel said to me, ‘I think you look really good today so maybe you should save something for the end.’ I thought about it and agreed. There were some quality riders in the group. To win from that group, I knew I would have to go alone. I had hopes they would look at one another to chase me and give me twenty seconds. Once you do that, I’m gone. Once I went and then looked back to see the gap, I couldn’t believe they had given me 20-seconds.   I said to myself, ‘Yes!’ It was pretty hard and I really had to dig deep. I’m a happy stage winner.”

Joining Voigt on the podium were Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Sharp) and Thor Hushovd of BMC. Taking over the race lead was Tejay Van Garderen of BMC.

“To cause chaos and mayhem isn’t that a good enough reason?” Voigt answered when asked why the Team worked to create the split. He continued on with, “Many times riders expect a break to go at 20-25km to go, but not so much at 60. They don’t consider that such a serious move. We had Matthew Busche in the top ten, so today we dropped the yellow jersey and we stretched everyone’s legs. Hopefully this will give us an advantage in the TT tomorrow. So making everyone suffer and be tired was part of our plan and to gain some precious seconds. It was hard work, yes, but no one ever said cycling was easy.” Busche moved into fourth place on the classification.

“Every day is a race,” said Matthew Busche. “We received some intell that there were crosswinds coming so we just stayed attentive in the front. It was hard to make it happen but Jens and Markel were so good in the front for me. We caught out some guys for sure with two days left to race. Hopefully tomorrow the legs are good and then again on Mt. Diablo.” Friday brings the individual time trial in San Jose at 31.6km/19.6mi before Saturday’s climbing stage to Mt. Diablo.

“I have been doing the same moves for a long time in my career, almost since the last ice age,” Jens Voigt joked, when questioned about basic race tactics he used today and is well-known for. “Sometimes, like last year in Colorado I did it at 140km to go; today it was 5km to go. They know what my plan is and that I cannot win a sprint. You have to catch them by surprise. That’s why it works. Sometimes they underestimate me. Today it worked in my favor. I will also say that I do still have some ‘go power’ left in my legs. Not every day like five or ten years ago. But once I’m out there and can smell the victory, I want it again.”

Asked if his innate racing sense is something he can mentor a younger rider to do, Voigt replied, “I have a big engine; I can handle a big work load. I’m willing to work hard. I think this instinct is just part of who I am. It’s hard to teach because the decision-making is done in just a split second. It’s like a voice talking in your head, saying, ‘Go now! Go now! Go now!’ And then listening to the voice. I try to teach the boys to be brave, be courageous. On Sunday night if you have some energy left, it’s too late. There is no stage on Monday. Get it all out now. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be intimidated.”

Last year after the California time trial which had Voigt on the podium in second place, he commented that he enjoyed every moment because he didn’t know how many more opportunities he would have to be there before his career was over. But last August he produced a stage win in Colorado and won a race in Germany two weeks ago, along with today’s win, making podiums look like a regular thing for 41-year old Voigt.

“I like to call this the ‘Indian Summer’ of my career, not the twilight,” he laughed. “Think how beautiful it is in Indian Summer. That’s where I am, in the Indian Summer of my career. Yes, I hate to admit it, I am getting older, and my career will come to an end one day. For the second year in a row I am the oldest licensed holder in the world. The oldest bike rider! But age is just a number, apparently. I think that you can’t only talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. If you can do that, there is no reason to stop or slow down or give it up.” Asked about earning himself another year’s contract with the win, he answered an emphatic, “I hope so! If someone asks me if I am ready to sign again for another year, I say ‘Hell yeah!’”

Mavic Launches New Aero Wheel

5/16/2013

After introducing the CX 01 technologies on the 80mm profile CXR 80 T, French wheel maker Mavic has expanded the CXR family by adding two new wheelsets. The CXR 60 T tubular and CXR 60 C clincher wheel-tire systems both feature the full package of CX 01 integration with a new, shallower 60mm profile.

Extensive wind tunnel testing against a wide variety of competitor wheels and tires has clearly demonstrated the aerodynamic benefit of integrating the wheel and tire profile into a seamless airfoil shape. Just as with the CXR 80, the new 60mm profiles used in both the clincher and tubular version are inspired by NACA airfoils. The tire and rim are shaped to fit perfectly together to flow as a single unit, and the gap between them is sealed by the CX 01 blade to complete the most aerodynamic wheel-tire system ever developed (the blade is not UCI approved).

In addition to low frontal drag, the CXR 60 wheels bring high lateral stability for better handling performance in crosswind situations. Across a wide sweep of yaw angles, side force against the wheels changes very predictably, correlating linearly and smoothly with increase in yaw. All wind tunnel testing has been performed in Geneva with a stress balance created by Mavic engineers to measure not just translational drag force, but also lateral force and spinning force.

Unique to the CXR 60 C clincher version is an Exalith 2 aluminum tire bed and brake track. The Exalith 2 brake track brings 18% shorter stopping distance compared to a standard aluminum brake track, plus the safety and security of precise, ETRTO compliant clincher bead hooks.

Technical specifications:
CXR 60 T
-   60mm NACA-inspired profile with CX 01 blades to unify tire and rim
-   16 front/20 rear bladed, butted stainless steel spokes
-   Stiff aluminum axles and large sealed bearings
-   CX 01 GripLink front tire/PowerLink rear tire
-   1645gm per pair without tire (730 front/915 rear)
-   2175gm Wheel-Tire System weight (995 front/915 rear)

CXR 60 C –
-   60mm NACA-inspired profile with CX 01 blades to unify tire and rim
-   16 front/20 rear bladed, butted stainless steel spokes
-   Stiff aluminum axles and large sealed bearings
-   CX 01 GripLink front tire/PowerLink rear tire
-   1825gm per pair without tire (820 front/1005 rear)
-   2515gm Wheel-Tire System weight (1165 front/1350 rear)
Availability in the USA of the new CXR 60 wheels is planned for September, with pricing anticipated between $2700 and $2800 depending on the version (clincher or tubular).

About Mavic:
Mavic is an Amer Sports brand founded in 1889, based in Annecy, France with a US office based in Haverhill, Massachusetts.   Mavic is a world leader in technology and innovation in bicycle wheels, rims, components, technical apparel and footwear. Mavic information can be reached on the World Wide Web at www.mavic.com

Amgen Tour of California, Stage 4

5/15/2013

Tyler Farrar sprinted to victory in the fourth stage of the Tour of California on Wednesday, giving Garmin a transatlantic double after their same-day Tour of Italy stage win. America's Farrar was a clear winner over US criterium champion Ken Hanson of Optum, with Belgian Gianni Meersman (Omega Pharma) third in the 134 kilometer stage, which brought the riders from Santa Clarita in suburban Los Angeles west to the seaside town of Santa Barbara.

   Colombian Janier Acevedo (Jamis) finished in the main pack to retain the leader's yellow jersey, which he claimed with his victory in the second stage on Monday at Palm Springs. Acevedo maintained a 12-second lead over American Tejay van Garderen of BMC, who also finished in the main pack.

   Earlier Wednesday, Garmin's Ramaunas Navardauskas of Lithuania won the 11th stage of the Tour of Italy.

"Waking up to the news that Ramaunas had won the stage in the Giro was a big morale boost to the team, and it was cool we were able to double up today," Farrar said.

   Thursday's fifth leg of America's most prestigious stage race takes the riders 185.7km from Santa Barbara to Avila Beach. The race concludes on Sunday in Santa Rosa.

Stage 4 Top – 3
•FIRST— Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp (USA)
•SECOND – Ken Hanson (USA), Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
•THIRD— Gianni Meersman (BEL), Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team (BEL)

Pl Bib Name First Name Team Nat Time Split
1 131 ACEVEDO CALLE Janier AJleSxHis COL 17h13'59" 00"
2 31 VAN GARDEREN Tejay BMC USA 17h14'11" 12"
3 82 DEIGNAN Philip UHC IRL 17h14'26" 27"
4 33 FRANK Mathias BMC SUI 17h14'44" 45"
5 61 ROGERS Michael TST AUS 17h14'54" 55"
6 151 MANCEBO PEREZ Francisc5oHR ESP 17h15'02" 01'03"
7 121 HAGA Chad OPM USA 17h15'12" 01'13"
8 2 BUSCHE Matthew RLT USA 17h15'14" 01'15"
9 142 *CRADDOCK Lawson BLS USA 17h15'31" 01'32"
10 47 MEYER Cameron OGE AUS 17h15'39" 01'40"
11 81 DE MAAR Marc UHC AHO 17h15'55" 01'56"
12 153 JENKINS Max 5HR USA 17h16'26" 02'27"
13 83 EUSER Lucas UHC USA ' ' ' '
14 152 ENGLISH Nathaniel 5HR USA 17h16'35" 02'36"
15 111 BALDWIN Christopher BPC USA 17h17'14" 03'15"
16 16 *MORTON Lachlan David GRS AUS 17h17'18" 03'19"
17 101 KÖNIG Leopold TNE CZE 17h17'41" 03'42"
18 3 DIDIER Laurent RLT LUX 17h18'01" 04'02"
19 93 BUTLER Christopher CSS USA 17h18'08" 04'09"
20 56 KING Edward CAN USA 17h18'16" 04'17"

Overall Standings:
   1. Janier Acevedo (COL/Jamis) 17hr 13min 59sec, 2. Tejay Van Garderen (USA) at 0:12, 3. Philip Deignan (IRL) 0:27, 4. Frank Mathias (SUI) 0:45, 5. Michael Rogers (AUS) 0:55, 6. Francisco Mancebo Perez (ESP) 1:03, 7. Chad Haga (USA) 1:13, 8. Matthew Busche (USA) 1:15, 9. Lawson Craddock (USA) 1:32, 10. Cameron Meyer (AUS) 1:40

Jersey Winners
•Amgen Leader Jersey – Janier Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman (USA)
•Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey – Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling (USA)
•Visit California Sprint Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA)
•Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey – Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)
•Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Nathan Brown (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)

RIDER QUOTES
Tyler Farrar (USA) Team Garmin-Sharp Stage 4 Winner
Regarding win:
“It was a great finish. This was a beautiful setting for a race finish and I’m happy I won today.”

Regarding change in weather:
“I think everyone in the peloton was happy to see the water and have the temperature drop a bit. These last two days were brutal so everyone had a sigh of relief this morning.”

Regarding Garmin-Sharp double stage win today:
Having Ramunas [Navardauskas] win the Giro d’Itilia stage was great for the team, and it’s kind of cool to have a double stage win today.”

Janier Alexis Acevedo Calle (COL)
Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
Stage 3 Amgen Race Leader Jersey Winner

Regarding keeping the leader jersey:
“I’m very happy to continue wearing the yellow jersey every day. It was difficult today; it was a hard stage - high speeds. But in the end my team was helping me to keep the yellow jersey. I’m trying to enjoy the moment and try to keep going. I’ll continue to give 100 percent and will keep trying to defend it.”

Ken Hanson (USA)
Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
Stage 4 Second Place Winner
Regarding sprint:
“It was a really fast run into the finish. The last few kilometers were downhill. My team did a really good job taking care of me, and I was able to have the ideal position for the sprint.”

Regarding last 500 meters:
“It was a little disappointing but still good for the team. I was a little inpatient and went a little too soon. I was a good result and I’m happy, but still hungry for a stage win tomorrow."

Regarding his Santa Barbara roots:
“I moved from Santa Barbara this past December. I lived here from 2007 to 2012. This was a really special stage for me and I’m happy to get on the podium in second place. The last mile was really, really fast onto Cabrillo Blvd. The finish line seemed a lot closer than it was. It was really fast and a lot of teams fought for position. My team started the lead out and did a really good job; it came down to who had the best legs. Santa Barbara is a special place. It’s my home away from home. I was really happy to come back here to race. It’s a great community for cycling. I was super motivated to do really well on this stage. It means a lot to be on the podium.”

Regarding racing on roads he grew up on:
“I’ve ridden that road a couple hundred times so I knew every crack in the road as we were approaching. I thought about it last night and was envisioning the last kilometer. I knew the finish, had a lot of confidence and was really motivated. The guys gave 100 percent for me today and I owe our result to them as well.”

Giro d'Italia, Stage 11

5/15/2013

Lithuanian Ramunas Navardauskas of Garmin won the 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday following a 182km ride from Tarvisio to Vajont. Navardauskas pulled clear of escape companion Daniel Oss 5km from home on a steep climb to win by more than a minute.

Italian Vincenzo Nibali of Astana kept hold of the leader's pink jersey ahead of Australian Cadel Evans. The main peloton, including Nibali, Evans and Britain's 2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, came across the line just under six minutes off the winner's pace.

Nibali said his day's riding had been "tranquil". "We needed it. We arrive late at the hotel after the transfers," he said. "If I have the chance to take more time, I'll do it." Stage winner Navardauskas added: "We as a team haven't had much luck in recent days. "The goal this morning was to go and get a result. We wanted to show we were worth it. "The day was long but it ended well."

After an extremely rapid start to the stage, with 53.5km covered in the first hour, a group of 20 riders broke away at the 71km mark. German Patrick Gretsch led down the first descent, 50km from the finish, but he was reeled back in by Navardauskas and Oss a further 30km down the road. The 25-year-old Lithuanian pulled away in the steep climb up towards Vajont for his first stage win on the Giro. Thursday's 12th stage sees the riders tackle a 134km course from Longaron to Treviso, featuring a 400m run-in to the finish line.

STAGE RESULTS

1. Ramunas Navardauskas (LTU/GRM) 4hr 23min 14sec

2. Daniel Oss (ITA/BMC) at 1:08.

3. Stefano Pirazzi (ITA/COG) 2:59.

4. Salvatore Puccio (ITA/SKY) 3:07.

5. Paul Martens (GER/BLA) 3:07.

6. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/FAR) 3:07.

7. Egoi Martinez (ESP/EUS) 3:07.

8. Serge Pauwels (BEL/OPQ) 3:10.

9. Evgueni Petrov (RUS/SAX) 3:11.

10. Jackson Rodriguez (VEN/AND) 3:25.

11. Juan Jose Cobo (ESP/MOV) 3:27.

12. Vladimir Gusev (RUS/KAT) 3:30.

13. Jens Keukeleire (BEL/ORI) 3:36.

14. Frederik Veuchelen (BEL/VAC) 3:36.

15. Guillaume Bonnafond (FRA/ALM) 3:57.

Selected

29. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) 5:41.

31. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 5:41.

32. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 5:41.

35. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 5:41.

36. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 5:41.

38. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 5:41.

OVERALL RESULTS

1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 43hr 26min 27sec.

2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) at 0:41.

3. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 2:04.

4. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) 2:05.

5. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 2:12.

6. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 2:13.

7. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/FAR) 2:55.

8. Przemyslaw Niemec (POL/LAM) 3:35.

9. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 4:05.

10. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 4:17.

11. Rafal Majka (POL/SAX) 4:21.

12. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 5:06.

13. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) 5:08.

14. Carlos Betancur (COL/ALM) 5:26.

15. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) 5:57.

Tour of California, Stage 2

5/13/2013

Colombian cyclist Janier Acevedo battled dehydration, steep climbs and oppressive heat to win stage two of the Tour of California, finishing 12 seconds ahead of America's Tejay van Garderen Monday.
In temperatures that climbed to 46 Celsius (115 Fahrenheit), Acevedo made his move on the Tramway Road climb finishing the 200-kilometer (124-mile) stage, that began in Murrieta and ended in the desert town of Palm Springs, in five hours, seven minutes and 40 seconds.

   "Insane," van Garderen said of the brutal conditions. "It was unlike anything I've ever done."

   With his victory, Acevedo took command of the general classification while overnight leader Lieuwe Westra dropped back early on the finish climb and was more than eight minutes behind Acevedo.

   The Tour of California continues Tuesday with the 177 kilometer (110 mile) third stage from Palmdale to Santa Clarita. Weather forecasters are predicting somewhat cooler temperatures for the third stage. For the first time, the Tour will take riders on a route from the southern part of the state northward, starting at Escondido and finishing on May 19 in Santa Rosa, near San Francisco.

   America's most important stage race will cover some 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) over the eight stages, highlighted by an individual time trial on the sixth stage and the hors categorie Mount Diablo climb on stage seven.

RESULTS:
   Stage two
   1. Janier Acevedo (COL) 5hrs, 7mins, 40secs, 2. Tejay Van Garderen (USA) at 0.12, 3. Phil Deignan (IRL) 0.27, 4. Mathias Frank (SUI) 0.45, 5. Michael Rogers (AUS) 0.55, 6. Chad Haga (USA) 1:13, 7. Matthew Busche (USA) 1:15, 8. Francisco Mancebo (ESP) same time, 9. Lawson Craddock (USA) 1:32, 10. Cameron Meyer (AUS) 1:40

   Overall standings after stage two
   1. Janier Acevedo 9hrs, 39mins, 19secs, 2. Tejay van Garderen (USA) at 0.12, 3. Phil Deignan (IRL) 0.27, 4. Mathias Frank (SUI) 0.45, 5. Michael Rogers (AUS) 0.55, 6. Francisco Mancebo (ESP) 1:03, 7. Chad Haga (USA) 1:13, 8. Matthew Busche (USA) 1:15, 9. Lawson Craddock (USA) 1:32, 10. Cameron Meyer
(AUS) 1:40

Tour of California, Stage 1

5/12/2013

                          Lieuwe Westra and his Bianchi were the surprise winners of Stage 1.
      Photo: Velo Images

Dutchman Lieuwe Westra seized the yellow jersey at the Tour of California after winning the 165 kilometer (130 mile) opening stage on the outskirts of San Diego on Sunday. Westra (Vacansoleil-DCM) outduelled Spaniard Francisco Mancebo in a sprint over the final kilometers while Slovak Peter Sagan led the chase bunch, finishing six seconds back. Cannondale's Sagan had to overcome a rear derailleur problem with just five kilometer to go.

   Westra made his move with about five kilometers to go and Mancebo quickly took off in pursuit, making it a two-man sprint to the finish under trying hot conditions. Mancebo grabbed the lead with about 300 meters to go but Westra answered by slipping around him before powering his way in for the victory.

   The 200km second stage takes place Monday, beginning in Murietta then heading into the southern California desert to Palm Springs where temperatures are expected to climb as high as 42 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit).

   For the first time, the Tour of California will take riders on a route from the southern part of the state northward, starting at Escondido and finishing on May 19 in Santa Rosa, near San Francisco. America's most important stage race will cover some 1,200km over the eight stages, highlighted by an individual time trial on the sixth stage and the hors categorie Mount Diablo climb on stage seven.

Jersey Winners
* Amgen Leader Jersey – Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team (NED)
* Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey – Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling (USA)
* Visit California Sprint Jersey* – Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team (NED)
* Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey – Jasper Stuyven (BEL), Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)
* Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey – James Stemper (USA), 5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team (USA)

RESULTS:
Pl Bib Name First Name Team Nat Time Split
1 78 WESTRA Lieuwe VCD NED 4h31'23" 00"
2 151 MANCEBO PEREZ Francisc5oHR ESP 4h31'27" 04"
3 51 SAGAN Peter CAN SVK 4h31'35" 12"
4 113 JONES Carter BPC USA 4h31'36" 13"
5 156 STEMPER James 5HR USA 4h31'37" 14"
6 24 MEERSMAN Gianni OPQ BEL 4h31'39" 16"
7 148 *STUYVEN Jasper BLS BEL ' ' ' '
8 17 *RATHE Jacob GRS USA ' ' ' '
9 123 CANDELARIO Alex OPM USA ' ' ' '
10 44 DOCKER Mitchell OGE AUS ' ' ' '
11 118 VENNELL Jeremy BPC NZL ' ' ' '
12 147 *PUTT Tanner BLS USA ' ' ' '
13 61 ROGERS Michael TST AUS ' ' ' '
14 91 BEYER Chad CSS USA ' ' ' '
15 33 FRANK Mathias BMC SUI ' ' ' '
16 108 VOSS Paul TNE GER ' ' ' '
17 81 DE MAAR Marc UHC AHO ' ' ' '
18 111 BALDWIN Christopher BPC USA ' ' ' '
19 31 VAN GARDEREN Tejay BMC USA ' ' ' '
20 7 SCHLECK Andy RLT LUX ' ' ' '
21 47 MEYER Cameron OGE AUS ' ' ' '

Tour of Picardie, Stage 3

5/12/2013

The young Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) sat on the same time as yellow jersey Bryan Coquard (Europcar) in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin this morning, but he broke the tie in Soissons this afternoon by handily winning the sprint finish of the last stage of the Tour de Picardie. With two stage victories and the overall win in the bag, the German whiz matched the performance of his teammate and fellow countryman John Degenkolb in last year's race. Coquard only managed twelfth in today's stage and had to settle for second overall, while Kenny van Hummel (Vacansoleil) finished second and took the bottom step of the podium. David Boucher (FDJ) lit the fireworks in today's stage and was rewarded with the best climber's jersey for his efforts.

An early spillover
The 121 riders left in the 2013 Tour de Picardie after Delage's withdrawal during yesterday's stage left Nanteuil-le-Haudouin (Oise) for Soissons (Aisne) at a high pace. The peloton was fidgety from the very beginning and several riders were involved in a fall just a few kilometers into the race, including Drujon (BigMat) and Van der Sande (Lotto-Belisol), who were forced to quit the race.

Three against two
David Boucher (FDJ) launched a decisive attack at km 12, with Maxime Daniel (Sojasun) and Benjamin Giraud (La Pomme-Marseille) hot on his heels. The three breakaways worked together smoothly and quickly put clear daylight between themselves and the bunch. 2005 Tour de Picardie stage winner Lloyd Mondory (AG2R) and Luca Wackermann (Lampre) missed the train but tried to make amends three kilometers later. Despite coming within striking distance from the front of the race (20? in Villers-Cotterêts, at km 33.5), the two men were unable to close the gap. After a long, tantalizing chase, they finally gave up when the difference reached one minute at kilometer 65.

Boucher leapfrogs Minard
By the time Boucher went across the top of the Côte de Braine (km 81.5) in first place, the breakaway had a 2'40? advantage on the bunch led by the race leader's team, Europcar. The gap peaked at three minutes at the first intermediate sprint in Malval (km 100.5), taken by Daniel. David Boucher, who hails from Maubeuge, not too far from here, grabbed a few more precious points at the top of the Côte de Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique (km 131.5, with 39.5 kilometres to go), ensuring that once in Soissons he would seize the best climber's jersey from the man who took it yesterday, Minard.

The moment of truth for Kittel and Coquard
The three brave escapees were finally caught with 25 km to go. Coquard won the intermediate sprint on the first crossing of the finish line in Soissons (km 160.5, with 10.5 kilometres to go), netting himself a precious three-second bonus to move away from Kittel. However, the German was keeping his powder dry for the final sprint, which Arnaud Démare (FDJ) was forced to sit out due to a fall nine kilometers from the finish. Kittel, the winner of the first stage in Flixecourt two days ago, launched a brutal sprint in the final straight in Soissons that left all his rivals in the dust. The German took back the yellow jersey and the final general classification, where he was followed by Coquard (twelfth today) and Van Hummel (second).

Giro d'Italia, Stage 9

5/12/2013

Bradley Wiggins struggled again on a dramatic rain-drenched ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia Sunday that saw Canada's defending champion Ryder Hesjedal lose time to overall leader Vincenzo Nibali.
Katusha rider Maxim Belkov took the honours after leaving his companions from an early breakaway behind in the latter stages of the 170km ride from Sansepolcro to Florence.

   For 28-year-old Russian Belkov, who hails from Izhevsk - famous for the production of Kalashnikov rifles - it was the first major victory of a career which began in 2009.

   He said: "With the rain I knew I could make the difference. This is the first win of my career, I dedicate it to my team. At the start of the year we were having trouble obtaining our World Tour licence but with each race we are proving that we deserve to be here."

   Belkov finished 44sec ahead of Carlos Betancur (Ag2r), who mistakenly raised his arms in victory as he crossed the line. The peloton containing all the overall victory favorites came over the finish 1:03 behind.

   The real drama, however, was going on in the Russian's wake. Astana team leader Nibali retained the race leader's pink jersey but a day after losing only 11secs to Wiggins in a 54.8km time trial the Italian saw Wiggins struggle on the wet and slippery descent of the race's first category one climb, the Vallembrosa.

   The Briton was left trailing and had to be paced back to the main peloton during a frantic 20km pursuit by three of his Sky teammates. In the end Wiggins lost no time to his key rivals but revealed another chink in his armour which, during his triumphant Tour de France campaign, was virtually impregnable.

   The day's biggest loser was Garmin team leader Hesjedal, who struggled late in the stage and, after losing over one minute to his rivals, dropped from sixth overall to 11th to sit 3:11 behind Nibali.

   Sunday's hilly course was staged on much of the route which will be used for the world road race championships in Tuscany later this year.

RESULTS: The ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 170km run from Sansepolcro to Florence:

   Stage
   1. Maxim Belkov (RUS/KAT) 4hr 31min 31sec, 2. Carlos Betancur (COL/ALM) at 44sec, 3. Jarlinson Pantano (COL/COL) 46, 4. Tobias Ludvingsson (SWE/ARG) 54, 5. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 1:03, 6. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) s.t., 7. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/VIN) s.t., 8. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) s.t., 9. Damiano Caruso (ITA/CAN) s.t., 10. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 1:03.
   Selected: 24. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) s.t., 43. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM)
2:09

   General classification
   1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/ASt) 34hr 19min 31sec, 2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) at 29sec, 3. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 1:15, 4. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) 1:16, 5. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 1:24, 6. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 2:11, 7. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/FAR) 2:43, 8. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL/LAM) 2:44, 9. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 2:49, 10. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) 3:02
   Selected:
   11. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 3:11

2013 Amgen Tour of California

5/12/2013

The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team has announced its official roster for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California. Among the eight riders scheduled to compete for the Team in the annual race through the Golden State are Philip Deignan (IRL), Lucas Euser (USA), Chris Jones (USA), Jake Keough (USA), Marc de Maar (CUR), Jeff Louder (USA), Aldo Ino Ilesic (SLO), and John Murphy (USA).

The U.S. based Pro Continental unit heads into the eight-day, 730-mile race that beings on Sunday, May 12, in Escondido, on the heels of a tremendously successful six-week block of racing in America. During this recent stretch, the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train has compiled an impressive 17-straight podium appearance streak in the U.S., including podium-placing results in all five stages of last week’s Silver City’s Tour of the Gila as well as USA CRITS Speedweek.

The versatility and depth of the 2013 squad is evidenced by the fact 10 different riders have produced a Top 3 result in the U.S., including one general classification (GC) win (Phil Deignan - Tour of the Gila) and two Team overall wins (Team GC at Tour of the Gila and Team overall and top three spots on the final podium for Speedweek).

The boys hope to carry the momentum generated during this recent stretch, right into California, where they will once again go head-to-head with the best the sport has to offer.

When asked about the Team’s return to the eight-day trek across California’s scenic roadways, coastlines and iconic settings, General Manager and Team Director, Mike Tamayo, said, “Racing in the Amgen Tour of California is always special. The organizers do a great job putting together a world-class race and we are honored to be competing in it again this year.”

Tamayo continued, “Our guys are ready. They are focused and racing well as a Team. The performance at last week’s Tour of the Gila as well as the past couple of months overall is a sign that all of the preparation is timed well. We are excited to get underway in California.”

“Our title sponsor, UnitedHealthcare, and all of our sponsors are extremely supportive of our Team and are very involved with the sport. We are excited to represent them in the best possible way and make this a great experience for all involved,” Tamayo concluded.

The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Roster for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California (May 12-19):
Philip Deignan (IRL)
Marc de Maar (CUR)
Jeff Louder (USA)
Chris Jones (USA)
Jake Keough (USA)
Lucas Euser (USA)
John Murphy (USA)
Aldo Ino

2013 Amgen Tour of California

5/12/2013

Champion System General Manager Ed Beamon said the team's diverse line-up should allow Asia's first and only pro continental team to make a significant impact on the eight-day, 730-mile race that begins Sunday in Escondido. The race features an individual time trial around San Jose and a summit finish on Mount Diablo before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to finish in Santa Rosa.

"Our goal will be to add excitement to the race and attempt to animate every stage," Beamon said. "I think we have a strong group of opportunistic guys and you can expect to see national champions Matt Brammeier (Ireland) and Ryan Roth (Canada) spearheading an aggressive approach that will target a stage win."

Beamon said he is looking to his most experienced Amgen Tour of California riders for the overall classification: Americans Chad Beyer and Chris Butler. Beyer, who recently completed a solid block of European races, said he feels confident about his form heading into his home country's race.

"I've done the Tour of California two times before and it's always a treat to do a big race on home soil," Beyer said. "I think those European races have definitely brought my form up a level. I'm anxious to get out there and see what we can do."

Fresh off earning "most aggressive rider" honors on the final stage of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque stage race in France, former Taiwan national champion Chun Kai Feng heads to the Amgen Tour of California eager and confident.

"It is inconceivable for me to be able to race in the Amgen Tour of California, because it is a huge race," Feng said. "My season has been good so far and the main thing for me is to keep learning."

Missing from the Champion System lineup is American and two-time Under 23 national champion Craig Lewis, who is recovering from a broken elbow suffered during a crash at Brabantse Pijl in early April.

"It is a big disappointment not to have Craig with us at the Amgen Tour of California, but I think we have a great squad and we're looking forward to the team's first appearance here," Beamon said.

The team's title sponsor, Champion System, is a leading Hong Kong-based custom cycling clothing manufacturer that is providing the Amgen Tour of California's custom race leader jerseys, complete with rider names.

Champion System Pro Cycling Team Amgen Tour of California Roster (May 12-19):
Chad Beyer (USA), Chris Butler (USA), Matt Brammeier (IRL), Chun Kai Feng (TPE), Gregor Gazvoda (SLO), Ryan Roth (CAN), Bobbie Traksel (NED), Kin San Wu (HKG).

Director: Ed Beamon (USA).

Giro d'Italia, Stage 8

5/11/2013

Briton Alex Dowsett took the honours ahead of compatriot and former teammate Bradley Wiggins in the Tour of Italy's eighth stage time trial on Saturday with Italian Vincenzo Nibali inheriting the leader's pink jersey.

This 54.8 kilometer race against the clock was seen as an ideal opportunity for Wiggins, the Olympic time trial gold medalist, to make up time after a tough opening week for the Team Sky leader. But Wiggins, who hit the deck on a rain-drenched hairpin on Friday, had another setback when his front tyre punctured 17 minutes into his run, delaying him by a stage-winning 20sec as he changed bikes.

That left him filling second, crossing the line 10 seconds adrift of Dowsett (Movistar) to leave him 1min 16sec off the new leader Nibali, who took fourth in the stage. In the overall standings, Sicilian Nibali leads by 29sec from Cadel Evans, with Dutch rider Robert Gesink in third at 1:15 and Wiggins, who finished strongly on the climb up to Saltara, in fourth.

Nibali was surprised to find himself as the new leader, saying: "I wasn't expecting to be wearing the pink jersey today. I worked a lot with this in mind over the winter. "Now we will go about defending the pink jersey, I'm feeling comfortable." Dowsett, 24, who switched to Movistar this year after two seasons with Team Sky, is the British time trial champion. The big losers of the day were overnight leader Benat Intxausti, who plummeted down the standings to 14th, over three and a half minutes adrift, and Ryder Hesjedel of Canada.

Last year's winner started the day placed third, at 8sec, overall, but slipped to sixth, 2:05 behind Nibali at the end of his run. Sunday's ninth stage is a 170km run from Sansepolcro to Florence, which hosts the world road championships in September.

STAGE RESULTS

1. Alex Dowsett (GBR/MOV) 1hr 16min 27sec

2. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) at 0:10s

3. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) 0:14.

4. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 0:21.

5. Stef Clement (NED/BLA) 0:32.

6. Luke Durbridge (AUS/ORI) 0:35.

7. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 0:39.

8. Manuele Boaro (ITA/SAX) 0:45.

9. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 0:53.

10. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 0:53.

11. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 1:22.

12. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 1:48.

13. Patrick Gretsch (GER/ARG) 1:48.

14. Wilco Kelderman (NED/BLA) 1:57.

15. Jesse Sergent (NZL/RSH) 2:00.

16. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL/LAM) 2:13.

17. Nelson Oliveira (POR/RSH) 2:17.

18. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 2:23.

19. Juan Manuel Garate (ESP/BLA) 2:28.

20. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM) 2:34.

Selected.

41. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 4:02.

170. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 9:38.

OVERALL

1. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 29h46:57.

2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) à 0:29.

3. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 1:15.

4. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) 1:16.

5. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 1:24.

6. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 2:05.

7. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 2:11.

8. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/FAR) 2:43.

9. Przemyslaw Niemec (POL/LAM) 2:44.

10. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) 2:49.

Selected

14. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 3:36.

144. Alex Dowsett (GBR/MOV) 57:09.

149. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 58:30.

Photo: Bettini

Presenting The 2013 Amgen Tour of California

5/11/2013

When the world’s most elite cyclists take the start line at the 2013 Amgen Tour of California professional road race in Escondido May 12, fans will spot some of the most notable professional cyclists from around the world. From veterans with multiple world titles under their belts to the leaders of the next generation of American cyclists, the peloton will be packed with fan favorites and a lot of talent.

“For the past eight years, the Amgen Tour of California has consistently drawn the top teams and competitors to race in California, the caliber of which hasn’t been seen in America in decades,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “We’re proud to have created an event that not only showcases the best in the world, but also gives young U.S. athletes a world stage on which to compete and grow to become the next cycling superstars.”

Over the past seven years, the race has become the largest cycling event in America, and is now one of the top races in the world. Whether competing for the overall title, or vying to shake things up on the course for a stage win, some of the most exciting moments of racing are expected from:

General Classification (Overall Contenders)
•Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
•David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Michael Rogers (AUS), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
•Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
•Andy Schleck (LUX), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
•Thomas De Gendt (BEL), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
•Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by

Climbers
•Andy Schleck (LUX), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Markel Irizar Aranburu (ESP), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Amael Moinard (FRA), BMC Racing Team
•Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
•Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team
•Mathias Frank (SUI), BMC Racing Team
•Chris Butler (USA), Champion System Pro Cycling Team
•Haimar Zubeldia (ESP), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK

   Sprinters
•Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
•Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Thor Hushovd (NOR), BMC Racing Team
•Cameron Meyer (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
•Baden Cooke (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
•J.J. Haedo (ARG), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
•Jacobe Keough (USA), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
•Frank Pipp (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling
•Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team
•Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
•Boy van Poppel (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team

Stage Wins (One-Day Strongmen)
•Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
•Jens Voigt (GER), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
•Johan Van Summeren (BEL), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Philippe Gilbert (BEL), BMC Racing Team
•Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Brian Vandborg (DEN), Cannondale Pro Cycling
•Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team

Time Trialists
•Jens Voigt (GER), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Bert Grabsch (GER), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
•Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
•Jeremy Vennell (NZL), BISSELL Pro Cycling
•Tom Zirbel (USA), Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
•Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
•Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
•Marco Pinotti (ITA), BMC Racing Team

Some other “riders to watch” include the healing heroes taking part in two Amgen Tour of California Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Honor Rides in Escondido and Santa Rosa on race day to support R2R’s mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity. And, there are plenty of ways to take in the pro action, whether in person on the race course May 12 – 19, via daily broadcasts on NBC Sports Network and NBC, or by downloading the free Tour Tracker app, which features live race updates, rider background and full race results. More information on all of the ways to watch is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About the Amgen Tour of California
The largest cycling event in America, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that stretches across nearly 750 miles of scenic California roadways, highways and coastlines from May 12-19, 2013. For more information about the race, please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about Amgen’s pioneering science and vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com. Follow Amgen on www.twitter.com/amgen.

About Ride 2 Recovery (R2R)
The mission of Ride 2 Recovery is to improve the health and wellness of healing heroes through mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity. In 2013, R2R is partnering with the Amgen Tour of California, featuring three ATOC Honor Rides to help raise funds. Palmdale, Escondido and Santa Rosa are the host cities, where cyclists ride parts of the professional cycling course, cross the actual finish line in Escondido on May 12 and Santa Rosa on May 19, and importantly, ride alongside healing heroes on a non-competitive, fun ride. For more information, visit www.ride2recovery.com.

2013 amgen tour of california PROMISES AN EXCITING EIGHT DAYS OF RACING

From World Champions to Olympians, Most Competitive Field in Eight Editions Features International and U.S. Cycling Superstars and Up-and-Comers

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2013) – When the world’s most elite cyclists take the start line at the 2013 Amgen Tour of California professional road race in Escondido May 12, fans will spot some of the most notable professional cyclists from around the world. From veterans with multiple world titles under their belts to the leaders of the next generation of American cyclists, the peloton will be packed with fan favorites and a lot of talent.

“For the past eight years, the Amgen Tour of California has consistently drawn the top teams and competitors to race in California, the caliber of which hasn’t been seen in America in decades,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “We’re proud to have created an event that not only showcases the best in the world, but also gives young U.S. athletes a world stage on which to compete and grow to become the next cycling superstars.”

Over the past seven years, the race has become the largest cycling event in America, and is now one of the top races in the world. Whether competing for the overall title, or vying to shake things up on the course for a stage win, some of the most exciting moments of racing are expected from:

General Classification (Overall Contenders)
•Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
•David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Michael Rogers (AUS), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
•Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
•Andy Schleck (LUX), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
•Thomas De Gendt (BEL), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
•Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by

Climbers
•Andy Schleck (LUX), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Markel Irizar Aranburu (ESP), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Amael Moinard (FRA), BMC Racing Team
•Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
•Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team
•Mathias Frank (SUI), BMC Racing Team
•Chris Butler (USA), Champion System Pro Cycling Team
•Haimar Zubeldia (ESP), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK

   Sprinters
•Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
•Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Thor Hushovd (NOR), BMC Racing Team
•Cameron Meyer (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
•Baden Cooke (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
•J.J. Haedo (ARG), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
•Jacobe Keough (USA), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
•Frank Pipp (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling
•Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team
•Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
•Boy van Poppel (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team

Stage Wins (One-Day Strongmen)
•Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
•Jens Voigt (GER), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
•Johan Van Summeren (BEL), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Philippe Gilbert (BEL), BMC Racing Team
•Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Brian Vandborg (DEN), Cannondale Pro Cycling
•Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team

Time Trialists
•Jens Voigt (GER), RadioShack Leopard Trek
•David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
•Bert Grabsch (GER), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
•Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
•Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
•Jeremy Vennell (NZL), BISSELL Pro Cycling
•Tom Zirbel (USA), Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
•Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
•Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
•Marco Pinotti (ITA), BMC Racing Team

Some other “riders to watch” include the healing heroes taking part in two Amgen Tour of California Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) Honor Rides in Escondido and Santa Rosa on race day to support R2R’s mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity. And, there are plenty of ways to take in the pro action, whether in person on the race course May 12 – 19, via daily broadcasts on NBC Sports Network and NBC, or by downloading the free Tour Tracker app, which features live race updates, rider background and full race results. More information on all of the ways to watch is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About the Amgen Tour of California

The largest cycling event in America, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that stretches across nearly 750 miles of scenic California roadways, highways and coastlines from May 12-19, 2013. For more information about the race, please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about Amgen’s pioneering science and vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com. Follow Amgen on www.twitter.com/amgen.

About Ride 2 Recovery (R2R)

The mission of Ride 2 Recovery is to improve the health and wellness of healing heroes through mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity. In 2013, R2R is partnering with the Amgen Tour of California, featuring three ATOC Honor Rides to help raise funds. Palmdale, Escondido and Santa Rosa are the host cities, where cyclists ride parts of the professional cycling course, cross the actual finish line in Escondido on May 12 and Santa Rosa on May 19, and importantly, ride alongside healing heroes on a non-competitive, fun ride. For more information, visit www.ride2recovery.com.

Giro d'Italia, Stage 7

5/10/2013

Lotto-Belisol's Adam Hansen solo'd to victory on a wet and wild stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia. Photo: Bettini

Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins lost valuable time after falling on a treacherously wet hairpin bend in the seventh stage of the Tour of Italy won by Australian Adam Hansen on Friday. After hitting the deck close to home as the rain came down Wiggins picked himself up to trail in 55th, two-and-a-half minutes behind Hansen, to slip to 23rd in the overall standings, 1min 32sec behind new leader Benat Intxausti.

   Wiggins, the Olympic time trial gold medallist, will be hoping to make up for time lost on this tricky undulating 177km run from San Silvo to Pescara in Saturday's time trial. Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford reported the British star none the worse for his tumble.

   "Bradley's fine. There's no physical injury," he reported. "Ultimately when you have difficult conditions like these and hard racing this type of thing can happen. It's the Giro. "You can have good days and bad days and you have to wait until the end to tot them all up and see where you are. It's a setback, but Brad's still very much in the hunt. We've now got to take each day as it comes, focus on fully recovering tonight and hitting the time trial hard tomorrow. We'll see where we are tomorrow night and take stock of the situation then."

   In the overall standings, pink jersey holder Intxausti now leads by five seconds from Vincenzo Nibali, who like Wiggins also fell, with last year's Giro winner, Canadian Ryder Hesjedal, eight seconds back in third.

   Hansen, who turns 32 on Saturday, was clinching his first stage victory on a major tour since he turned professional in 2007.

   "It was really tough but I had an incredible feeling crossing the line," he said. "I never thought I'd experience such a day as this. I've registered the best victory of my career, what a magnificent present to myself 24 hours before my birthday."

   Hansen, riding for the Lotto team, took command after forming part of a five-strong breakaway group that hit the front early on in the day's run. The Aussie and Emanuele Sella forged clear of the frontrunners near the Chieti climb 35km from the finish, with Hansen dropping the Italian to come home alone.

   He took the stage with a 1:07 gap back to a group led by Italian Enrico Battaglin with another home hope, Danilo Di Luca, in third. Intxausti came in 14th at 1:07.

   Saturday's eighth stage is a 54.8km race against the clock between Gabbice Mare and Saltara, with Wiggins desperate to make inroads after a trying first week on Wiggins slips back after fall, Hansen wins stage.

RESULTS: The seventh stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 177km run from Marina di San Salvo to Pescara:

   1. Adam Hansen (AUS/LTB) 4hr 35min 49sec, 2. Enrico Battaglin (ITA/BAR) at 1:07, 3. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/VIN) 1:07, 4. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) 1:07, 5. Damiano Caruso (ITA/CAN) 1:07, 6. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 1:07, 7. Stefano Pirazzi (ITA/BAR) 1:07, 8. Arnold Jeannesson (FRA/FDJ) 1:07, 9. Pieter Weening (NED/ORI) 1:07, 10. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 1:07.
   Selected
   14. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 1:07, 22. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 1:07, 23. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 1:07, 54. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) 2:31, 55.
Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) 2:31.

   Overall
   1. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 28hr 30min 04sec, 2. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) at 05, 3. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 08, 4. Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) 10, 5. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) 13, 6. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 16, 7. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 19, 8. Ivan Santaromita (ITA/BMC) 28, 9. Pieter Weening (NED/ORI) 29, 10. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) 34.
   Selected
   23. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) 1:32

2013 Amgen Tour of California

5/10/2013

The 5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team finished on the podium at the Tour of the Gila Powered by SRAM this past weekend in New Mexico. Francisco “Paco” Mancebo (ESP) won the final stage, Gila Monster Road Race, taking third place in the General Classification (G.C.). Teammate Max Jenkins (USA) placed third overall in the Sprint Classification. With the success at Tour of the Gila, both the 5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team and Mancebo take control of the No. 1 spots on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) standings, men’s team and men’s individual standings, respectively.

At this year’s Amgen Tour of California, May 12-19, the 5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team will be lead by two-time NRC Individual Champion and team captain Mancebo of Spain. The 5-hour ENERGY squad in California will include seven American riders, including Jenkins (3rd on Stage 2 2013 Tour of the Gila), Nate English (winner of TT at 2013 Joe Martin Stage Race), Jim Stemper (fifth at 2012 US Pro Road Race Championship), and David Williams (fourth overall at 2013 Redlands Bicycle Classic).

The Amgen Tour of California is a home race for the team’s two California riders, English and Jenkins. English grew up in Berkeley, Calif., and is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley. Jenkins is originally from Novosibirsk, Russia and became a U.S. citizen in 2007. He currently resides in Citrus Heights, Calif. and is also a graduate of the UC Berkeley.

ROSTER
•   Nate English (Berkeley, Calif.)
•   Max Jenkins (Citrus Heights, Calif.)
•   Francisco “Paco” Mancebo (El Tiemblo, Avila, Spain)
•   Shawn Milne (Beverly, Mass.)
•   Taylor Shelden (Louisville, Colo.)
•   James Stemper (Jackson, Wyo.)
•   Bobby Sweeting (Asheville, N.C.)
•   David Williams (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

RIDER QUOTES
Max Jenkins: “Racing the Amgen Tour of California is a very exciting opportunity for me, especially since Stage 7 finishes on top of Mt. Diablo, which is where I first started cycling. I know that road like the back of my hand and it will be exhilarating racing up there. I expect to have a ton of friends and family cheering me up that climb, so it’s going to be an experience I'll treasure forever. This is going to be my second time doing the race and so I have some idea of what to expect. I know it is going to be a challenging race, but our 5-hour Energy pb Kenda is the strongest team in the U.S. and we will be able to hold our own.”

Nate English: “The Amgen Tour of California will be a special race to me, not just from a sporting point of view, but also personally. I started racing in the San Francisco Bay Area and know a lot of the local riders who will show their support by lining the roads and rooting for me and my team. I would really love to give my best effort with my best fitness and see how I stack up. At Cali, it'll be special.”

Taylor Shelden: “I am really looking forward to racing in the premier race in the United States. It will be a great opportunity to ride against some of the best riders in the world. It is a big goal for both myself, as an individual rider, and the 5-hour ENERGY® team as a whole.”

David Williams:“As riders, we are truly grateful to have a great support staff and sponsors who have given us the opportunity to race in California. I will admit, thinking about the race that awaits us is scary, exciting and unknown, but at the end of the day I have to keep reminding myself that it's yet another bike race. As a team, we are as motivated to do our jobs as best we can, support each other. Now it's time to do our jobs on the bigger scale, and I couldn't be more honored to line up at the start with this group of guys.”

Paco Mancebo: “Esta victoria (Stage 5 at Tour of the Gila) me ha dado mucha moral. Tanto el equipo como yo estamos muy motivados por correr con los grandes equipos ProTour y de dejarnos la piel en la carretera. Mi intención es estar en el Top 10 de la general, sobre todo viendo la dureza de las etapas y la dureza de la crono. La 2ª etapa con final en Palm Springs me gusta mucho por la diustancia y por la dureza, y también la 7ª con final en Mt Diablo, pero hay que estar fuerte desde el primer día. Creo que el 5-hour Energy equipo está capacitado para ganar una etapa y hacerlo muy bien en la general.”

English: “This victory (Stage 5 at Tour of the Gila) has given me great motivation. Both the team and I are very motivated to race against the big ProTour teams and leave it all on the road. My goal is Top 10 in the general classification, especially after seeing how tough the stages and time trial will be. I really like the second stage with finish in Palm Springs due to the distance and difficulty, also stage 7 with finish on Mt Diablo, but you need to be strong from the first day. I believe the5-hour Energy team is capable of winning a stage and doing well in the general classification.”

Directeur Sportif, Frankie Andreu: “The Amgen Tour of California is one of the highlights for the 5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team. The new route covers some exciting new ground and includes some very difficult obstacles that will suit our team. Many of our riders are familiar with Palomar Mountain, the Tramway in Palm Springs, and Mount Diablo, and we can utilize our team's strengths on these epic California climbs. This will be a great opportunity to race against the world's best cyclists, showcase our sponsors, and interact with our fans. The event continues to grow each year and we are excited to take part in the race in 2013.”

Amgen Tour of California   Stages
Sunday, May 12   Stage 1   Escondido – Escondido   102.7 mi.
Monday, May 13   Stage 2   Murietta – Palm Springs   124.1 mi.
Tuesday, May 14   Stage 3   Palmdale – Santa Clarita   110.3 mi.
Wednesday, May 15   Stage 4   Santa Clarita – Santa Barbara   83.6 mi.
Thursday, May 16   Stage 5   Santa Barbara – Avila Beach   115.4 mi.
Friday, May 17   Stage 6   San Jose Time Trial   19.6 mi.
Saturday, May 18   Stage 7   Livermore – Mt. Diablo   91.4 mi.
Sunday, May 19   Stage 8   San Francisco – Santa Rosa   81.6 mi.

Follow the Race
Twitter: @AmgenTourofCali
Facebook: Amgen Tour of California
Web: amgentourofcalifornia.com

Follow the Team
Twitter: @5hourEnergyTeam (#5HEcycling)
Facebook: 5-hour-Energy-presented-by-Kenda-Racing-Team
Web: ontherivetmanagement.com

Giro d'Italia, Stage 6

5/9/2013

Britain's Mark Cavendish claimed his second win on the 96th Giro d'Italia Thursday when he dominated a bunch sprint at the end of the 169km sixth stage between Mola di Bari and Margherita de Savoia. Cavendish burst out from behind the wheel of Omega-Pharma teammate Gert Steegmans to finish ahead of Italian Elia Viviani and Australian Matt Goss.


"I'm so happy, I'm absolutely buzzing," said Cavendish, who now has 12 victories on the three-week race having won the opener in Naples last Saturday.

   Viviani, who was left banging on his handlebars in frustration when Cavendish beat him on the opening stage, said this time he had no argument.

"In Naples I came close, but today Mark was definitely number one," said the Italian, a former track rider who is still looking for his first professional victory on the road. "I took his wheel and looked to benefit from some of his slipstream but there was no way I could get past him. But I'll be trying again."

   Italian Luca Paolini of the Katusha team retained the race leader's pink jersey. Paolini, who is not an overall victory contender, is expected to give up the jersey after or before Saturday's first big battle between the favourites on stage eight's 54.8 km time trial between Gabicce Mare and Saltara.

   Of the overall contenders, Italian Vincenzo Nibali is best placed in fourth at 31sec adrift, with defending champion Ryder Hesjedal and race favourite Bradley Wiggins, the defending Tour de France champion, in fifth and sixth respectively at 34. Another former Tour winner, Australian Cadel Evans, remained 10th at 42.

   In a frantic finish to the race Wiggins was the victim of two incidents that could have cost him time.
First he suffered a mechanical problem which required his Sky team to dig deep to rejoin the main peloton containing all his rivals. Just as they had closed the gap, a crash which took down several riders occurred 34km from the finish line, allowing a number of small groups to pull off the front.

   Wiggins' fears, however, were allayed in the final kilometers as teammate Christian Knees, and other teams with pink jersey contenders, kept the pace high at the front before the sprinters' teams took over for their fast men in the closing 5km.

   "Bradley needed a bike change minutes before that crash, so although he wasn't involved in it, he did get stuck behind it," explained Knees. "The boys did a brilliant job pacing him back on but I got caught up the road. It was so loud in the bunch that I couldn't hear over the race radio what had happened behind me until it was too late."

   He added: "This was the last sprint day for a while, so that's why it was so hectic, and we knew we had to stay safe at the front. In the end we did that so we're all happy with how things turned out."

Friday's seventh stage is a 177km ride over undulating terrain which, however, finishes on flat terrain which should again suit Cavendish.

RESULTS: the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 169 km race from Mola di Bari to Margherita di Savoia:

   Stage
   1. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 3hr 56min 03sec, 2. Eli Viviani (ITA/CAN) same time, 3. Matt Goss (AUS/OGE) s.t., 4. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/FDJ) s.t., 5. Mattia Gavazzi (ITA/AND) s.t., 6. Manuel Belletti (ITA/AGR) s.t., 7. Davide Appollonio (ITA/AGR) s.t., 8. Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA/RSH) s.t., 9. Matti Breschel (DEN/SAX) s.t., 10. Roberto Ferrari (ITA/LAM) s.t.

   General classification
   1. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) 23h52:42, 2. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) at 17sec, 3. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 26, 4. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 31, 5. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 34, 6. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) s.t., 7. Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) 36, 8. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 37, 9. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/FAR) 39, 10. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 42
   Selected: 11. Tom Danielson (USA/GRM) s.t., 12. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 45

TEAM REPORT

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Mark Cavendish was dropped off for the sprint with 170m to go at the end of the 169km flat Giro d'Italia Stage 6 on Thursday, winning the stage that he soon dedicated to the memory of Wouter Weylandt. The entire team worked for him all day long, not only controlling breaks and protecting him, but also moving him into perfect position in the final kilometer.

OPQS rider Gert Steegmans was Cav's final leadout man, bringing him perfectly up the middle of the scrambling peloton to launch his sprint. Elia Viviani (Cannondale ProCycling Team) was 2nd, and Matthew Goss (Orica-GreenEDGE) 3rd.

Cavendish rushed to embrace his teammates after the win.

"I'm so happy right now, it was incredible," Cavendish said immediately after the victory. "The lead-out was absolutely perfect, nothing went wrong, it was beautiful. I'm absolutely buzzing. Imagine you have a kit car, something you've built from the start as we have this year with the lead-out. You start it, 'vroom vroom' and you know, you have some fears about it, all those things having been put together, about being able to start the engine. I'm just the last part, the last one that makes the most noise. But when it works! That's how you can win. I also want to dedicate this win to Wouter Weylandt, who died tragically at the Giro two years ago."

This is the 26th win for OPQS, in three disciplines, in 2013. This is also the ninth UCI win for Cavendish, and the second of the Giro d'Italia. He now has 99 career wins.

"It was 100 percent beautiful today, and not just the lead-out— from the beginning," Cavendish said. "Bobridge and Wurf were two strong guys to have in the breakaway today. We had Serge Pauwels and Gianluca Brambilla pulling from the beginning and we were going strong. Really, really well and they kept going until the last kilometers. Then Jerome Pineau, Michal Golas, Iljo Keisse, and Matteo Trentin took over, and even Julien Vermote came up after getting dropped. He's a young guy and he really rode today. These guys rode until their legs couldn't go anymore. It was really incredible to see that, and this is all before the leadout. I haven't seen riding like this in about a year. Today made me so, so proud."

"Then the lead-out was very, very hectic," Cavendish continued. "With the crash it made everybody nervous. All the GC teams were there with even less than 3km to go, like BMC Racing Team and Sky, as well as the sprint teams. It was real, real chaos. I just tried to follow Gert Steegmans. He found my territory and then they timed it perfectly. There was always going to be a team that went too early with a headwind finish. My guys waited, waited, they were patient and they hit it at exactly the right time. They just went fast, fast, fast and they launched me perfectly and I was able to go to the line. I was really happy with it. Gert Steegmans showed today that when he's at his best, he's nearly the best leadout man there's ever been."

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

Giro d'Italia, Stage 5

5/8/2013

Germany's John Degenkolb of the Argos-Shimano team won a rain-soaked fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia Wednesday, held over 203km from Cosenza to Matera, to claim his first victory in the race.
Most of the main peloton, including race leader Luca Paolini (Katusha) and main favourite Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky, were held up by several crashes on a dangerous left-hand corner inside the final 1.5km.

However Paolini, who is not a contender for overall victory, and the rest of that peloton benefited from race rules allowing anyone caught up or delayed by crashes inside the final 3km to be given the same time as the winner. Paolini, 36 years old but only making his Giro debut this year, claimed the race lead with victory on stage three.

   He will now wear the jersey for a third full day on Thursday when the peloton tackles the mainly-flat sixth stage over 169 km from Mola di Bari to Margherita di Savoia. Paolini leads Sergio Henao of Team Sky by 17secs with the real contenders for the race's main prize not far behind.

   Former Tour of Spain champion Italian Vincenzo Nibali is fourth at 31, defending champion Ryder Hesjedal of Canada is fifth at 34, Wiggins is sixth with the same deficit and Australian Cadel Evans, a former Tour de France winner, is 10th at 42.

   Degenkolb, meanwhile, had done well to stay near the front of the peloton as it approached a bend in the road which had been singled out as potentially dangerous. When a number of riders slid to the ground, it left Marco Canola racing off excitedly on his own hoping to emulate the stage victory of Bardiani teammate Enrico Battaglin on Tuesday.

   However the young Italian's bid foundered in the closing 200 meters when Degenkolb dug deep to close the gap.

   "It was a hard finish, especially the last kilometer," said the German after winning his maiden stage on the race having won five on the Tour of Spain last year. "It was super fast and then there was the crash. I saw I had a gap and so I had to go full gas for the last 800 meters. I was empty when I hit the line but it's great to win."

   BMC rider Daniel Oss explained: "The crash was simple: the guys in the front took the turn too fast and slid out on the white pavement lines."

   Britain's Mark Cavendish, the opening stage winner in Naples, was one of several top sprinters tipped to contend the stage win. But, like many of his rivals, the Omega-Pharma fast man began sliding towards the back of the peloton as the pace increased on the way up the Montescaglioso climb.

With a number of other teams picking up the pace on the 20km descent to the finish, Cavendish eventually trailed home over six minutes in arrears. The Manxman, who has 11 Giro stage wins and 23 from the Tour de France, will look to make amends on the flat finish of the sixth stage.

RESULTS:
   Stage
   1. John Degenkolb (GER/ARG) 4h37:48, 2. Angel Vicioso (ESP/KAT) same time, 3. Paul Martens (GER/BLA) s.t., 4. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) s.t., 5. Matteo Trentin (ITA/OPQ) s.t., 6. Jarlinson Pantano (COL/COL) s.t., 7. Daniel Oss (ITA/BMC) s.t., 8. Jens Keukeleire (BEL/ORI) s.t., 9. Grega Bole (SLO/VAC) s.t., 10. Tanel Kangert (EST/AST) s.t., 11. Michal Golas (POL/OPQ) s.t., 12.
Marco Canola (ITA/COG) s.t., 13. Jackson Rodriguez (VEN/AND) s.t., 14. Elia Viviani (ITA/CAN) s.t., 15. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/FDJ) s.t.

Selected: 21. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) s.t., 24. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) s.t., 37. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) s.t., 42. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) s.t., 90. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) s.t., 127. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 6:37 DNF: Pablo Urtasun (ESP/EUS)

   General Classification
   1. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) 19h56:39, 2. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) at 17sec, 3. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) 26, 4. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 31, 5. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 34, 6. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) s.t., 7. Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) 36, 8. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 37, 9. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/FAR) 39, 10. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 42, 11. Tom Danielson (USA/GRM) s.t., 12. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) 45, 13. Yury Trofimov (RUS/KAT) 46, 14. Giovanni Visconti
(ITA/MOV) 52, 15. Ivan Santaromita (ITA/BMC) 54
   Selected: 19. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 1:18, 21. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 1:23

TEAM ARGOS REPORT
John Degenkolb (GER) won Stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia after a hectic finish in Matera in Team Argos-Shimano’s first ever start in the race. Degenkolb had to work hard to catch the remaining final rider out front after a crash in the last corner at just over 1km to go, but he succeeded in the last few hundred meters and took a huge win for the team.

Following the stage, Degenkolb said: “We knew that it was a stage that suited me today. But I was on the limit and it was so hard right up until the end.

“We had to suffer a lot, but I got the team’s confidence today. We controlled the whole race and they worked hard to keep me there so it is victory for all of us—a great day for Team Argos-Shimano. We started the finale very well. I had Luca Mezgec (SLO) in font of me, who did a fantastic job in bringing me into position. Unfortunately he crashed with 1km to go, leaving me alone, and there was only one guy in front from Team Bardiani Valvole. Viviani (Cannondale) was behind me, but I went full gas and made it to the finish, coming past the leader with 250 meters to go to win. But it was so hard. Incredible!"

Addy Engels (NED), sports manager, said: “It was a great day for us. The break pulled out to six minutes before we decided to work. Other teams saw that it was becoming too difficult, so we really had to work for it today, and that made it even more special that we won.

“In the finale we had Mezgec, Thomas Damuseau (FRA) and Degenkolb in the front group. Mezgec and Damuseau did a terrific job in the finale getting John into the best position possible.

“There was a tense moment after the crash, but then we saw that John had made it through, and he brought home the win. We highlighted this stage, with its difficult finish, as a target, and it is fantastic that we actually did it. All the hard work has paid off.”

Mezgec, the rider who crashed, is OK based on the initial findings, according to sports manager Addy Engels.

Giro d'Italia, Stage 4

5/7/2013

Enrico Battaglin claimed his maiden Giro d'Italia stage on Tuesday with fellow Italian Luca Paolini retaining the leader's pink jersey and race favourite Bradley Wiggins losing time after an epic 246km of racing from Policastro to Serra San Bruno. Battaglin, who rides for the Bardiani team, surged out of a small group of survivors from the day's second and last climb to sprint to a well-earned victory after nearly 6hr 15min of racing to the southernmost point of the Giro's 96th edition.

   Minutes earlier, Danilo Di Luca, the Giro winner in 2007, belied his 37 years to launch an audacious attack towards the end of the final climb and race into the lead with young Colombian Robinson Chalapud on his wheel. The pair came over the summit with barely 20secs on the main peloton but, despite Di Luca's efforts on the rain-hit finale, they were agonizingly caught inside the final kilometer.

   Katusha veteran Paolini, who took the race lead with victory on stage three on Monday, was just behind and crossed the finish line in the company of overall victory hopefuls Vincenzo Nibali, Cadel Evans and Ryder Hesjedal.

   "I'm glad to still have the pink jersey but it was a tough day of racing," said Paolini.

Main race favorite, Team Sky leader Wiggins, however, lost time to his main rivals in the run-in. Tour de France champion Wiggins was held up by a crash involving Italian Cristian Salerno on the approach to the final kilometer. Race rules normally dictate that riders caught up in such incidents in the final three kilometers are not penalized.

   However the race jury said after the stage that Wiggins had not been hindered by the crash, thus attributing him with his actual finishing time.

   "The crash was inside three kilometers to go so hopefully they will recognize that," Sky's sports director Marcus Ljungvist told teamsky.com. "It's one of those things that happens in bike racing. It's certainly not the end of the world."

   Wiggins began the race's second-longest stage in second place overall at 17sec. But despite a dominant display of riding by his Sky team on the 12.8km climb to the Croce Ferrata summit and, notably, the treacherous 7km descent to the finish, he lost time to his rivals, which could prove costly.

   Former Tour of Spain winner Nibali (Astana) turned his 14sec overnight deficit to Wiggins into a 3sec lead, while both Hesjedal and, notably, Evans, also claimed back lost time.

   "Everything was good today and that's a good indicator," said Evans, who had a strong finish also on Monday, a day after losing time in the team time-trial. "Most importantly, I got through the stage without any trouble or time loss."

   Paolini now leads another Team Sky rider, Colombian Rigoberto Uran, by 17sec with Nibali at 31sec, Hesjedal and Wiggins fifth and sixth respectively at 34sec and Evans sitting 10th at 42sec.

   Wednesday's fifth stage is held over 205 km from Cosenza to Matera and, although mainly flat, it ends on an uphill which will suit the 'punchers' and other specialist climbers of the peloton.

RESULTS: The 246 km race from Policastro to Serra San Bruno:
   Stage
   1. Enrico Battaglin (ITA/BAR) 6hr 14min 19sec, 2. Fabio Fellin (ITA/AND) same time, 3. Giovanni Visconti (ITA/MOV) s.t., 4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) s.t., 5. Arnold Jeannesson (FRA/FDJ) s.t., 6. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) s.t., 4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) s.t., 7. Benat Intxausti (ESP/EUS) s.t., 8. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) s.t., 9. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) s.t., 10. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) s.t.

   General classification
   1. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) 15hr 18min 51sec, 2. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) at 17sec, 3. Benat Intxausti (ESP/EUS) 26, 4. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/AST) 31, 5. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 34, 6. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) s.t., 7. Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) 36, 8. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 37, 9. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) 39, 10. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) 42

NBC Partners With The Tour of California

5/7/2013

When the 2013 Amgen Tour of California begins Sunday, May 12, cycling fans in more than 200 countries and territories will once again have the opportunity to tune in to the action and excitement on NBC and NBC Sports Network as well as via the race’s exclusive international network of broadcast partners. Kicking off their coverage on Sunday, May 5, NBC Sports Network airs an exclusive race preview show. Beginning Sunday, May 12, NBC Sports Network launches its live HD coverage of the race and continues with exclusive coverage of daily highlights every evening during the eight-day competition. Live coverage of the final day of racing airs on NBC with the final stage of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California Sunday, May 19 at 1-3 p.m. ET.

Viewers tuning into America’s most prestigious road cycling race, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, will see 128 of the best cyclists in the world battle it out across nearly 750 miles of picturesque California highways, roadways and coastlines.

“We are pleased that NBC Sports Group will be retuning as our broadcast partner this year,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “One of our primary goals is to bring new fans to the sport of cycling, and the exposure and promotion that NBC and NBC Sports Network deliver means that viewers across the country can tune into one of the most exciting stage races of the season, whether to discover the sport or to cheer on their favorite teams and cyclists. NBC’s coverage last year showed American sports fans the excitement, beauty and drama of cycling in a compelling way never before seen. The real winners were fans of cycling and fans of the Amgen Tour of California.”

The television schedule for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California on NBC Sports Network (and the final day live on NBC) follows:

Preview show
·         Sunday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 1, Presented by Nissan – Escondido
·         Sunday, May 12 at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 2, Presented by Visit California – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
·         Monday, May 13 at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 3, Presented by Crunchies Food Company – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
·         Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 4, Presented by Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
·         Wednesday, May 15 at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 5, Presented by Visit California – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
·         Thursday, May 16 at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 6 – San Jose Time Trial – men’s and women’s divisions
·         Friday, May 17 at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 7, Presented by Nissan – Livermore to Mt. Diablo
·         Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network:

Stage 8, Presented by Amgen – San Francisco to Santa Rosa
·         Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PDT live on NBC:

In addition to the live broadcasts on NBC and NBC Sports Network, cycling fans will have real-time updates at their fingertips via the official Tour Tracker platform available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. For the seventh year running, the Tour Tracker will deliver race coverage across web, mobile and tablet viewing platforms including live video, audio and real-time data streams with proven technology that has been enjoyed by more than 1 million viewers.

The premier app for up-to-the-minute, comprehensive information on the largest cycling competition in America can be downloaded free of charge for iPhone, iPad and Android devices via iTunes, Google Play and the Apple and Android app stores. Through this technology, race enthusiasts will be able to watch the eight-day competition unfold live and also receive access to exclusive merchandise offers through a special barcode in the app.

This year’s enhanced Tour Tracker will offer cycling fans the following ways to stay up to speed on the 2013 Amgen Tour of California:

* Live coverage of the final two hours of the race each day – new this year, an audio-only option

* Full start-to-finish coverage via GPS, race situation and up-to-the-minute text commentary throughout the race

* Video on demand clips of the race and stage recaps after each day’s finish

* Web DVR features such as stop and rewind on live coverage

* Photo gallery with images from the race

* Maps and profiles with live location of the peloton, breaks and chase groups

* Current race situational information, including overalls standings, time gaps and what cyclists are in breaks and chases

* Time Trial start list and split times

* Enhanced rider information

* Stage overviews and information including maps, profile, distance, elevation, etc.

The Amgen Tour of California continues to draw global attention as one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year – one that attracts Olympic medalists, World Champions and the top Tour de France competitors. For further information about the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, including specific broadcast times and Tour Tracker information, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Amgen's Breakaway From Cancer Masters Team Rides On

5/6/2013

(Photo: Scott Dworkin)

Amgen's Breakaway From Cancer Elite Masters Cycling team will once again be riding each stage of the upcoming Amgen Tour of California, America's greatest race. The team hits each stage route before the pro peloton to promote awareness for Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer initiative. Breakaway from Cancer(r) is a complimentary component to Amgen's sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients.

"This is always a very special week for our team and we look forward to the challenge", says team member Malcolm Hill. "Most of us have some direct connection to someone affected by cancer. Raising awareness to Breakaway From Cancer and the resources it provides to those in the fight is an important commitment for our team. We encourage our masters racing community to join us on one or more stages." This year's race includes almost 550 miles and 45,000 of vertical in the first five stages alone. There is also a finish atop Mount Diablo and a crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge.

At select finish cities, the team will take part in the Breakaway Mile, a special walk to honor cancer survivors worldwide. The walk includes local Breakaway From Cancer Champions who have made a difference in their community and have inspired others. The Champions will be joined by their support team members, including care givers, family members and healthcare professionals who support their fight against cancer.

Team members participating in some or all of the 2013 edition of the Breakaway Challenge rides include Thurlow Rogers, Richard Meeker, Keith Ketterer, Malcolm Hill, Roy Knickman, Brett Clair, Robb Mesecher, Bert Glennon, Steve Klasna and Wayne Stetina. The BFC team will also be joined by Ambassador team member Neil Shirley of Road Bike Action for the first two stages.

Team UnitedHealthcare Race Report

5/6/2013

Karl Menzies sprinted to victory on Sunday, May 5, in Sandy Springs, Georgia, capturing not only the race win for Team UnitedHealthcare at the 2013 Global Imports Sandy Springs Challenge, but also solidifying the Team’s overall podium sweep of the 2013 Speedweek Series. Teammate Carlos Alzate took 1st in the Speedweek overall, with Hilton Clarke in 2nd and Menzies in 3rd to round out the series sweep.

The win in Sandy Springs extends the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train’s consecutive podium streak in U.S. racing to 17 consecutive races, including all five stages of the Tour of the Gila, which Teammate Philip Deignan won the overall and the Team won the overall Team GC earlier on Sunday, May 5.

Sandy Springs represented the final stop of the seven races in 10 days series. En route to the race win in Georgia, Menzies went off the front with Frank Travieso of Team SmartStop/Mountain Khakis and was able to outsprint him on the slight uphill finish to earn the win in the Speedweek finale. Travieso’s teammate, Thomas Brown, took 3rd place. Team UnitedHealthcare worked together throughout the race, executing its race strategy as planned. Danny Summerhill, Carlos Alzate and Hilton Clarke, finished in 6th, 7th, and 8th place, respectively, and Brad White finished in 13th.
Saturday’s wins and second place finishes pushed the Blue Train’s impressive podium streak in the U.S. to 15 consecutive races, including four of the five stages thus far at Tour of the Gila. During this current stretch, the Team has emerged victorious 12 times and has placed a total of 29 riders on the podium steps (including two steps allotted for Team GC win at Gila and Team Overall win at Speedweek. The versatility and depth the 2013 edition of this Pro Continental unit has shown is evidenced by the fact 10 different riders have produced a Top 3 result in the U.S.

Team Director and General Manager, Mike Tamayo, said, “The boys race execution in Sandy Springs was outstanding. Karl and the Team did a great job tonight and it was great to see Karl get the win. I can’t emphasize enough how important teamwork and selflessness are to the success of this group. Everyone contributes every day we’re out here. These guys are committed 100 percent for the win and when you commit like that, good things are bound to happen.”

TEAM UNITEDHEALTHCARE ROSTER FOR 2013 SPEEDWEEK
(Cumulative Team):
•   Hilton Clarke (AUS)
•   Carlos Alzate (COL)
•   Adrian Hegyvary (USA)
•   Karl Menzies (AUS)
•   Luke Keough (USA)
•   Brad White (USA)
•   Danny Summerhill (USA)
•   John Murphy (USA)
•   Team Director, Mike Tamayo (USA)

Giro d'Italia, Stage 3

5/6/2013

(Photo: Bettini)

Luca Paolini won the third stage of the Giro d'Italia to take the overall leader's pink jersey following the 222km ride from Sorrento to Marina di Ascea on Monday. In a bunch sprint for second place former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans edged out reigning Giro champion Ryder Hesjedal as the overall favorites finished in a small group 16sec back.

Paolini took over the leader's jersey from countryman Salvatore Puccio of Team Sky, who was distanced on the final climb. The Katusha rider now leads from reigning Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins by 17sec with the latter's Sky teammate Rigoberto Uran Uran third on the same time as his team leader. The big winners were Evans and Hesjedal who needed to make up time after losing chunks on Sunday's team time-trial.

Australian Evans took a 12sec time bonus for finishing second with Canada's Hesjedal picking up 8sec. Hesjedal is now seventh overall, 34sec back with Evans another 8sec behind that. Vincenzo Nibali is fifth at 31sec. The Canadian was the main protagonist in an exciting end to the stage.

Around 20km from home Hesjedal's Garmin team upped the pace on a tough gradient before their team leader sprung a surprise attack on that final climb. Nibali's Astana team took up the chase and reeled in Hesjedal but the reigning champion kept the pressure up on the descent before Paolini burst clear.

Hesjedal's initial attack had momentarily dropped Evans but the BMC rider recovered and by the end he was the main winner amongst the overall contenders. Wiggins finished comfortably in eighth place in the reduced bunch.

STAGE 3 RESULTS
1. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) 5hr 43min 50sec, 2. Cadel Evans (AUS/BMC) at 16sec, 3. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) same time, 4. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA/VIN) s.t., 5. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) s.t., 6. Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) s.t., 7. Pieter Weening (NED/ORI) s.t., 8. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/SKY) s.t., 9. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV) s.t., 10. Robert Gesink (NED/BLA) s.t., 11. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) s.t., 12. Tom Danielson (USA/GRM) s.t., 13. Ivan Santaromita (ITA/BMC) s.t., 14. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) s.t., 15. Valerio Agnoli (ITA/AST) s.t.

Tour of the Gila, The Finale

5/5/2013

The 27th annual Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM concluded with the thrilling Gila Monster Road Race, one of the toughest days of climbing in American racing. Mara Abbott of the Exergy TWENTY16 team and Phil Deignan of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling were crowned champions of New Mexico Premier road stage race.

THE WOMEN
Mara Abbott (Exergy TWENTY16) wins the overall at the 27th annual Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS) was second and Janel Holcomb (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), third.

Mara Abbott of Exergy TWENTY16 attacked on the final climb winning the Stage 5 Gila Monster Road Race and sealing the overall general classification. Claudia Hauesler of Team TIBCO placed second in the stage and Janel Holcomb of Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies finished in third.

Holcomb’s efforts in the final climb put her on the final general classification podium. Abbott wins the Town of Silver City Red Leader Jersey, one minute and 32 seconds ahead of Alison Powers of NOW and Novartis for MS. Holcomb rounds out the GC podium in third.

Abbott attacked at the base of the final climb with the help of team mate Andrea Dvorak. Haeusler joined Abbott in the initial attack, but Abbott accelerated solo on the steep climb. Haeusler was then joined by Powers and Holcomb. The three worked together to close the gap on Abbott. Abbott was able to stay away to the finish.

Mara Abbott (Exergy TWENTY16) wins Stage 5 Gila Monster Road Race, Claudia Haeusler (Team TIBCO), second and Janel Holcomb (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), third.

Abbott wins the Town of Silver City Red Leaders Jersey and the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Polka Dot QOM Jersey. Shelley Olds of Team TIBCO successfully defended her Grant County Green Sprinter Jersey and Rushlee Buchanan takes home the Champion System White Best Young Rider jersey.

THE MEN
Philip Deignan (UnitedHealthcare) wins the overall at the 27th annual Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, Phil Gaimon (BISSELL) was second and Francisco Mancebo (5-Hour Energy), third.

Francisco Mancebo of the 5-Hour Energy p/b Kenda Pro Cycling team attacked on the final climb to the finish to win the Stage 5 Gila Monster Road Race, crossing the line eight seconds of Matt Cooke of the Champion System p/b Stan's No Tubes team. Deignan was third, a further ten seconds back.

Deignan and his team mates launched attacks after attacks, stringing out the field from the start in one of the more aggressive Gila Monster Road Race on record. By the second to last climb up Wild Horse Mesa, the selection had been made with only nine riders at the front of the race which included an isolated Janier Acevedo of the Jamis-Hagens Berman squad. Sensing that the red jersey Acevedo was in difficulty, attacks intensified on the final climb until Mancebo and Deignan broke away.

Deignan won the overall general classification with 28 seconds on Gaimon. Mancebo moved up to third place, 37 seconds down. Francisco Mancebo (5-Hour Energy) wins Stage 5 Gila Monster Road Race, Matthew Cooke (Champion System), second and Philip Deignan (UnitedHealthcare), third.

Deignan wins the Town of Silver City Red Leaders Jersey and the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Polka Dot KOM Jersey. Arnaud Grand of the BMC Development Team successfully defended his Grant County Green Sprinter Jersey and Gavin Mannion of the Bontrager Cycling Team wins the Champion System White Best Young Rider classification.

Complete results are available on tourofthegila.com/results.

For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit www.tourofthegila.com.

RIDER QUOTES:
Mara Abbott (Exergy TWENTY16)
“It was pretty hard coming to that final ascent. Obviously to launch off that climb was awesome but it’s a long way to the finish. It worked out. It was a great race ridden by everyone.”

“How many steep parts are there in the climb. There is one steepest part in today’s climb. It really isn’t rocket science. You go when you can play your advantage. That’s why I race a bike race.”

“It feels really good to win the Tour of the Gila again. I think at 500 meters to go, if I fall of the bike right now, I still wouldn’t win the race. You don’t actually win it until you cross the line. It feels great.”

“The team worked super hard. Everyone was attacking. TIBCO was very active. NOW was trying to put a little hurt on us because they had Alison (Powers) today right behind me. My team worked to close gaps, and to keep the pace steady for me. They worked to keep everything under control going into the climb. Andrea (Dvorak) put in a nice attack at the base of the climb which helped me get across the flat section. It could not have been better. Everyone of them rode amazingly today.”

Janel Holcomb (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies)
“The team was amazing. We wanted to get Joëlle (Numainville) in the break because we know how strong she is and how strong she is climbing. She put herself in the break perfectly. Back in the peloton Denise (Ramsden), Courtney (Lowe) and Lauren (Hall) covered all the attempts to bring it back. TIBCO was attacking to bring back the gap. The team did an amazing job covering everything. I could just sit in. We wanted to save Jade (Wilcoxson) and myself for the climb. It forced Exergy to do some chasing.”

“That last climb is such a doozy. It’s so steep at the bottom. It’s one of those climbs where someone like Mara Abbott can ride away from the field. Knowing that I needed to stay in the group. Andrea Dvorak attacked at the base of the climb. Mara bridged up and Claudia Haeusler tried to stay with her. The group thinned out to Alison Powers, who had a team mate, myself, Andrea, and Kristin McGrath. We just kept a steady pace. Going up to the QOM Alison told me that Claudia was up the road and that if she was ahead she would take 30 seconds on GC from me, but that would just mean that it would put her in fourth and me in fifth. I needed to just wait and then Alison attacked. We caught Joelle by then and she screamed, “Go!” to me. I went and got on Alison’s wheel. I was able to work with Alison. We got to Claudia. Claudia did start working with us when were able to see Mara.”

“The team did such an amazing job this week. Yesterday after the crit I was so grumpy because I was so tired. At the team dinner I told the team that I know that I did not feel great today but tomorrow I know I can do this. I have done the right training and I am going to race for you guys. It feels really good.”

Phil Deignan (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling)
“The plan today was to be really, really aggressive, we wanted to isolate the jersey pretty early on, we rode a really aggressive race and all the guys worked perfectly and then I was just happy to finish it off at the end.”

“I went a little bit early, I saw that the jersey was suffering a little bit so I rode a hard tempo on the climb and then I saw that I only had 40 seconds on the group of nine so I just rode steady tempo and waited for a group to come across and then the jersey came across but I hadn't emptied myself, I had something left for the last climb, and then when Mancebo went, I knew that he was the perfect guy to go with because he's always super strong, we worked really well coming into the finish. I'm happy he won the stage, he's a strong guy.”

“For me, it means a lot, it's been a long time since I've won a race, it's good for my confidence going into the Tour of California, it's perfect timing really so it's nice to be up there again, it's a good feeling.”

Francisco Mancebo (5-Hour Energy p/b Kenda Pro Cycling)
“My final attack was at 500 meters to go in the sprint but when I was with the leader Acevedo, I attacked at three km to go, Phil Gaimon was in the front at that moment and I worked with Philip Deignan, together we come back to Gaimon. In the sprint, I went to Matt Cooke who attacked before me and I passed him in the last 200 meters.”

“I'm happy now. This was a hard week for us after riding Joe Martin, the team worked too hard there and worked too hard here. We didn't feel really good these days but finally we are victorious, it's important for me and for the team of course.”

“Today was a too hard stage, everybody attack at the start, no breakaway. The climbs, we climbed them too hard, everybody, Phil Deignan attacked a couple of times, Acevedo too, Phil Gaimon, good riders, hard attacks and finally everybody come here dead, I think. I was cramping for the second time in life.”

Gavin Mannion (Bontrager Cycling Team)
“The tactic was just try and cover all the big moves, there were a lot of guys really close on GC to the leader so we knew that there would be a lot of attacks today with guys around six to 10th that can really slip away to try and move up on GC and obviously we wanted to protect our white jersey that Lawson had starting the day. It was just try to stay with the leaders on the climbs, it was pretty simple and then I ended up being the only young rider left in the lead group of about nine left on the second to last KOM and then from there it was just surviving to the finish.”

“Carter (Jones) was the last main threat, I think he was about 22 seconds of so in front of me on GC starting the day and he came off on that second to last really hard KOM. He was the big danger.”

“I don't really feel too much pressure, just being on this team, we have so many guys and so many options to play so it takes the pressure off of all of us. We just go out there, ride the way that we know how to ride, cover the moves and one of us will end up in the jersey most likely.”

Giro d'Italia, Stage 2

5/5/2013

(Photo: Bettini)

Italian Salvatore Puccio of Team Sky took possession of the Giro d'Italia pink jersey from overnight leader Mark Cavendish on Sunday after Team Sky dominated a stage two team time trial on the island of Ischia.

Cavendish had sprinted to victory in the opening stage of the three-week race on Saturday to pull on the race leader's pink jersey for the third time in his career. But despite their best efforts, Cavendish and his Omega-Pharma team were no match for Team Sky over the winding 17.4 km course on the scenic island which sits off the coast of Naples.

Puccio was Team Sky's best placed rider after the opening stage, handing him the race's top prize - which team leader Bradley Wiggins is hoping to secure at the end of the race on May 26. Team Sky topped the times in 22min 05sec, with a nine-second lead on Movistar and 14 on the Astana team of overall victory contender Vincenzo Nibali.

STAGE 2 TOP-10 RESULTS

1.Team Sky 22min 05sec, 2. Movistar at 09secs, 3. Astana 14, 4. Katusha 19, 5. Vini Fantini 22, 6. Lampre same time, 7. Garmin 25, 8. Blanco 28, 9. Vacansoleil 34, 10. Cannondale 35

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Salvatore Puccio (ITA) Team Sky 3hr 20min 43sec, 2. Bradley Wiggins(GBR/SKY) same time, 3. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY), 4. Dario Cataldo (ITA/SKY) s.t., 5. Rigoberto Uran (COL/SKY) s.t., 6. Benat Elorriaga (ESP/EUS) at 09sec, 7. Giovanni Visconti (ITA/MOV) s.t., 8. Jose Lopez (ESP/MOV) s.t., 9. Alex Dowsett (GBR/MOV) s.t., 10. Eros Capecchi (ITA/MOV) s.t.

Team UnitedHealthcare Race Report

5/5/2013

On Saturday, May 5, 2013, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team pulled off a pair of 1-2 finishes on opposite sides of the country, each win and 2nd place result coming within an hour of one another. In North Carolina, Carlos Alzate won the Belmont Criterium while Teammate Brad White finished in 2nd place. Less than an hour later in New Mexico, Kiel Reijnen earned top honors in the Stage 4 Criterium at Tour of the Gila by crossing the finish line first with Teammate Luke Keough right behind him securing 2ndplace.

Saturday’s wins and second place finishes pushed the Blue Train’s impressive podium streak in the U.S. to 15 consecutive races, including four of the five stages thus far at Tour of the Gila. During this current stretch, the Team has emerged victorious 10 times and has placed a total of 25 riders on the podium steps. The versatility and depth the 2013 edition of this Pro Continental unit has shown is evidenced by the fact 9 different riders have produced a Top 3 result in the U.S.

Team Director and General Manager, Mike Tamayo, couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and results his troops are producing. The veteran director commented on the set of 1-2 finishes saying, “This Team rides with conviction, confidence and responsibility. We rode to win the stage today at Gila and the Belmont Criterium.”

“We’ve been on the podium every day this week at Gila with a different rider and that shows the strength and depth of our Team. Our guys in the southeast are doing the same thing during Speedweek. We don’t have just one talented athlete we have a full group of talented riders that understand our philosophy and execute against our race strategy. That helped us win on the East Coast and in New Mexico on the same day.”

“Tonight’s races were about execution. We knew what we needed to do to win the races and the boys all contributed and were committed 100 percent for the win. When you commit like that for the win, your sprinters are going to come to the line.”

“Our foundation is and will be about teamwork. We take responsibility for the race. We go for the win. Across the board, every rider on this Team is accountable to one another and that makes a difference,” Tamayo concluded.

HOW IT ALL UNFOLDED
Belmont, NC
After delivering the first 1-2 punch of the day, Brad White talked about how the race unfolded at the Belmont Criterium.

White said, “Today was a hard course and the Team rode aggressively. We always had two or more people in a move. Karl (Menzies) and Danny (Summerhill) were in a move that looked like it would go to the line. They came back with 16 to go and that’s when Carlos and I went. We were in a group of six and were able to lap the field with about five laps to go and came up with a plan.”

“In a breakaway situation it can be difficult, but Carlos and I were able to execute our plan. It was great teamwork by everyone,” White concluded.

The collective group of speedsters will wrap up Speedweek A in Sandy Springs, Georgia, tomorrow, Sunday, May 5 with the Sandy Springs Race.

Silver City, NM
Following a feverish sprint to the finish at the culmination of the 40-lap Stage 4 Criterium race in Silver City, Kiel Reijnen crossed the line first with Teammate Luke Keough right behind him in 2nd place. The unyielding resolve the Blue Train members racing Gila enabled the Team to deliver its second 1-2 punch of the day. Eric Young of Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies finished in 3rd place.

The result marked the fourth podium in as many days for the Team, with Reijnen and Luke Keough making it five different riders to reach one of the top three steps in New Mexico’s biggest race.

Elated with his win, his Team’s performance and its versatility, Reijnen praised his mates in his post-race interview. The Bainbridge Island, Washington native said, “The fact that it has been a different rider each day really shows the depth of our squad. Our biggest goal was to ride as a unit, ride as a team, and we did that to perfection. It was so awesome to get the win today. The whole Team was just unreal. All the boys dug deep and I’m proud to call them teammates.”

Saturday’s win in Silver City marks the first win for Keijnen this year. “It’s great but everyone of my Teammates should be on that podium with me because they did an amazing job,” Keijnen added.

The Team heads into the final stage of the Gila looking to come out on top. Philip Deignan currently sits in 3rd place, 21 seconds behind overall leader, Janier Acevedo of Jamis Hagens-Berman heading into Sunday’s famed and final stage, better known as the Gila Monster, which includes over 9,000 feet of climbing.

Deignan added, “This is the first time doing the Gila but I came to Boulder a couple of weeks ago so I got used to the altitude. Tomorrow is going to be a really hard day, but we have a really strong team. We’re still optimistic about what we can do in this race.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Heading into the final day of both the Tour of the Gila and Speedweek A, here is where the Team stands by the numbers:

Tour of the Gila:
•Podium appearances in all four stages including one win, two 2nd place finishes and a 3rd place finish.

•Five different Team members placing in the top 3 (Lucas Euser 3rd in Stage 1, Jonny Clarke 2nd in Stage 2, Ben Day 2nd in Stage 3 TT, Kiel Reijnen 1st and Luke Keough 2nd in Stage 4 Crit).

•One rider (Philip Deignan) in the Top 3 Overall for two stages and currently 21 seconds behind race leader, Janier Acevedo of Jamis Hagens Berman.

•Four riders sitting in the Top 20 Overall through four stages (Philip Deignan – 3rd, Ben Day – 6th, Lucas Euser – 12th and Kiel Reijnen – 14th).

SpeedWeek:
The collective unit racing in the southeastern U.S. in the USA CRITS Speedweek A Series, has amassed the following impressive results through Saturday, May 5:
•At least one podium finisher in each of the six Speedweek races thus far.
•Placed a total of total of 12 riders on the podium through six races.
•Won five of six races heading into in Speedweek A finale on Sunday, May 5 in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
•Has placed riders in 1st and 2nd in five of six races.

TEAM UNITEDHEALTHCARE ROSTER FOR 2013 SPEEDWEEK A SERIES (Cumulative Team):
•Hilton Clarke (AUS)
•Carlos Alzate (COL)
•Adrian Hegyvary (USA)
•Karl Menzies (AUS)
•Luke Keough (USA)
•Brad White (USA)
•Danny Summerhill (USA)
•John Murphy (USA)
•Team Director, Mike Tamayo (USA)

TEAM UNITEDHEALTHCARE ROSTER FOR 2013 TOUR OF THE GILA:
•Jonny Clarke (AUS)
•Ben Day (AUS)
•Phil Deignan (IRL)
•Adrian Hegyvary (USA)
•Lucas Euser (USA)
•Kiel Reijnen (USA)
•Jeff Louder (USA)
•Luke Keough (USA)
•Team Director, Mike Tamayo (USA)

2013 Amgen Tour of California Ecoutrements

5/5/2013

The 2013 Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race brings with it the opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the world of cycling during the eight-day race May 12-19, 2013. From the Lifestyle Festival that travels to a new host city each day to special VIP Experiences that provide unprecedented access inside the race, including access to the riders, there is something for everyone, from budding fan to avid cyclist.

The 2013 Amgen Tour of California will cover nearly 750 miles of scenic California roadways, highways and coastlines. While the annual race will feature the world’s elite road racers, fans don't have to be cyclists to enjoy the race – the Amgen Tour of California Lifestyle Festival, perfect for all interest levels and ages, provides a day of entertainment and fun for the whole family.

The Lifestyle Festival, located near the finish line at each stage, is the perfect destination for fans who arrive early to interact with sponsors, vendors and other enthusiasts while they wait for the cyclists to cross the finish line later in the day. As the official gathering point for all participants, spectators and vendors, the day-long festival will feature cycling products and demos, cancer awareness education, family activities, food, entertainment and more. Visitors can congregate among fellow race watchers, take in live music, grab lunch or a beverage in the beer garden, watch the race live on outdoor video screens, and participate in a bike safety clinic to get ready to hit the road after seeing the pros cross the finish line.

For avid cycling fans looking to create the ultimate race-day memory, short of turning pro, you can't get any closer to the action than Amgen Tour of California VIP Experiences. These limited edition hospitality packages are the only way to get on the course and behind the scenes during a stage of America's Greatest Race:

· VIP Car Ride ($1,500 - $2,500): Experience the crowd, the course and the excitement the way the riders do by following the peloton on the route in an official race vehicle. Arrive ahead of the cyclists and watch them race to the finish line from the VIP Suite, then follow the stage winners to the official post-race press conference, which is otherwise closed to the public.

· Finish Line Experience ($1,000): This exclusive "behind the scenes" VIP Experience provides access to the official media compound, backstage to watch the award presentations from the green room, and to the post-race press conference where the stage winners recap the day.

Both packages include VIP hospitality access and an official race leader jersey and hat.

“Furthering the sport of cycling in America as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle are paramount goals of the Amgen Tour of California,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “The Lifestyle Festival and VIP Experiences provide an opportunity for us to involve even more people in cycling, as well as make it possible for fans to have a very personal and memorable experience, whether their first or eighth time at the race.”

More information about the Lifestyle Festival and VIP Experiences is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. Email atoctickets@amgentourofcalifornia.com to purchase VIP Experiences.

About the Amgen Tour of California
The largest cycling event in America, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 12-19, 2013. For more information about the men’s and women’s races, please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Giro d'Italia, Stage 1

5/4/2013

British sprint king Mark Cavendish won a chaotic opening stage of the Giro d'Italia on Saturday to pull on the race leader's pink jersey for the third time in his career. The Isle of Man rider, winning his 11th stage in the epic Italian race, dominated a small but hectic group sprint to leave Elia Viviani of the
Cannondale team in second place after nearly three hours of frantic racing
around Naples.

   Frenchman Nacer Bouhanni was third while Australian Matthew Goss finished sixth after running out of steam in the final 200 metres of the 130-kilometre race opener.

   "I came here to win sprints and I've started the race the way I wanted to," said Cavendish, who appeared on the podium with his baby daughter Delilah.

   Cavendish admitted, however, his bid almost came unstuck when lead-out man Gert Steegmans suffered a late mechanical problem. "It was not easy with all the corners but the team did incredible to stay at the front. We didn't get it quite right at the end and Gert had a mechanical in the final kilo which we need to look at."

   Cavendish, winning his first Grand Tour stage for his new team Omega-Pharma and his 102nd professional victory, will now wear the pink jersey into Sunday's second stage - a team time trial over 17.4km on the island of Ischia.

   Despite his team not being built for such an exercise, Cavendish added: "Tomorrow we'll go out to try and protect the lead and respect the jersey."

   Beginning on the Naples seafront in warm conditions, the opening stage featured two circuits - one 16.4km long with a short climb to be raced four times and a second, 8km circuit to be raced eight times. With only 130km of racing it promised to be fast and after less than 15 minutes a small group of riders broke off the front to build a near two-minute lead on the peloton.

   Eventually, Australian Cameron Wurf became the sole survivor from the leading pack, his efforts allowing the rest of his Cannondale team to forego participating in the chase. As the teams with sprinters moved to the front of the pack to up the pace in the closing 20km, Wurf's lead evaporated and he was caught with just over 12km remaining.

   Cannondale, however, had not had their final word. Three of the lime-green clad riders, including Viviani, hit the front and rode a frantic pace which strung the group out on the tight, twisting turns on
the circuit. A number of riders crashed, and Cannondale's efforts left a dozen or so
riders on their own on the 1km-long home straight.

Goss was well-positioned on the wheel of a teammate, but despite the Green-Edge sprinter grinding away in the final 200m Cavendish came on the outside, where he said there was "less crosswinds", to leave Viviani banging on his handlebars in frustration at the finish.

   A former track rider like Cavendish, Viviani admitted: "This year I've focused totally on the road but I've still to win a race. "I'm disappointed not to have won, especially as we'd planned to make sure
I wouldn't get boxed in and we executed that plan well. "Cavendish won, but no one is unbeatable."

   Cavendish, competing in his fifth Giro d'Italia, wore the race leader's jersey for two days in 2009 and for one day in 2011.

RESULTS: The opening stage of the 96th edition of the Giro d'Italia, held over 130 km in Naples:
   Stage
   1. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 2hr 58min 38sec, 2. Elia Viviani (ITA/CAN) same time, 3. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/FDJ) s.t., 4. Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA/RSH) s.t., 5. Matt Goss (AUS/ORI) s.t., 6.
Francisco Ventoso (ESP/MOV) s.t., 7. Adam Blythe (GBR/BMC) s.t., 8. Leigh Howard (AUS/ORI) s.t., 9. Danilo Hondo (GER/RSH) s.t.   10. Brett Lancaster (AUS/ORI) s.t., 11. John Degenkkolb (GER/ARG), 12. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) s.t., 13. Ioannis Tamouridis (GRE/EUS) s.t., 14. Diego Rosa
(ITA/AND) s.t., 15. Ramunas Navardauskas (LTU) s.t.

   General classification:
   1. Mark Cavendish (GBR/OPQ) 2hr 58min 38sec, 2. Elia Viviani (ITA/CAN) at 08secs, 3. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/FDJ) 12, 4. Danilo Hondo (GER/RSH) 16, 5. Marco Marcato (ITA/VCD) 18, 6. Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA/RSH) 20, 7. Matt Goss (AUS/ORI) s.t., 8. Francisco Ventoso
(ESP/MOV) s.t., 9. Adam Blythe (GBR/BMC) s.t., 10. Leigh Howard (AUS/ORI) s.t., 11. Brett Lancaster (AUS/ORI) s.t., 12. John Degenkkolb (GER/ARG), 13. Luca Paolini (ITA/KAT) s.t., 14. Ioannis Tamouridis (GRE/EUS) s.t., 15. Diego Rosa (ITA/AND) s.t.

Photo: Bettini

Mark Cavendish Talks The Giro

5/4/2013

Mark Cavendish is the leading name in the Omega Pharma Quick-Step team for this year's Giro d'Italia. Cavendish, who has won eight stages on the Giro since 2008, will also be deprived of the support of the team's other star names, including Belgium's Tom Boonen, Germany's time-trial specialist Tony Martin and Sylvain Chavanel of France.

"The presence of a pure sprinter such as Mark will change our approach to the race if we compare it with our last participations," said Omega Pharma sporting director Davide Bramati. "I think an immediate important moment will be the first stage in Naples. Everyone wants to fight for the first (leader's) Pink Jersey.

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Mark Cavendish spoke with the press during the Giro d'Italia "Top Rider" Press Conference on Thursday, May 2nd. Cavendish answered several questions, and his responses are provided below:

Is the Giro d'Italia a special race for you?
“Yes I love racing in Italy," Cavendish said. "It's just incredible to ride the Giro. It's one of maybe two races I insist on doing each year. I also have a place in Italy so it's kind of like my home tour."

Is your bigger focus the Red Jersey, or just winning stages at the Giro?
"My goal is to win at least a stage,” Cavendish said. “Hopefully a jersey comes from that. The riders who go in to hunt for jerseys are more the attacking riders like Sagan. For me, I have to rely on winning stages to get jerseys.”

Are you feeling any pressure to win stages?
“I’m not really feeling a lot of pressure as I’ve got a strong team with me,” Cavendish said. “The stronger team you have, the less pressure. As for the first stage, which is flat, it’s a nice circuit here in Napoli. The more laps there are, the more of a chance I have to look at it during the race. So I’m not putting too much stress on that, but obviously there is at least some pressure. There are not too many opportunities after the first stage on Saturday, maybe two or three for the sprinters, so we’ll see how it goes. I will say that without a doubt, we can do a good job here at the Giro. I have confidence in my teammates and we will do our best.”

Can you talk a bit about the first stage in Napoli?
"It'’s quite straight forward and it’s going to be a sprint," Cavendish said. "Of course there are a lot of corners and cobblestones that can make it a little more challenging, but I think it should be OK. I think the next days after Saturday will be the days that shake up the GC a little bit and will give the attacking guys some opportunities."

How special would it be for you to wear the Pink Jersey after the opening stage of the Giro?
“For sure it would be a dream to take the Pink jersey in the first stage," Cavendish said. "I’ve won the Pink Jersey twice before in my career. I’d love to do it again here in Napoli. It’s a special race here, the Giro d’Italia, so I’d like to get it started in a good way. I know my teammates are as excited as I am about this opportunity, and we are all committed to fight for stage wins whenever possible."

THE TEAM
Gianluca Brambilla (ITA), Mark Cavendish (GBR), Michal Golas (POL), Iljo Keisse (BEL), Serge Pauwels (BEL), Jerome Pineau (FRA), Gert Steegmans (BEL), Matteo Trentin (ITA), Julien Vermote (BEL).

Tour of the Gila, Stage 3

5/3/2013

Cooler temperatures and wind gusts greeted the racers today for the Dan Potts Memorial Tyrone Time Trial, stage 3 of the 27th annual Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM. Tom Zirbel and Alison Powers put in the fastest time on the 16-mile course, renowned for being one of the toughest time trials in the United States.

With two stages to go in the Tour of the Gila, the battle for the overall win went up another level today for both the NRC Women's and UCI Men's leader who saw their lead decrease before the Queen Stage, the Gila Monster on Sunday. Mara Abbott of Exergy TWENTY16 and Janier Acevedo of Jamis-Hagens Berman retain their respective red Town of Silver City's Leader's jersey.

Averaging a speed of 27.8 mph, Tom Zirbel, of the Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies team clocked a time of 24 minutes and 45 seconds, claiming his second win at the Gila time trial, his first was in 2008. Australian Ben Day, of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team, was second only four seconds down, while Sylvan Diller of the BMC Development Team was third, at nine seconds down.

Finishing ninth on the stage, Acevedo saw his lead decrease to only four seconds to Chris Baldwin, of the BISSELL Pro Cycling team. Philip Deignan, of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, moved up to third place in the general classification, 21 seconds down from Acevedo.

Acevedo retained the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold King of the Mountain jersey and Arnaud Grand of the BMC Development Team remains in the green Grant Country sprint jersey. On the strength of his fourth-place finish on the stage, Lawson Craddock of the Bontrager Cycling Team takes over the white Champion System Best Young Rider jersey.

Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS) wins Dan Potts Memorial Tyrone Time Trial, stage 3 of the Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM. Janel Holcomb (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), second and Kristin McGrath (Exergy TWENTY16) was third.

Alison Powers of the NOW and Novartis for MS team battled the crosswinds and rode into first place on Stage 3 Dan Potts Memorial Tyrone Time Trial. Almost as important as her win today, Powers was able to take back significant time in the general classification. She started the stage two minutes and five seconds behind current race leader Mara Abbott. She starts tomorrow’s stage one minute and nine seconds behind Abbott, taking back 56 seconds.

The stage brought no changes to the classification jerseys. Abbott retained the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Polka Dot Queen of the Mountain Jersey, Holcomb stays in the green Grant County sprint jersey and Rushlee Buchanan retained the white Champion System Best Young Rider jersey.

Spectators will congregate in Silver City on Saturday May 4 for a day of fast and furious Downtown Silver City Criterium. All day festivities will include live music, a beer garden, vendors, children's bicycle rodeo, citizen races, a kids' zone, food vendors. That evening, the feature length documentary “Rising from Ashes” will make its New Mexico premiere in Silver City, NM as part of Silver City’s Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM.

Complete results are available on tourofthegila.com/results.

For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit www.tourofthegila.com.

Rider Quotes
Tom Zirbel, (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies)
“It was definitely breezy out there and chilly too, I don't think we expected that we're used to the 70s and 80s and even 90s here in the race like we saw on the Mogollon stage so that was kind of a shocker. It's the earliest the pros have ever gone off on this stage. Conditions were great. I stuck with the deep 90mil (deep dish) wheel in the front just because I'm stubborn, 'I'm almost 200 hundred pounds, I can do it!' It worked out but I was definitely sketched out a couple of times catching those crosswinds but that's great for me just being a bigger rider; just imagining those little 130 pound-climber types on the course kind of motivated me to keep going.”

“I certainly felt good. The last three days I felt really good. I felt good going up the first climb but I had no feedback, no computer on the bike today so it was just go as hard as you could, kept it simple. I was catching people so I felt like I was having a good ride but I had no idea if I was going to win or not.”

“I'm just changing some things around on the bike and I didn't really care to have a computer on there. It's kind of nice to just go by feel and I feel that I know my body really well, just keep it simple and just try to get the most out of my body. That usually works pretty well for me.”

Ben Day (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling)
“It's a strange TT because straight out of the gate we go uphill and quite a significant part of the race is that first five or six kilometers that go straight up. It was really a matter of starting hard and I think out of the whole course that was the part where you won or lost the race so I went pretty hard there, tried to hold it for the second half of the course. It's a strange wind this year, I've never felt the wind coming out of the east I believe it is. It's different than every other year that I've done this race at Gila. It was significant but at the same time it didn't really make the way out any harder than the way back. I felt that we had a little bit of assistance on the way back, so fast coming back so that any time that you didn't make back was holding as opposed to really catching up to people on the second half. It was an interesting course and I'm glad that I went into it pretty much full gas and tried to make the most out of it in the first climb.”

“I haven't really looked at where everything stands at the moment. We'll have a look at all that tonight, we're here with a really strong team, UnitedHealthcare is looking good. We have some good climbers and for us, it's a matter of having cards to play We're here to win this race, we have the crit tomorrow as well. Sunday morning is one of the biggest stages that we have here in the US, it's a very significant race with lots of tough climbing. It will be interesting, I think it's going to be a real interesting race that's actually raced and not controlled, we'll see how it goes.”

Sylvan Diller (BMC Development Team)
“I tried to keep just the speed until the top of the first climb, not to blow up. the first downhill was a little recovery for me. I tried to keep the speed until the turnaround and then just to finish on top of the second climb at my maximum. The last downhill was just give everything that you can and look at what time you get.”

“The really windy (section) was just the downhill, the last downhill, there I felt really that it was heavy but otherwise it okay.”

“I'm on the track on the Swiss Track team so we do a lot of individual and team time pursuit and so I'm used to be on the time trial bike. I think that we have some different riders on the team, some are more climbers than time trialists. For sure, we do every training some exercise at the time trial.”

Sebastian Alexandre, Directeur Sportif of the Jamis-Hagens Berman team
“The team is good. It's a big motivation to have a rider like Janier (Acevedo) on the team, the guys are super motivated to defend the jersey in the next two stages. “

Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS)
“I have raced the course in the wind, but this crosswind made it so there wasn’t as much recovery in places where I could get recovery. I was fighting the wind and trying to keep pedaling. It was pretty hard out there. My personal goal today was to go under 39 minutes because I never have before. I didn’t get that today but, given the conditions, it doesn’t really matter what your time is as long as you get first place.”

“I was hoping to get more time from Mara (Abbott). I want the red jersey so badly…for the team. I have never worn the leaders jersey at this race. We have two more races and we like crits and we like the stage. We will do our best.”

Janel Holcomb (OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)
“Conditions were fine and it wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be. The course felt really safe. I was able to keep my head down and keep going. After yesterday I had no expectations for the time trial. I was feeling pretty goofy warming up, listening to good music and having fun with the team. I thought that even if I don’t feel good and even if I am totally tired from yesterday, it’s still a good practice for a time trial. I thought I would still go through the same motions and routine as if I am going to have a good one. I guess I wasn’t taking myself to seriously, but I still followed my plan. I think on this course it’s easy to go out too hard. I went out much easier than I thought I should have. I tried to keep it going.”

“It was windy but not too gusty. After doing this course a few times, you kind of know where to expect it to be the worse. That first downhill always the worst. After the U-turn it sometimes gets gusty, but it wasn’t bad today.”

“When I hit the U-turn, the team car yelled that I was killing it. I thought I need to keep trying then. It was good motivation.”

Mara Abbott (ExergyTWENTY16)
“Going into the next couple of days I think we have a lot of opportunities with different riders. I am really excited about how the team has been riding. I am excited about keeping our momentum going.”

TEAM OPTUM RACE REPORT
Tom Zirbel delivered a blazing fast time trial to win in stage two of the SRAM Tour of the Gila, a chilly, windy 26 kilometer trek. Zirbel used his capacity for big wattage output to power through gusting winds with a time of 35:45, with an average speed of 27.88 miles per hour. The TT specialist beat out runner-up Ben Day (UnitedHealthCare Pro Cycling) by 4.89 seconds and Silvan Diller of BMC Development Team by 9.95 seconds.

Performance Director Jonas Carney was pleased to see his top time trialist battle through tough conditions to take the win.

"It's a tricky time trial in Tyrone, because it's at altitude and there are two relatively big climbs," said Carney.

"Today, there was also an 18 mph crosswind. The course really suits Tom and Chad Haga, and we were hopeful that one of them would come away with the win today. Both them have been time trialing really well this year and their season long intra-team competition has them both fired up on the TT bike."

Haga started first on the 26 km course, keeping a high pace early until the added rigours of altitude racing caught up with the young rider. The recent Joe Martin Stage Race winner and current NRC leader finished 11th on the day. Zirbel was the last rider to launch for Optum p/b KBS, and Carney knew from the start he was putting in a great ride.

"After Tom came in with the fastest time of the day, there were still a lot of really strong riders to hit the course, so we had to wait 20 nerve-racking minutes before figuring out that he held the top spot."

Zirbel's efforts in the TT moved him into 10th place overall, 1:33 behind current yellow jersey holder Janier Acevedo (Jamis-Hagens Berman).

Janel Holcomb, fresh off her incredible solo victory in Gila's second stage, delivered another solid ride in the time trial, finishing in second, 10.92 seconds behind Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS). The ride moved Holcomb into fourth place on GC, 2:26 behind Exergy TWENTY16's Mara Abbott.

The men and women will head into beautiful downtown Silver City tomorrow for the criterium, which will be a chance for Optum p/b KBS to set up sprinters Eric Young and Joelle Numainville for stage wins.

The team has confidence rolling into tomorrow's individual time trial in Tyrone. The men's team was near a podium as well in the Ft. Bayard stage - sprinter Eric Young finished fifth after a team effort to deliver a fast man to the line.

Photo: Team Optum

China Meets The Giro d'Italia In Person

5/3/2013

Argos-Shimano rider Ji Cheng is set to make Giro d'Italia history on Saturday when he saddles up as the first Chinese to take part in the epic race. Ji made his Grand Tour debut at the Tour of Spain last year and his participation at the Giro has attracted no less than eight journalists from his homeland who will be covering his every move.

   Although having modest personal ambitions, Ji is hoping his endeavors as part of Argos's nine-man team help garner a win for their top sprinter, John Degenkolb.

   "I am really proud to be the first Chinese rider to start the Giro," said Ji. "China will be following my participation and it is great to see that my team and I are known already in my home country and that we can bring attention to the sport of cycling."

   Degenkolb is one of several sprinters who will be looking to mix it up with the likes of Britain's Mark Cavendish, a 23-time stage winner on the Tour de France who also has 10 Giro stage wins since his race debut in 2008.

   For the first time in 10 years the three-week race begins with a road stage instead of a time trial or a prologue and Cavendish will pull on the race leader's pink jersey if he wins Saturday's opening salvo over 130 kilometers.

   Ji hopes Argos's efforts at a recent training camp in Spain, as well as their participation in the Tour of Turkey last week where Argos helped German Marcel Kittel to three stage wins, will make them competitive.

   "It will be a tough race but we have had a very good preparation with the training camp at our training base in Altea, (Spain) and the Tour of Turkey last week," added Ji. "I would be very satisfied after three weeks if we won a stage and I complete the race."

Tour of the Gila, Stage 2

5/3/2013

NRC Women stage 2 podium: Janel Holcomb (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) first, Shelley Olds (Team TIBCO), second and Jade Wilcoxson (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), third.

The Inner Loop Road Race, stage 2 of the Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM delivered drama as the breakaways survived to take the victory in both the NRC women's and UCI men's races today in Fort Bayard. Janel Holcomb, of the Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies team took a solo flyer to grab the win while Arnaud Grand of the BMC Development Team took the victory in a hotly contested sprint from a three-man breakaway.

No changes to the general classification after stage 2, both Mara Abbott of Exergy TWENTY16 team and Janier Acevedo of Jamis-Hagens Berman remain in the red Town of Silver City's Leader's jersey.

With the field breathing down their necks, Grand, Jonathan Clarke of UnitedHealthare Pro Cycling and Max Jenkins of 5-Hr Energy p/b Kenda were focused on reaching the finish line as fast as possible. Through Clarke crossed the line first, Grand was awarded the win after officials upheld his protest over irregular sprinting, relegating Clarke to second place. Jenkins took third.

The three escaped early in the stage after Jenkins launched a counter-attack once the overall contenders were reeled back in. The group worked together and pushed their gap to four minutes to the field controlled by Jamis-Hagens Berman to protect the overall lead of Acevedo. Though the field closed the gap in the final kilometers to the line, the surge came too late to catch the escapees.

Acevedo retains the lead in the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold King of the Mountain classification. Grand claimed the green Grant County sprint jersey while Gavin Mannion (Bontrager) retained the white Champion Best Young Rider jersey.

Spending most of the day off the front, Holcomb soloed to an emotional win on the Inner Loop Road Race. Holcomb rode off the front solo early. She was joined by Chantal Blaak of Team TIBCO on an attack. The two worked really well together until the final big climb. Holcomb had strong legs today and accelerated. She was able to gain separation quickly from Blaak and the main field. Holcomb was able to stay away for the win.

Shelley Olds and Jo Kiesanowski both of Team TIBCO, Robin Farina of NOW and Novartis for MS, and Jade Wilcoxson of OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies broke from the main field with five kilometers to go. Wilcoxson did a surprise attack in the last 700 meters in the corner and got a huge gap. Olds chased down Wilcoxson and was able to go around her on the line to win second. Wilcoxson finished in third.

Abbott also retains the lead in the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Queen of the Mountain classification. With her victory, Holcomb claimed the green Grant County Sprint jersey. Rushlee Buchanan (Team TIBCO) retains the white Champion Best Young Rider jersey.

Racing continues on Thursday with the Dan Potts Memorial Tyrone Time Trial.

Rider Quotes.
Janel Holcomb (OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
“Coming over the QOM, the whole team was attacking. When we started the descent out of Pinos Altos, we were still all together. That first feed zone is kind of a drag of a climb. The entire team was putting in a few attacks, and the field became strung out. That’s when I went across the whole (Wild Horse) Mesa. I was riding solo. I came down the descent and I had still had a gap. Rachel (Heal) came up in the car to tell me that a small group was on it’s way. I turned around and saw all of these orange helmets and thought, “Fantastic.” TIBCO and us were just driving the pace. We had some serious isolation. We had good numbers. Then Chantal (Blaak) (TeamTIBCO) and I just went. All of a sudden we were able to get away, just the two of us. We worked really well together. I just thought that since I had been out there for so long, I thought it was going to be tough to make it happen. We hit the feed zone climb and I was waiting for Chantal to pull through. Chantal is strong and I did not want to sprint her. I just started climbing and climbing. Rachel and Michael kept encouraging me. I gave it everything.”

“It was grueling. I have done today’s stage quite a few times. You just climb and hit the QOM and you climb some more. They yelled out to me, “just two more bumps.” I was thinking yea, it looks like bumps an profile but it does not ride like that. When I saw 5k to go, I thought, “come on, it’s only three miles. Three miles….I can do this!”

“When I turned right on 180 and I saw the turn into Fort Bayard, that’s when I thought okay. It was so, so sweet riding in, solo and having the opportunity to zip up.”

Shelley Olds (Team TIBCO)
“The breakaway was with Chantal (Blaak) and Janel (Holcomb). They attacked on the climb and were away all day. It was a tough day to be off the front today. It was pretty windy. Unfortunately ExergyTWENTY16 and NOW (and Novartis for MS) got together and chased everything. In the final miles Mara (Abbott) and Alison (Powers) had team mates to help close anything. We showed a lot of strength today. We were really aggressive, which is what we wanted to do.”

“In the final sprint I had my team mate Jo Kiesanowski, Robin Farina (NOW and Novartis for MS) and Jade Wilcox son (OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies). Neither of them were working because Jade and Janel off the front and Robin was saving it for the sprint. Jo killed it for me in the last 3k, which allowed me to save it for the sprint. Jade did a surprise attack in the last 700 meters in the corner and got a huge gap on us. I did not want to let Jo down. I chased Jade and was able to go around her on the line. All in all it was really hard day for everyone. We hold on to the U26 jersey and we are happy about that. We are also happy with the podium and we will try again.”

Mara Abbott (Exergy TWENTY16)
“My team were so strong, I'm really, really proud of how well we came together. It's not perfect but rarely are we perfect.”

“I think that they were definitely [testing my team with all the attacks.] I think that my team showed that they're definitely strong so that's exciting. I'm proud to be a part of it.”

Arnaud Grand (BMC Development Team)
“I think I was faster than him, he understand that and he tried to block me on the barriers. The first time, I said hey, and then I went to pass him again and he comes again on the inside. I think it was the normal decision from the jury of the race that I was first, but he delivered second place.”

“On the top of the first climb, we go. But first I don't expect that we go really and then we get 50 seconds, I think that the peloton stopped behind so we keep going. I'm happy it goes to the end, it was short but we did it.”

Jonathan Clarke (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling)
“It was a long day. I started my sprint with 200 meters to go, and we were on the left. I chose my line to move to the right, and I didn't think he was on my right, so I thought I could take my own line but I
guess I pinched him in the barriers. It's just cycling. I haven't won a race for six years and I finally get one and I'm back in second.”

“But I want to take nothing away from the guys who were with me. Max Jenkins and the BMC guy. They were sensational, so congratulations to him.”

Max Jenkins (5-Hr Energy p/b Kenda)
“There was quite bit of attacking like usual at the beginning of the stage and I tried to go with one of the earlier and that didn't work and I was a little bit in the box afterwards, I needed to recover. But my 5-Hour Energy presented by Kenda teammates were all up at the front covering other stuff and I saw all the GC guys went really hard up the first KOM to Pinos Altos. And when they did that, I was at the front but kind of relaxed a little bit because I knew that the move wasn't going to go anywhere, they were all going to stare each other at the top. And they did, so I came from a little further back and probably like 20 guys back, with a lot more speed on the side, went and I guess Jonny and the BMC kid were probably on my wheel when I did that because we were together right away. The GC guys kept sitting up and that was it.”

“It was always going to be hard to stay away because there's always a lot of pretty big headwind in the last 30 kilometers or so. But when we stil had a pretty decent gap at the top of the last KOM, I thought we had a pretty good chance. As it was, it was pretty touch and go still because the gap was coming down in fits and spurts, by the line we had basically no time. It was going to be close, I didn't know what to think.”

For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit www.tourofthegila.com.

Tour of The Gila, Stage 1

5/2/2013

The fields detonated on the final climb to the finish line of stage 1 of the 27th annual Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM when ace climber Janier Acevedo of Team Jamis-Hagens Berman and two-time Gila champion Mara Abbott of Exergy TWENTY16 soared to victory.

UCI Men
Though he had never raced at the Tour of the Gila, Acevedo waited after the Whitewater Mesa, with two kilometers to go to make his move, as he explained through a translator. “There was not much strategy because I didn't know the climb. I just waited until I started to feel good to attack.” With gradients hitting 19 percent pitches, Colombia Acevedo was in his element. “I feel more powerful on these short and steep climbs.”

Behind him, the field already reduced simply shattered as the steepness and high altitude took its toll on the main field reduced to 15 riders. It became every man for himself.

Chris Baldwin (BISSELL) who crossed the line 12 seconds later for second place stated, “It was an amazing ride that he did. I felt very good, just bided my time, waited until I knew it's hard there where it kicks back up, and then it wasn't really a matter of anything other than putting your head down and going hard.”

Sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted the racers this morning in Gough Park, Silver City for the start of New Mexico Premier Road Race. A four-rider break quickly emerged from the field which was happy to let them go for the next 60 miles. Jason McCartney (BISSELL), Christopher Williams (Team Novo Nordisk) and Landis/Trek teammates Paul Thomas and Jared Gilyard increased their gap up to 13 minutes before being reeled in one by one by the final climb.

With his win, Acevedo also took the lead in the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold King of the Mountain classification. By claiming the two intermediate sprint points after a long day in the break, Williams claims the green Grant County sprint jersey. On the strength of his ninth place finish, Gavin Mannion (Bontrager) now wears the white Champion Best Young Rider jersey.

Janier Acevedo (Jamis-Hagens Berman) wins stage 1 of Silver City's Tour of the Gila, Chris Baldwin (Bissell) second and Lucas Euser (UnitedHealthcare), third

NRC Women
Abbott’s solo climb on the very difficult Mogollon Rd. sealed an easy win for ExergyTWENTY16 on Stage 1 of the Silver City’s Tour of the Gila Powered by SRAM.

“There is basically two pitches on Mogollon,” Abbott said as she described her climb. “There is a first steep pitch and then you go over the cattle crossings and then there is a second pitch. We were in a group together through the flat section. When we got to the second pitch of the climb my team mate Kristin (McGrath) was up front. Claudia (Haeusler) pulled off to come around and I was able to get around her. From that point on I was alone. Kristin did a really good job getting herself in the right position for me.”

McGrath tried to position herself throughout the race. She tried to break from the main field several times, as did Brianna Walle and Jade Wilcoxson (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), Robin Farina and Olivia Dillon (NOW and Novartis for MS), and Rushlee Buchanan (Team TIBCO). The field did not allow any breaks throughout most of the race. As the riders came up to the Mogollon Road climb, the field had narrowed to 15 riders.

Abbott’s team mate McGrath finished in second. Kathryn Donovan (NOW and Novartis for MS) came in third.

With her win, Abbott also took the lead in the Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Queen of the Mountain classification. Brianna Walle (Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies) claims the green Grant County Sprint jersey. On the strength of her 14th place finish, Rushlee Buchanan (Team TIBCO) now wears the white Champion Best Young Rider jersey.

Racing continues on Thursday May 2 with stage 2, the Inner Loop Road Race which starts and ends in Fort Bayard.

Mara Abbott (Exergy Twenty16) wins stage 1 of the Silver City's Tour of the Gila, Kristin McGrath (Exergy Twenty16) second and Kathryn Donovan (NOW and Novartis for MS), third.

Rider Quotes
Mara Abbott (Exergy Twenty16)
There is basically two pitches on Mogollon. There is a first steep pitch and then you go over the cattle crossings and then there is a second pitch. We were in a group together through the flat section. When we got to the second pitch of the climb my team mate Kristin (McGrath) was up front. Claudia (Haeusler) pulled off to come around and I was able to get around her. From that point on I was alone. Kristin did a really good job getting herself in the right position for me.”

“The cool thing about our team is that we have a very strong team here. We don’t have to just sit and set up for one person. It was to Kristin’s and the team’s benefit for her to be active. Everyone was where they needed to be.”

“My dad is an astrophysicist and I am a bike racer but I look at the climbs very scientifically. You can look at the pitches of the climb and know how you want to ride it. It’s almost like having control over the road. You can never really be confident of winning until you actually cross the finish line, but you can be confident that you feel strong, and you can feel confident that you know how to ride a climb. What I like best about climbing is that I have a very elemental relationship with climbing. I have an understanding of what it feels like to go on this grade and around this corner. It’s fun when I know the climb because I know what is coming next. It’s exciting. It’s like meeting an old friend again. At the same time, on any climb even if it’s ad different one, you know your body and have an understanding of how you feel you can play that game anytime.”

Janier Acevedo (Jamis-Hagens Berman)
“There was not much strategy because I didn't know the climb. I just waited until I started to feel good to attack. I waited after the plateau because I knew that it was a flat section so I attacked after that.”

“I prefer this type of climb. I feel more powerful on these short and steep climbs.”

Chris Baldwin (Bissell Pro Cycling)
“I prefer to wait, a little more brains a little less brawns. It was an amazing ride that he did. I felt very good, just bided my time, waited until I knew it's hard there where it kicks back up, and then it wasn't really a matter of anything other than putting your head down and going hard.”

“It's a long hard race. We've all seen the leadership change here many times over the course of the week. Like I said, he's a world class rider, it should be a really exciting race. “

Lucas Euser (UnitedHealthcare)
“To be honest, we tried to follow a couple of moves. Acevedo is obviously a strong rider, he took a risk and he won and that's impressive. You can't not take risks and not win.”

“In the end, we tried to lomit our losses, it's a long race. Today is always an interesting day because pretty much everyone goes to the bottom of that climb fresh, no leader's jersey, it's kind of a scrp fight.”

“I love Mogollon. It's right up there with one of the best climbs in the US. You have climbs like Baldy, Diablo that we're going to do this year in California, it's right up there with one of the iconic climbs in the US. This race is a rite of passage for young American cyclists to come back after growing up at this race is awesome.”

For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit www.tourofthegila.com.

Reynolds Wild Wheel Deal

5/1/2013

Reynolds Cycling, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of high performance bicycle wheels, will launch a bold guarantee program on May 1, 2013. The 30-Day AERO Wheelset Guarantee allows customers to return AERO wheels for full store credit if unsatisfied with their performance.

"We've never offered a guarantee before," said Rob Aguero, Reynolds Director of Sales and Marketing. "This program demonstrates that we truly believe in AERO's superiority and that we also believe in driving traffic to our authorized dealers."
AERO carbon clincher wheels are based on DET™ Technology, pioneered by Reynolds to deliver aerodynamic advantage, better ride quality, and improved handling. The rims feature a distinctive airfoil design that converts energized airflow to reduced aerodynamic drag.

The 30-Day AERO Wheelset Guarantee is available on the entire AERO line: 58 AERO, 72 AERO, and 90 AERO. Participating retailers will receive a host of marketing support from Reynolds, including postcards, counter signage, print advertising, and event promotion.

Introduced in late 2012, AERO has garnered immensely positive reviews from industry aficionados and mainstream media. Wired Magazine bestowed a "nearly flawless" (9 out of 10) rating upon it, and Procycling deemed them more stable, stiffer, and a better value than their closest competitors.

"In the wind tunnel, this wheel generated forward thrust," stated Paul Lew, AERO's designer and Reynolds' Director of Technology and Innovation. "AERO showcases what Reynolds is all about: superior materials, expert carbon molding, startling performance, better ride quality, improved handling, and tremendous value."

The 30-Day AERO Guarantee begins May 1 and ends July 4, 2013, while supplies last. It is offered exclusively through Reynolds Cycling's network of authorized dealers in the United States and Canada, and s that if riders do not feel the AERO advantage within 30 days, they can return their wheels in original packaging with proof of purchase to their retailer for full store credit of the purchase price. Full details will be available for retailers at www.reynoldscycling.com/30day.

"We are not expecting to have very many returned wheels," stated Aguero, "but we have quite a few options for dealers in the event that a consumer is unsatisfied." These plans include allowing the dealer to purchase the wheels at a discount to use for demos or return them to Reynolds for a full credit.

Tour Of The Gila Preview

5/1/2013

The Town of Silver City announced today that it has signed on as the title sponsor for the 27th annual Tour of the Gila, New Mexico’s premier stage road race, which will be held on May 1-5, 2013. The 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM will once again test the mettle of top male and female racers in one of the toughest and hilliest stage races in the United States.

“We're very proud to be sponsoring the Tour of the Gila, one of the signature events in our area, and we're happy to ensure its future success.” stated Silver City Town Manager Alex Brown.

“The Town of Silver City has continually encouraged and supported the Tour of the Gila and the race organizers are very pleased to announce that they stepped up to become our title sponsor in 2013. We are extremely excited to continue to bring international bicycle racing to New Mexico.” said Race Director Jack Brennan.

Racers, team staff and fans alike will converge to Silver City, New Mexico in May; the bustling town at 6,000 feet of elevation with a diverse business community, a four-year university and an award-winning historic downtown is a perfect venue to anchor the event.

Longtime friend to the event and presenting sponsor, SRAM will be onsite to provide their top-notch Neutral Service Support (NRS) to teams and riders racing at 'Gila'. SRAM Road Sports Marketing Manager Alex Wassmann said, "We're very proud to continue our support of the Silver City Tour of the Gila, the 'Gila family and all of the athletes that make this a special institution of the American road racing scene."

The 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM consists of five stages – three road stages, one time trial and one criterium - with approximately 15,000 feet of climbing overall. The race culminates with the Gila Monster road stage - the make or break Queen Stage - with its 9,131 feet of climbing over 105 miles of racing.

During those five days, racers and spectators can catch a glimpse of ancient Native American culture at the 700+ year-old ruins of the Mogollon people at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, get to know the Mimbres and its people known for their art which provided the inspiration for the trophy bowls; and get immersed in the old west in Silver City, near the birthplace of famous Apache warrior Geronimo and the childhood home of the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. No other race in America can lay claim to such ancient and notorious history.

Part of the 2013 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) and with a 2.2 ranking on UCI America Tour, the event will continue to provide a testing ground for America's emerging professional racers, and as a race where the strong get stronger. Joe Dombrowski, Andrew Talansky, Evan Huffman, Mara Abbott and many more had breakthrough rides at previous Tour of the Gila events. 2012 London Olympic Games Gold medalist Kristin Armstrong used the Tour of the Gila to fine-tune her form in her successful quest for the Olympic medal.

The men's and women's teams that will contest the 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The event is not only for professionals, as it includes divisions for all skill levels.

Co-sponsors of this year's event include Champion System, Gila Regional Medical Center, Grant County, Lawley Toyota, Holiday Inn Express, Southwest Bone & Joint Institute, Copper Manor, Tim Schoeny, Great Lakes Airlines and Freeport McMoRan.

For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit www.tourofthegila.com.

PARTIAL LIST OF TEAMS
Pro Continental Teams
•   Novo Nordisk (USA)
•   UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)

Continental Teams
•   5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team (USA)
•   BISSELL Pro Cycling (USA)
•   Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)
•   EKOÏ/Devinci Pro Cycling Team (CAN)
•   Jelly Belly P/B Kenda (USA)
•   Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
•   Team Jamis – Hagens Berman (USA)

Elite Teams
•   BMC Development Team (USA)
•   Canyon Bicycles (USA)
•   CashCall Mortgage (USA)
•   Hagens Berman Cycling (USA)
•   Landis – Trek (USA)
•   Stage 17-Cylance (USA)
•   Team Rio Grande Cycling (USA)
•   Trek Red Truck Racing pb Mosaic Homes (CAN)
•   VRC/Get Crackin' (USA)

The Wiggins vs Froome Dance

4/30/2013

Chris Froome has contradicted team-mate and Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins by claiming that he will lead Team Sky's challenge in this year's race. Wiggins has suggested Sky will wait until the last minute before appointing a team leader for the grueling 21-stage event, which runs from June 29 to July 21.

   But Froome, who has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, claims he has been given assurances that he will be Sky's leader for the 100th edition of the historic stage race.

   "There has been much speculation regarding the leadership for Team Sky at the Tour de France this year," he said. "I have made it clear that winning the Tour would be my main objective for 2013. I have been reassured by the management at Team Sky that I have their full backing, and at no time has the leadership of the Tour team been in question.

"Attempting to win the Tour de France is a massive undertaking, and will take total commitment from each and every team member. The Tour team has yet to be selected, but with the depth of talent that we have at Team Sky, I have no doubt that the strongest and most willing riders will be there to support me."

   Froome, who triumphed in last week's Tour de Romandie, supported Wiggins in last year's Tour de France and helped the 33-year-old become the first Briton to ever win the race.

   Sky team principal Dave Brailsford said last November that the roles would be reversed this year but Wiggins said on Monday that he intended to defend his title.

   "At this stage, all being well, it may be that we end up joint leaders for that first week until the racing decides," he said. "Without racing against each other when we hit the mountains or whatever, the racing decides naturally who the leader becomes. It may be that we both stay in contention until that week, Chris wins the mountain stage, takes the yellow jersey, in which case there is a natural hierarchy there and then I try and finish second as he did last year. That may not happen - there may be a clear-cut leader before you get there. We will see."

   However, Wiggins says his primary objective for 2013 is the Giro d'Italia, which begins in Naples on Saturday.

Spain's Dr. Dope Gets Sentenced

4/30/2013

A Spanish court on Tuesday sentenced a medical doctor who performed blood transfusions on top cyclists to a year in prison for endangering public health in a case keenly watched because of claims the practice extended to other sports.

   Judge Julia Patricia Santamaria said that Eufemiano Fuentes, 57, offered the blood doping treatments for money, posing a "significant risk to the health" of those receiving the blood.

   "The extractions and transfusions were not practised in accordance with the sanitary norms but in a clandestine manner," she added in the long-awaited ruling after the 10-week trial in Madrid.

   As such, his actions contravened article 361 of the Spanish criminal code which relates to the endangering of public health, the judge said.

   In addition to the one-year jail term, which under Spanish law he does not have to serve immediately if he lodges an appeal, Fuentes was given a fine of around 4,500 euros ($5,880, £3,790) at the rate of 15 euros a day for 10 months. He was also banned from practising as a sports doctor for four years.

   A former trainer of the Kelme cycling team, Jose Ignacio Labarta, was found guilty and handed a four-month jail term. He was given a four-month professional ban. The three other co-accused in the case - Fuentes' sister Yolanda, Manolo Saiz and Vicente Belda - were all cleared.

   "Operation Puerto has finished and I hope that no one reminds me of it ever again," said Saiz.

   Operation Puerto refers to the police investigation against a wide-ranging blood-doping racket with Fuentes as its head. Police arrested the accused in raids on premises linked to Fuentes in May 2006, leading to the seizure of some 200 bags of tampered blood labelled with a complex system of codes.

   A virtual pharmacy of performance-enhancing substances, including the banned blood-booster erythropoetin (EPO), human-growth hormone (HGH) and anabolic steroids, was also uncovered. A lawyer representing the International Cycling Union governing body described the operation as "the biggest doping network the world has ever seen".

   All five were charged with endangering public health but not incitement to doping, which was not a crime in Spain at the time of their arrests. Judge Santamaria came under pressure during the trial to provide the names of athletes implicated in the scandal but she refused.

   On Tuesday she also refused to give the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or any other national anti-doping authority access to the 211 blood bags seized in the raids. Instead, she ordered the bags to be destroyed, pending an appeal by any of the parties involved.

   Santamaria's ruling stated that Fuentes had at least from 2002 extracted blood from his clients and then at a later point transfused the blood back into their system "with the exclusive intention of artificially elevating the physical performance of the cyclist". The transfusions were sometimes combined with banned substances such as EPO, HGH, testosterone, insulin and even the fertility drug Human Menopausal Gonadotropin.

   The Fuentes case was being watched closely given the drug allegations that have swirled around cycling for years and came to a head last year, when Lance Armstrong was stripped of his record seven Tour de France wins for doping.

   Witnesses in the case included two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador, who served a two-year ban for a doping violation until last year, and Armstrong's former US Postal Service team-mate Tyler Hamilton.

   Six of the 58 people said to have been clients of Fuentes have subsequently been sanctioned. They include German rider Jan Ullrich. Fuentes said during the trial, though, that he "worked with individual sports persons... of all kinds", including footballers and boxers, but insisted his actions did not endanger their health.

   The Canary Islands doctor also denied EPO doping, saying ampules found in his home were for his daughter's chemotherapy treatment.

2013 Giro d'Italia: Team Astana

4/30/2013

Astana Pro Team rider Vincenzo Nibali will lead a squad of dedicated climbers and stage race specialists at the 2013 Giro di'Italia. Nibali, who finished 2nd in the 2011 Giro, will enter the 21-stage race on Saturday in Napoli with eight teammates all focused on the Maglia Rosa on Sunday, May 26 in Brescia.

"We have one goal at the Giro - victory for Vincenzo in his home race. He has won the Vuelta, come third at the Tour, and now he is ready to fight for the pink jersey. That has been our goal since the beginning of the season, and it's in his head and the team is right behind him for victory," said Astana Pro Team General Manager Alexandr Vinokurov.

Astana Pro Team riders:
•Vincenzo Nibali - ITA
•Andrey Zeits - KAZ
•Paolo Tiralongo - ITA
•Valerio Agnoli - ITA
•Dmitri Gruzdev - ITA
•Fredrik Kessiakoff - SWE
•Fabio Aru - ITA
•Tanel Kangert - EST
•Alessandro Vanotti - ITA

Vinokurov said the opponents in the 2013 Giro d'Italia will be equally determined to try for victory, and that each stage will demand full concentration.

"We don't yet really know if Bradley Wiggins has the goal of winning the Giro, or if he is using May as a preparation for July. But it is worth remembering that he won the Tour de France last year, and then Olympic Gold, and you can't ignore him," Vinokurov said.

"Michele Scarponi, Ryder Hesjedal, Robert Gesink, these are all riders who don't get lost in the mountains, and have won this race or similar ones before. They are the big three opponents for us this year at the Giro," said Vinokurov.

"The whole team will ride for Vinceno for General Classification, so a sprinter in our ranks would be excess. We need riders for the mountains, for GC, and we are putting our faith in Vincenzo and the guys for the whole race, from Napoli to Brescia. If the team is going well, and we can get into a breakaway, or push Fabio Aru for the Best Young Rider Jersey, then we will, but those goals are secondary to Pink," Vinokurov said.

Vincenzo Nibali
"He's a champion, a star. He has shown at Tirreno and at Trentino that he is not afraid to go on the attack when he is the strongest, that he has a great sense of self-confidence, and he knows just where and when to make his move. Vincenzo has every chance to win, and the team believes in him just as much as he believes in the team."

Andrey Zeits -
"Andrey is a great domestique, and if you put him at the front of the peloton and tell him to go 40k per hour for 20k he can grind the whole pack to the base of the hill. We believe in him, and after he had some health problems last year, this season he has shown he can assist the team with great distinction."

Paolo Tiralongo
"Paolo is our great Italian connoisseur, with deep experience both as a stage winner at the Giro and as a rider on Astana Pro Team. He knows how the race unfolds, and can read the tactics wth a veteran's eye."

Valerio Agnoli
"Valerio has been with Vincenzo for a long time, and he knows him well. They are friends off the bike, and their families are close. His goal since the begining of the year has been the same as Vincenzo's, and he will spend the Giro keeping a close eye on the leader."

Dmitri Gruzdev
"Dmitriy is a Kazakhstan athlete in very good shape who goes well in the individual and the team time trial, where we will count him especially. He can fight and even win for himself in this discipline, and at the start in Napoli he will be a huge motor on the flats for Vincenzo. For him this will be a great first Giro and an excellent preparation for the future."

Fredrik Kessiakoff
"Fredrik is a rider who plays offense and defense equally as well. In the mountains he shows that he has the legs and can go with the top 10 leaders on any hill, and for us at the Giro he is one of those hard riders who will carry Vincenzo into the mountains for the final climb."

Fabio Aru
"Fabio is a young rider who showed in Trentino just how hard he can work. Even last year we saw what a great young Italian star he is, and we are very happy to have been able to sign him to Astana Pro Team. He has shown he can ride well in the mountains, and for the future of the team he will make his first Giro start to ride in the same mountains against the same opponents he saw at Trentino, with no fear. He has the potential to take the Best Young Rider's Jersey."

Tanel Kangert
"Tanel is a real Estonian rider. Strong, not afraid, even-tempered. This is his third year on the team, and last season he showed us how well he can ride in the mountains at the Giro and the Tour de Suisse. He can go out every day and fight to the end and never quit, no matter if it's hot or cold, rain or snow."

Alessandro Vanotti
"Without Alessandro the Giro would be impossible. He is the Grande of the Peloton, the close steward of Vincenzo, the friend, the roommate, the spirit of the team. He makes the atmosphere come alive, and can ride to the finish. He is domestique number one."

Team UnitedHealthcare Race Report

4/29/2013

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Captures First Podium Sweep of the Season at the 2013 Roswell Criterium, as Luke Keough, Hilton Clarke and Carlos Alzate Take 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place, Respectively
Roswell, GA – Amidst horrible weather conditions on Sunday, April 28th, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team outpaced the field from start to finish on a cold and rainy afternoon in Roswell, Georgia, en route to its first podium sweep of the season. Teammates Luke Keough, Hilton Clarke and Carlos Alzate, took first, second and third place, respectively, making it a clean sweep of the podium in Roswell for the Blue Train.

In his post-race interview with race announcer, Chad Andrews, Luke Keough remarked, “We’ve had a pretty good season so far and after last night (2nd place finish at the Terrapin Twilight Criterium in Athens), we wanted to come back strong. I think we showed that today. We knew it was going to be really wet and slick and we wanted to try and control it today. Everyone on the team rode a great race and I’m glad I was able to do my part and deliver a win for us.”

General Manager and Team Director, Mike Tamayo, added, “The boys were focused and motivated today. The weather was horrible and it was raining hard. It was impressive to watch them ride the front from the first lap to the finish. They worked hard for it, kept it safe, and delivered.
The win in Roswell marks the sixth win of the season for the Pro Continental squad. The team will continue racing this week in the Southeastern United States for the balance of Speedweek A. The Blue Train will also head to the desert Southwest for the May 1-5 Tour of the Gila in New Mexico.

TEAM UNITEDHEALTHCARE ROSTER FOR 2013 ROSWELL CRITERIUM:
•   Hilton Clarke (AUS)
•   Carlos Alzate (COL)
•   Adrian Hegyvary (USA)
•   Karl Menzies (AUS)
•   Luke Keough (USA)
•   Brad White (USA)
•   Team Director, Mike Tamayo (USA)

Photo: Courtesy Team Staff Member

Tour of Romandie Finale

4/28/2013

British rider Chris Froome won the Tour of Romandie on Sunday for his third big win of the season.
The 27-year-old Team Sky cyclist - the Olympic time-trial bronze medalist and second in last year's Tour de France - had 54 seconds to spare over second-placed Slovenian Simon Spilak while Portugal's Rui Costa filled third spot just as he did last year.

   Germany's time-trial specialist Tony Martin displayed his expertise in the discipline by winning Sunday's final stage in Geneva.

   Froome, already winner this season of the Tour of Oman and the International Criterium, will hope he goes on and replicates the Tour de France success of the past two winners of this race, Australia's Cadel Evans in 2011 and the Briton's compatriot and Sky team-mate Bradley Wiggins last year.

   Froome, born in South Africa and brought up in Kenya, said it was a good sign for his Tour de France bid but added there was still work to do.

   "It has been a really good week for us I am really happy with my condition now in the build-up to the Tour de France," said Froome. "This week I couldn't have done it without the help of a really strong team around me. "Every day since the prologue, they have protected me and kept me at the front of the race. I owe it to them this week. "Every race I do now is a good test for me, to see exactly where my condition is and what I need to work on. It has been a really good experience for me this week. It is definitely a good omen, but the Tour is still two months away and I need to do a lot of hard training before then."

TEAM OPQS REPORT
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider and UCI World TT Champion Tony Martin powered to yet another time trial victory in 2013, winning the 18.7km Stage 5 of Tour de Romandie on Sunday with a time of 21'07", averaging 53.105km/h.

"Panzerwagen" was fastest at Le pont du Mont-Blanc, and the finish by 16" over Adriano Malori (Lampre-Merida). Christopher Froome (Team Sky ProCycling) was 3rd (+34").

Martin now has six victories this season, including four ITT wins. He also was a crucial rider in a TTT victory in Tirreno-Adriatico. OPQS now has 24 wins, in three disciplines, this season. OPQS also won three stages out of six (including a prologue) at Romandie.

"I came to Tour de Romandie to try to make a good result in the GC, but maybe it was a bit of a mistake to attack yesterday in the mountain stage," Martin said. "I lost my chance to be in the top 10, so I focused on today's TT. I knew the parcour was perfect for me today. The course was not complicated. It was totally flat, so I was able to give 100 percent right from the start because there was no mountain or any technical parts that can make a big difference. So you have to keep a steady, good speed from the beginning and I did that. I am happy with my win today."

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

Wiggle Honda Race Report

4/28/2013

Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Giorgia Bronzini sprinted to victory at the head of a 20-strong group of riders, which was all that remained of the peloton, at the end of an attritional first stage of the Festival Luxembourgeois du Cyclisme Féminin Elsy Jacobs, in Garnich, Luxembourg. The two-time road World champion beat South African champion Ashleigh Moolman (Lotto-Belisol), and Polish champion Katarzyna Pawlowska (GSD Gestion-Kallisto) into second and third, with current World champion Marianne Vos (Rabobank-Liv/Giant) fourth.

The 102.6km stage was made up of a long, 53.6km opening loop, followed by five laps of a hilly 9.8km finishing circuit.

“On the finishing laps there were two climbs; one short and steep and one longer and less steep,” said Bronzini afterwards. “It was also cold, but we were lucky because it didn’t rain.”

On the final lap the pace up the climb reduced the peloton to a group of just 20 riders, including Bronzini, and the former World champion sprinted to her second victory of the season.

“In the five last laps there were so many attacks from [Orica-AIS] and I was on the wheel of Emma Johansson every time she tried to attack,” Bronzini explained. “In the final there were, I think, 15 girls to the sprint. I was on the wheel of Vos, and when she started to sprint I went out in the last hundred metres.”

Bronzini’s second victory of the season was the result of a big team effort once again, as Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling directeur sportif Simon Cope explained.

“The team did a really good job early on to protect Giorgia, so she’d have the legs for the sprint,” Cope said. “It just whittled down, until there were only 20 riders left at the end.

“They did their job well, to protect Giorgia, and she finished it off pretty well; well, very well really!” he laughed.

“Laura Trott and Dani King [pictured above] were with me until one lap to go,” Bronzini confirmed. “They worked hard for me because the wind was from the side and they covered me so many times so I could reserve my power, and they did a very good job.”

Vos took over the race lead, but a ten-second time bonus for Bronzini moves the Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling rider up to fifth overall, just five seconds behind.

“If she can win tomorrow she’ll win overall,” said Cope.

“I will try to do my best sprint,” Bronzini smiled.

Result
1. Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling)
2. Ashleigh Moolman (Lotto-Belisol)
3. Katarzyna Pawlowska (GSD Gestion-Kallisto)

28. Dani King
32. Laura Trott
54. Lauren Kitchen
77. Mayuko Hagiwara
88. Rochelle Gilmore

Team Jamis - Hagens Berman Race Report

4/27/2013

Team Jamis - Hagens Berman's star sprinter, JJ Haedo, found success on the first road stage of the Joe Martin Stage Race, leading the charging peloton home for the win in Fayettville, Arkansas. This stage race is the second stop on USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar. The 4-day event on the roads of Northwest Arkansas consists of an uphill time trial, two long and rolling road races, and an exciting downtown criterium.

The race course took riders on a single large loop over rolling terrain, with a total elevation gain of nearly 6000ft. The weather was dreary for portions of the 175km race, with periods of heavy rain, strong winds, and cool temperatures. About 35km in to the race, a group of four escaped and the leader's team was happy to ride tempo behind, never letting the breakaway get more than three minutes up the road. This status quo continued for the next 100km. The pace in the peloton began to pick up on a long and shallow climb with 40km left to race. With this injection of pace the breakaway was caught and it was clear a bunch finish was imminent.

With 10km to go, Team Jamis - Hagens Berman congregated at the head of affairs. The team took control in the final kilometers, where the road narrowed considerably before a technical last 2km run in towards the finish. JJ was able to maintain position near the front, and leapt out of the final corner to take the win by a bike length!

Visit www.jamishagensberman.com for information on the 2013 team and race schedule.

Photo: John Segesta

The Tour de France Field Is Set

4/27/2013

French cycling teams Cofidis, Europcar and Sojasun were on Saturday handed the three wild card invitations for this year's 100th Tour de France, which gets underway on June 29 in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica

The 22 participating teams are:

   France (5):
   AG2R La Mondiale, Cofidis, Europcar, FDJ-BigMat, Sojasun

   Netherlands (3):
   Argos, Blanco, Vacansoleil

   Belgium (2):
   Omega Pharma, Lotto

   Spain (2):
   Euskaltel, Movistar

   United States (2):
   BMC, Garmin

   Italy (2):
   Cannondale, Lampre

   Australia (1):
   Orica

   Denmark (1):
   Saxo Bank, Kreuziger (CZE)

   Great Britain (1):
   Team Sky

   Kazakhstan (1):
   Astana

   Luxembourg (1):
   RadioShack

   Russia (1):
   Katusha

Road I.D. Hits The Road

4/27/2013

Road ID, manufacturer of the premiere line of identification gear for outdoor athletes and enthusiasts, kicked off a major new marketing and sales initiative with the launch of their mobile engraving unit.

Dubbed the “Roadshow” - a Road ID mobile design and retail center that will attend various running, cycling and triathlon events throughout the nation – the 28-foot trailer brings the Road ID e-commerce experience to hundreds of thousands of endurance athletes and kids, giving them the opportunity to customize and create their own personal safety identification.

“Our customers and social media followers have been urging us for years to attend the events in which they race,” said Road ID co-owner Edward Wimmer.

“And Road ID has grown to where we are today as a result of listening to their feedback. While we’ll never stop offering our product on the web, Roadshow offers that unique opportunity to connect with our customers directly. There’s something special about getting out and talking with people and hearing their questions that makes this more than just a sales and marketing opportunity.”

Rock & Roll runner Angela Iwaniw, a Lakewood Ranch (Florida) resident who bought a Road ID at a recent event, said, “I had been meaning to purchase one for months and months. I was training for my first Ironman, so I knew I needed to have one for safety, but I would get so busy with work and training that I never took the time to measure my wrist and get online to actually order one. Being able to try on the bracelets, talk to someone about what I should put on my ID, and get the bracelet right while I waited made it easy. Getting my Road ID at the expo meant it was no longer another task on the long list of things to do.”

The Roadshow’s schedule will include nearly twenty events across the country, including the St. Jude Country Music Marathon in Nashville April 25-26; the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon May 3-4, the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon May 17-19, and the Rock & Roll Chicago Half Marathon July 19-20. The Roadshow is also looking to fill out the second half of its 2013 event schedule with cycling and triathlon events like Levi’s Gran Fondo, Ironman Louisville and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

The Roadshow mobile engraving unit is the result of hundreds of hours of labor from the Erlanger, Kentucky-based enterprise and is comprised of a mobile engraving fulfillment center fitted into a highly-customized trailer. At events, expo-goers utilize touchscreen ordering displays to create their personalized Road IDs. From finalizing their order on the display, it takes an average of five minutes to deliver the finished, customized product to the customer. The customer can opt to receive a text message or email when their order is ready for pick-up, and their name also appears on a monitor when it is complete.

The same laser-engraving technology used on web orders is utilized inside the Roadshow, and all ID styles available at RoadID.com are also available at the Roadshow. The company also offers nearly their entire line of apparel and accessories - from tech tees and race hats to Supernova lights, reflective belts and socks.

To learn more about Road ID and to see where the Mobile Roadshow will visit next, please visit www.RoadID.com/Roadshow.
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Tour of Romandie, Stage 3

4/26/2013

Belgian Gianni Meersman won the third stage of the Tour of Romandie on Friday following a 181km ride around Payerne. The 27-year-old Omega Pharma rider beat Italian Francesco Gavazzi and Switzerland's Michael Albasini in a sprint finish.

   It was Meersman's second stage win in the tour after his success in Wednesday's first stage but Britain's Chris Froome still held the overall lead. However, Meersman moved up to third in the overall standings thanks to time bonuses collected on the stage, and trails the Team Sky rider by just nine seconds. American Andrew Talansky remains second at six seconds.

   For Meersman it was a satusfying finish and helped make up for losing out to Lithuania's Ramunas Navardauskas on Thursday.

   "I was disappointed with my sprint yesterday (Thursday) and I wanted to put things right today," he said. "I had three stages in mind before this tour. I won two and yesterday I was third so I'm delighted."

RESULTS: The 181km Stage 3:
   1. Gianni Meersman (BEL/OPQ) 4h19:03, 2. Francesco Gavazzi (ITA/AST) same time, 3. Michael Albasini (SUI/ORI) s.t., 4. Luka Mezgec (SLO/ARG) s.t., 5. Juan José Lobato (ESP/EUS) s.t., 6. Danilo Wyss (SUI/BMC) s.t., 7. Rinaldo Nocentini (ITA/ALM) s.t., 8. Roberto Ferrari (ITA/LAM) s.t., 9. Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg (RSA/ARG) s.t., 10. Xavier Florencio (ESP/KAT) s.t.
   Overall standings:
   1. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 13h53:16, 2. Andrew Talansky (USA/GRM) at 6sec,   3. Gianni Meersman (BEL/OPQ) 9, 4. Robert Kiserlovski (CRO/RSH) 13, 5. Richie Porte (AUS/SKY) 15, 6. Rui Costa (POR/MOV) 16, 7. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) 17, 8. Stef Clement (NED/BLA) s.t., 9. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) s.t., 10. Tom Danielson (USA/GRM) s.t.

TEAM OPQS REPORT
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Gianni Meersman won his second stage at Tour de Romandie, winning the bunch sprint at the end of 181km Stage 3 on Friday. He was led to the finish by several OPQS teammates, who did all the chasing for the peloton in the final kilometers to bring back a lone rider shortly after the flamme rouge.

Meersman launched off the wheel of Michael Albasini (Orica-GreenEDGE) after being led to the final meters by his teammates. He bested Francesco Gavazzi (Astani) and Albasini.

This was the 23rd victory, in three disciplines, for OPQS in 2013. It was also Meersman's fourth victory of the season. Meersman is now tied with Richie Porte (Team Sky ProCycling) for the most UCI WorldTour wins, and OPQS has eight WorldTour victories.

"I was disappointed about my sprint yesterday and wanted to make it up today for everybody — my teammates especially ," Meersman said. "They did a great job today, did a perfect leadout and I'm really happy with my second victory at Tour de Romandie. It maybe looked easy in the final but it was not so easy. With 2 kilometers to go I knew the guys had something left in the tank to catch Malori ahead (Lampre-Merida). Tony Martin took me to the last 600 or 700 meters. It was perfect. As for tomorrow, I'm going to help the boys now. Before coming here I had three stages in mind. The first stage I won, then yesterday I was third, and today I won again. So, I am happy."

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

USADA Points Fingers At The UCI

4/26/2013

World cycling's governing body, the UCI, has contributed nothing to the fight against doping in the sport, the head of the US Anti-Doping Agency told the French Senate on Thursday. Travis Tygart, giving evidence under oath to a Senate commission on doping, said the UCI "did everything to put obstacles in our way" over the Lance Armstrong affair.

   He added: "They refused to send us the results of tests and they are still refusing to supply us with those of three of Armstrong's team-mates."

   When asked if he had anything he wished to say to Pat McQuaid, the UCI chief who is due to be heard by the same commission shortly, Tygart said wryly: "We think that the leaders of the sport have singularly failed in the fight against doping. In the last six months (since the Armstrong scandal broke), they have done absolutely nothing. If you can find a way to prevent the UCI carrying out controls at the Tour de France, then please go ahead."

   Under the world anti-doping charter, controls in major sporting events are carried out by that sport's governing body. He also raised the question of the UCI's alleged involvement in covering up positive tests Armstrong gave in 2001 in the Tour of Switzerland, another in the Dauphine in 2002 as well as a number of tests in the 1999 Tour de France, which they justified by saying the substances were authorised for therapeutic purposes.

   "They knew that Armstrong was working with Dr (Michele) Ferrari, who supplied (the blood doping product) EPO to sportsmen in Italy." He added: "They could have looked more closely at their relationship. They accepted payments in cash from Armstrong, but didn't provide receipts for any of them."

   In October 2012, Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles as well as all other results starting in August 1998, and was banned for life after the US Anti-Doping Agency determined he was the key figure in a sophisticated doping program on his US Postal Service cycling team.

   Armstrong finally made a belated admission of doping, after many denials, in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in January, in which he said he used a combination of blood-doping transfusions, blood-boosting EPO and testosterone throughout his career.

AND THE UCI RESPONDS

   Cycling's world governing body on Friday roundly rejected claims from the man who brought down Lance Armstrong that they had contributed nothing to the fight against doping in the sport. The head of the the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) Travis Tygart told a French Senate hearing on Thursday that the International Cycling Union (UCI) had blocked efforts to clean up the tarnished sport since the scandal broke last year.

   But the UCI responded strongly, saying in a statement on its website uci.ch: "The UCI categorically rejects allegations of collusion... and states categorically that it has nothing to hide".

Giving evidence under oath to a committee from the upper chamber of parliament investigating the fight against doping, Tygart claimed that the UCI "did everything to put obstacles in our way" over the Armstrong affair. A devastating USADA report published last October said Armstrong orchestrated what it termed the biggest doping programme in sporting history during his career, sending shockwaves through the sport.

   The UCI later rubber-stamped the findings, banned the Texan rider for life and stripped him of his record seven Tour de France wins between 1999 and 2005. But questions remain about the extent of the governing body's knowledge of his illegal activities, including claims that they were complicit in covering up positive dope tests.

   Tygart, whose organisation fought a public battle with the UCI over jurisdiction in the Armstrong case, also criticised the federation's response since their report, accusing them of doing "absolutely nothing" to crack down on the use of banned substances.

   A UCI spokesman accused Tygart of courting headlines and countered that USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) stymied the work of an independent commission it set up to look into historical doping cases. The commission was disbanded in January after protracted argument about its powers and whether witnesses would be granted an amnesty protecting them from subsequent disciplinary action.

   "He should establish the facts before jumping to conclusions," the UCI spokesman said. "It's all very well Mr Tygart talking about cooperation, but let's not forget that the Independent Commission was only disbanded because of USADA's and WADA's point-blank refusal to cooperate with it. Simply, the UCI was left with no choice but to close it down; it made no sense to go forward without the participation of these two bodies.

   "One can only assume that their refusal to cooperate with the Independent Commission was due to their fear that their own shortcomings would be exposed. After all, USADA and WADA also tested Armstrong over many years and also failed to catch him. It was only with the benefit of the US Federal Investigation that USADA was finally able to gain evidence of Armstrong's doping. No attempt by Travis Tygart to rewrite history will change the fact that USADA failed to catch Lance Armstrong having tested him just 49 times during his career. The UCI by comparison tested Armstrong 189 times."

   Work by the UCI to catch Armstrong's former team-mates Floyd Landis and Tyler also enabled the investigation against Armstrong, the spokesman added.

Team TIBCO Race Report

4/26/2013

Team TIBCO’s Claudia Hausler won the opening stage of the Joe Martin Stage Race today, making her the new overall race leader. In today’s 2.5-mile uphill time trial, Hausler put in a winning time of 9:27, 6 seconds ahead of Alison Powers in second place.

The time trial had an average gradient of nearly 7 percent and was perfectly suited to the world-class climber. Team TIBCO teammates Amanda Miller, Chantal Blaak and Rushlee Buchanan also put up strong times, placing 7th, 11th, 12th, respectively. In fact, most of the Team TIBCO squad lies within 1 minute of the winning time.

Tomorrow, riders will roll out for a 64-mile road race with over 3,500 feet of climbing, including a 6 percent grade in the final 350 meters. Saturday offers up another rolling 68-mile road stage, featuring over 1500 feet of climbing per 23-mile lap. The race closes Sunday with an 8-corner, 50-minute criterium.

For more information on the Joe Martin Stage Race, visit http://www.joemartinstagerace.com/

Photo: Larry Rosa.

U.S. Pro Challenge Route Announced

4/25/2013

The route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge professional cycling stage race, taking place Aug. 19-25 in Colorado, will take riders on a heart-pounding journey through the breathtaking Colorado Rockies. The largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge continues to set records in professional cycling history by taking the riders to unprecedented elevations. In 2012, with a lead change nearly every day, one of the closest professional races in U.S. history came down to the final moments of the Individual Time Trial in Denver, and this year’s route promises to bring just as much drama.

“The most important thing to us in creating the route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge was to find a course that would be safe and challenging for the riders, while providing ideal viewing locations for the crowds of spectators,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “This year we are, once again, taking them to the highest point of any professional cycling race with Independence Pass. We’re also returning to the iconic Time Trial route in Vail. The best in the sport will be racing through Colorado communities for what will be an epic week in professional cycling.”

The race will visit eight official host cities for the starts and finishes of each stage, ranging from small towns to cities as large as Denver, with a population of more than 615,000. All with varying elevations, the start and finishes of most stages in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge are above the highest points in the Tour de France. The two new cities joining the 2013 race –Loveland and Fort Collins – each offer breathtaking scenery that will add to the overall excitement.

Back by popular demand, the 2013 route will feature the Vail Time Trial course that was used in the 2011 edition and was largely taken from a race forever etched in cycling history – the Coors Classic. Additionally, the race will borrow from the 2011 route for the ever-popular Denver circuit finish. Giving fans a chance to see the riders nine times (eight laps) and the riders plenty of opportunities to get familiar with the course, this will bring another exciting finish to seven days of fiercely competitive racing.

“We’ve set out to create the greatest professional cycling event in the U.S. and with each edition the route continues to evolve, the competition continues to be fierce and the fans continue to come out in droves,” added Hunter. “In looking at the route we have outlined, each day is a challenge, which will create some amazing racing. This year is looking like it will be the best yet.”

One of the most highly anticipated events on the race calendar, the 2013 USA Pro Challenge will test the riders’ strength and endurance over a nearly 600-mile course. Highlights of the route include:

Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race – Monday, Aug. 19
The 2013 USA Pro Challenge begins with its biggest opening day hurdle ever. The new for 2013 Aspen/Snowmass Circuit may be short on distance, but it packs a punch that will welcome the riders to Colorado. Consisting of three 22-mile laps, 66 miles total, Stage 1 packs in 3,080 ft. of climbing per lap with minimal recovery, so this is no easy start. Each lap will see the racers fight for position onto the narrow, but beautiful Maroon Creek Bridge, then grind up to Snowmass Village. A quick descent leads to two short, but steep climbs and a quick loop through downtown before doing it all again. Pair that with a starting elevation of 7,900 ft. and you have one tough opening day. No one will win the 2013 USA Pro Challenge on this opening day, but without a strong start, someone could lose it.

Stage 2: Aspen to Breckenridge – Tuesday, Aug. 20
While much of the Stage 2 course has been used in previous years, 2013 will mix things up by taking the riders in different directions, creating a unique new stage. The familiar battleground of Independence Pass will be anything but easy as riders ascend the 12,000 ft. climb, the highest point reached in any professional cycling race. Then they’ll continue on through some familiar spots as the race zooms through Buena Vista, Fairplay and Alma, before tackling Hoosier Pass from the south this year. But it’s not over until it’s over, so before crossing the line the riders will have to conquer the nasty 15 percent grade of Moonstone Rd. in the heart of Breckenridge, before bombing down Boreas Pass to the waiting crowd.

Stage 3: Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs – Wednesday, Aug. 21
Stage 3 will be difficult to predict for even the biggest cycling fans. Can the climbers hold off the field or can the sprinters hang on? Stage 3 of this year’s USA Pro Challenge is wide open for the taking. After leaving Breckenridge, Swan Mountain Rd. provides a great launch pad for breakaways as the riders weave north to Kremmling, but it’s all just a prelude to the day’s main showdown on Rabbit Ears Pass. Climbing the challenging eastern slope will give the climbers a chance, but they will have to hold off the sprinters for 20 miles after cresting the top as they head downtown Steamboat Springs. Can they do it? Or will there be a repeat of 2011’s thrilling and monstrous field sprint?

Stage 4: Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek – Thursday, Aug. 22
Stage 4 is the Queen Stage of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge. It features some previously used terrain, but with some added spice. One thing is for sure, the road to the final podium in Denver goes straight over Bachelor Gulch. A new start in Steamboat will send the race off onto new country roads around Routt County. This roller coaster of small hills gives way to a gentle route south until the racers have to climb up from the river bottom at State Bridge. That’s just the beginning, as the new approach to Beaver Creek will now send the racers up the new climb of Bachelors Gulch. It may not be the longest or most well-known climb, but it is quite possibly the toughest. The relentless grade with pitches up to 18 percent will do real damage and create the sort of epic racing for which the Pro Challenge is known. After Bachelor Gulch, the leaders still have to race down a technical descent and power up the final 2 km climb to Beaver Creek Village. By that time the winner may not even have the strength left for a victory salute.

Stage 5: Vail Individual Time Trial – Friday, Aug. 23
The last time the USA Pro Challenge visited Vail, the Time Trial was decided by 58 hundredths of a second. Competition will be equally fierce this time around, but the names may change a bit. The course’s roots are in Colorado racing lore and trace back to the Coors Classic. Starting in Vail and climbing most of the way up Vail Pass, the route is no easy proposition, even for the best racers on earth. The gentle grades of the first half of the course give way to a steady climb for the last three miles. But it takes more than legs on this strategic course; go too hard early and the climb may kill your chances, but conserve too much for the climb and the leaderboard may be out of reach.

Stage 6: Loveland to Ft. Collins – Saturday, Aug. 24
With a flat speed-fest scheduled for Sunday in Denver, any contenders for the Leader Jersey will have only this stage left to make a move or lose it all. The outskirts of Loveland will see the racers off as they spend some early miles on the flat windswept plains passing through Windsor and back to Loveland. Then it’s up Big Thompson Canyon where things will heat up. Split north onto Devils Gultch, the race’s last King of the Mountains competition, before hitting Estes Park and back down Big Thompson. Horsetooth Reservoir provides one last chance for aggression on its steep rollers. If no one gets away here, look for the sprinters to have their day.

Stage 7: Denver Circuit Race – Sunday, Aug. 25
We marvel at their raw speed. We watch their daring moves and nerves of steel as they fight for position with awe. We gasp at their handling skills. They are the sprinters. And for six days they have been fighting over mountains trying to stay with racers 20 or more pounds lighter. They have flirted with thin air and time cuts, but today belongs to them. The Denver Circuit takes the best parts of the 2011 and 2012 Denver stages and combines them into a new circuit. It still hits all the Denver highlights – LoDo, City Park, Civic Center Park. There isn’t a bad viewing spot. Watch for early breakaways…can they hold off the surging peloton? Watch the teams cue up and try to set up their sprinters…can they get to the front? Watch the last corner and see who has the nerve to take it the fastest and claim the final prize in the shadow of Colorado’s Capitol.

Host city information, maps and elevation profiles are available on the race website at http://usaprocyclingchallenge.com/2013-route.

About the USA Pro Challenge
Referred to as “America’s Race,” the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 19-25, 2013 and travel through eight host cities from Aspen to Denver. For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2012, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history and the largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2013. Featuring a challenging, 599-mile course, the third annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

More information can be found online at www.USAProChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.

Tour of Romandie, Stage 1

4/25/2013

Belgium's Gianni Meersman, of the Omega Pharma team, won the first stage of the Tour of Romandie on Wednesday, but Britain's race favourite Chris Froome remained in the overall lead. Meersman won the 176km stage between Saint-Maurice and Renens, in the Lausanne suburbs, in a sprint finish from Italy's Giacomo Nizzolo and Roberto Ferrari.

   "It was a difficult day but the team did excellent work," said 27-year-old Meersman. "It was especially difficult in the final 500 metres, but I rediscovered my good legs and they got me the victory," added Meersman, who came into the race in form having won two stages on last month's Tour of Catalonia.

   Froome holds on to the overall lead after winning Tuesday's prologue. Thursday's second stage will be a 190.3km ride north from Prilly to Granges. Froome is hoping to win the five-stage race, which concludes on Sunday, as he steps up his preparations for this summer's Tour de France.

   The two previous winners of this race, Australia's Cadel Evans (2011) and Froome's Sky team-mate Bradley Wiggins last year went on to win the Tour de France.

TEAM OMEGA PHARMA QUICKSTEP REPORT
Team OPQS Sport Director Brian Holm said on Tuesday that Gianni Meersman is showing his good condition, particularly after finishing 24th on a Tour de Romandie mountain prologue despite being known more for his sprinting prowess.

Holm's comments were a reality at the end of the 176.8km Tour de Romandie Stage 1. As the race came back together inside the final 10km, OPQS sent riders to the front to protect Meersman and put him in the best position for the finish. Cavendish was not spotted in the bunch going into the final kilometers because of a mechanical at the bottom of the last climb. Despite an attack by Manuele Boaro (Team Saxo-Tinkoff) that was brought back with 1.5km to go, it was clear the peloton was completely unorganized in preparation for the bunch sprint. It was up to OPQS, and some smart maneuvering by Meersman, to put him in place for a win.

Meersman waited until the perfect moment with less than 400m to go, launching on the left side off another rider's wheel in a chaotic final to win the stage. The win was also his third victory in 2013, and the 22nd for OPQS in three disciplines. Giacomo Nizzolo (Radioshack-Leopard) was 2nd, Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida) 3rd.

"It was a difficult stage," Meersman said. "The team worked perfectly. It was hard in the final, at 500 meters to go I had to brake. But then I found my good legs and saw a way to the victory. The goal today, if Mark Cavendish was still there after the last climb, was to go for him. If not, it would be a final for me. Unfortunately Mark had a mechanical and at that point we went for me. I was a little bit closed at 400 meters to go, but I managed to stay in the front. Peter Velits brought me to the wheel of Matthew Goss (Orica Green-EDGE) but when I saw the possibility to pass in the chaotic sprint I didn't wait. I decided to go by myself and not to wait for someone else to launch. I did my sprint and if they passed me, no problem, but if not I could win. I'm in good condition if I can win a sprint like that, against riders such as Goss and others. My goal is to possibly go for another stage tomorrow or the day after. You never know."

Photo: Tim DeWaele

"Everything went well today," Holm said. "The team worked really well together. We had to save Gianluca Brambilla and Tony Martin. Grabsch stayed with Cav, which was the plan, and the rest of the team was really committed to go for the win. We said already yesterday that we had two cards to play, Cav and Gianni. Cav had a mechanical at the bottom of the last climb, so we went for Gianni. Gianni finalized perfectly the job of the team."

Image credits
240413 OPQS - TDR Stage 1-Meersman finish (c) Tim De Waele.jpg - OPQS/Tim de Waele

Team LuluLemon Race Report

4/24/2013

Ellen Van Dijk and Lisa Brennauer repeated their TT performance of Energiewacht Tour at Gracia Orlova on Wednesday, taking first and second place in the prologue. Ellen once again will wear the yellow jersey going into stage two.

After six weeks out of racing after a bad crash in mid March, Evelyn Stevens is back to racing and placed 4th in today's prologue. A repeat of her performance at the same prologue last year where she went on to win the overall tour.

"I'm really happy with the girls," said Sport Director Ronny Lauke. "It has been a hard spring for them having three of our key riders out of action. "The whole team has stepped up and are racing really well together and supporting each other through the injuries.

"Having Evie back is great. She's looking good and she's very excited to be racing. Trixi has a broken collarbone and will be out for another six weeks and Ina is still nursing her post concussion syndrome but she is showing good progress."

"We are excited to race here again. We had a great time here last year and we hope to be able to repeat that again."

Team LuluLemon

Photo: CJFoto.com

Froome Takes Romandie Prologue

4/24/2013

Chris Froome (shown here at the 2013 Criterium International) won Tuesday's prologue at the Tour of Romandie. (Photo: Bettini)

Britain's Chris Froome, the pre-race favorite, on Tuesday won the Tour of Romandie prologue, a 7.4km ride between Chable and Bruson, in a time of 13min 15secs. The Sky team leader overtook Spain's Dani Moreno - the winner of last week's Fleche Wallonne - in a strong finish and crossed the line six seconds ahead of American rider Andrew Talansky.

Croatia's Robert Kiserlovski, was third, 13 seconds adrift of first place, while Australia's Richie Porte, a Sky team-mate of Froome, was fourth at 15secs.

   "It was just seven kilometres but uphill, which is unusual for a prologue," Froome told Swiss television. I hadn't raced for a month, since the Criterium International (which Froome won) and I wasn't sure what kind of form I would be in. To win the prologue is a good sign and I hope to defend the leader's jersey for as long as possible this week but I know it will be difficult."

   Wednesday's first stage is a 176.4km ride from St-Maurice to Renens, just outside Lausanne, with the five-stage race concluding on Sunday.

   Froome will be hoping to not only win here but go on like the winners of the past two editions, Australian Cadel Evans and Froome's Sky team-mate Bradley Wiggins, and win the Tour de France in the same year.

Rapha Joins You & Team Sky

4/24/2013

Rapha is pleased to offer, for a limited time and limited number, personalized Team Sky Replica Jerseys. Select country flag and name to be printed on both side panels of a replica Team Sky jersey. Order as the Giro starts and receive your jersey just in time for the start of the 100th Tour de France.

About the Team Sky Replica Jersey: Rapha has developed an exclusive range of apparel and accessories to help supporters follow the world's leading cycling team in style. The Team Sky Replica Jersey is part of a range of on the bike clothing for team supporters and is a replica of the one worn on the Pro Tour by the world’s leading pro team. The main body of the jersey is made from a breathable performance fabric, while the side panels use a more open mesh to help regulate body temperature. Both fabrics wick moisture and have an anti-bacterial treatment. The side panels ensure a good fit and also help keep the jersey’s pockets stable when loaded. $150.00 (USD) Sizes: XS-XXL

The jersey will only be available from www.rapha.cc during the time period noted below.

The order window opens on Friday 26th April 14.00 GMT and closes on Friday 10th May 15.00 GMT.
All orders will arrive no later than Friday 28th June.

Lance Armstrong In The Government Cross-Hairs - Again

4/23/2013

The US Justice Department filed a formal complaint Tuesday against Lance Armstrong, saying the American cyclist and team owners defrauded the US Postal Service of sponsorship money. The government, which said in February that it would join a whistle-blower lawsuit brought by former Armstrong teammate Floyd Landis in 2010, says the USPS spent about $40 million in sponsor money and gave Armstrong $17 million.

   Armstrong admitted last January that he took performance-enhancing drugs when he won the Tour de France seven times after having been stripped of the crowns based upon a US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) investigation. That prompted the US government's involvement in the fraud case, and it now seeks triple damages in a jury trial, according to the complaint as detailed by NBC News and the Austin American-Statesman, Armstrong's hometown newspaper. That could mean a total $150 million hit for Armstrong.

   "Because the defendants' misconduct undermined the value of the sponsorship to the USPS, the United States suffered damages in that it did not receive the value of the services for which it bargained," the newspaper quoted the complaint as saying.

The elaborate scheme to evade doping detection uncovered by USADA was cited in the complaint, which said Armstrong team manager Johan Bruyneel knowingly took part in a doping program in violation of their sponsorship contract.

   "Riders on the USPS-sponsored team, including Armstrong, knowingly caused material violations of the sponsorship agreements by regularly and systematically employing banned substances and methods to enhance their performance," the complaint claimed according to NBC. "Defendants were unjustly enriched to the extent of the payments and other benefits they received from the USPS, either directly or indirectly."

   Elliot Peters, Armstrong's attorney, disputed whether the USPS suffered any damage as a result of its 1998-2004 sponsorship of the team.

   "The DOJ's complaint against Lance Armstrong is opportunistic and insincere," Peters said in a statement sent to AFP. "The US Postal Service benefited tremendously from its sponsorship of the cycling team. Its own studies repeatedly and conclusively prove this. The USPS was never the victim of fraud. Lance Armstrong rode his heart out for the USPS team and gave the brand tremendous exposure during the sponsorship years."

   Studies commissioned by the USPS said the team generated about $100 million in exposure and brand awareness for the postal service, but how that brand might be tarnished in the wake of the doping revelations has not been studied.

Race Report: United Healthcare Is On A Roll

4/22/2013

On Saturday, April 20, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team’s Carlos Alzate and Karl Menzies took first and third place respectively at the 2013 Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama. Predator Cycling’s Sergio Hernandez finished in second place; narrowly edged out at the line by Alzate. The victory at Sunny King marked the fifth consecutive win in the U.S. in as many attempts for the boys in blue and white. The Pro Continental squad’s current five-race win streak began on March 9 in Tucson, Arizona, at the Old Pueblo Grand Prix and continued through Florida’s Cigar City Brewing Company (Tampa) and Delray Beach Criteriums, followed by last week’s Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For Alzate, the newest rider to join the team’s 2013 roster, his victory in Alabama was his first as a member of the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train.

In his post race interview with announcer, Chad Andrews, Alzate was full of thanks, saying, “I want to thank my team for giving me the opportunity and having the faith in me to win. I want to thank God and my family for their support. I am so excited for this win!” Adding to his comments on his family, Alzate mentioned that he was also happy about the fact they expecting a baby girl, making the win even sweeter.

The newly-crowned 2013 Sunny King Criterium champion remarked that he had received permission from his Team Director, Mike Tamayo, to “get involved in the break and make a go for it,” a strategy which proved most effective for Alzate. He and Menzies were able to lap the field midway through the race as part of a breakaway of six riders.

Reflecting on his first podium finish of the year, Menzies said in his post-race interview with Andrews, “Great riding all the way around by the boys. This was a great win for Carlos and I was happy to hold on for third place. He just put in a huge effort. The UnitedHealthcare boys went to the front with six or seven laps to go and from there it was just clockwork. All of the boys rode awesome. Hiltz (Hilton Clarke) had to hit the wind and did a tremendous job, along with all of our guys.”

“I have to add that Sergio (referring to Predator Cycling’s second place finisher, Sergio Hernandez) and his teammates also rode awesome, and helped make this a great race. It was a great night for us, and great night for them, as well,” Menzies concluded.

Team UnitedHealthcare Director, Mike Tamayo, summarized his approach to the race in Anniston, saying, “Tonight we wanted to mix up the strategy a bit. The course at Sunny King is tight and good for a potential break to lap the field. Carlos had good legs tonight and when a rider like Karl goes in the breakaway with him, you just go with it! That’s a lot of horsepower! I know we say this week after week, but it is truly nothing but teamwork that delivers these wins.”

TEAM UNITEDHEALTHCARE ROSTER FOR 2013 SUNNY KING CRITERIUM:
•   Hilton Clarke (AUS)
•   Carlos Alzate (COL)
•   Adrian Hegyvary (USA)
•   Karl Menzies (AUS)
•   Luke Keough (USA)
•   Brad White (USA)
•   Team Director, Mike Tamayo (USA)
# # #

Photo: Both photo credits to Philip Darden

Race Report: Liège-Bastogne-Liège

4/21/2013

Twenty-four years after Sean Kelly, Dan Martin became the second Irishman to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This 99th edition of the oldest classic on the calendar was at the height of expectations and one team proved to be stronger and smarter than the others. Indeed after Garmin-Sharp’s Ryder Hesjedal powered away in the last 20 kilometres, Dan Martin remained comfortably in the wheels of the race favourites. The Irishman finally made his move once his team mate had been caught. Catching up with Joaquim Rodriguez, the 26-year-old flew off in the last 300 metres of the course, capturing the biggest win of his career. Martin wins the Ardennes Classic ahead of two Spaniards, Rodriguez and Valverde.

Six in early breakaway
A great atmosphere and rather chilly conditions welcomed the 199 riders of Liège-Bastogne-Liège at the Place Saint-Lambert for the start of the 99th edition. Once the pack was off, it only took four kilometres for the first real breakaway to occur. The first man to attack, Bart De Clercq (LTB) was rapidly joined by five other men: Vincent Jerome (EUC), Jonathan Fumeaux, Pirmin Lang (both IAM), Frederik Veuchelen (VCD) and Sander Armee (TSV).

Katusha launches the chase
While the pack wasn’t too concerned by the morning escapees, the gap reached a maximum 14’ at kilometre 43. Team Katusha was the first of the strong squads to take on the chase sending Vorganov to the front of the pack. At the Côte de Saint-Roch (km 116.5), heading back up north to Liège, the gap had dropped down to 8’45. Moving closer to one of the first tricky moments of the race, the triple climb up the Wanne, Stockeu and Haute-Levée hills, the main contending teams chased on. Bad news for the escapees who could only count on a 4’50 advantage.

Sky in command
In the final moments of the climb up the Côte de Maquisard, Sander Armée was the first to be dropped. The Belgian was rapidly caught by a pack led by team Sky that had chosen that moment in the race to make their move sending strong man Vasil Kiryenka in first spot of the peloton. Looking strong up front, Bart De Clercq had other concerns as he had to cope with a puncture and a mechanical setback before eventually moving back in the leading group. At the bottom of the legendary Côte de la Redoute, the pack moved within a minute (40”) of the breakaway group.

Action packed Redoute
There wasn’t much the escapees could do on the climb against the storming pack and Lopez Garcia (SKY) who decided to take off. Vincent Jerome was eventually the last of the escapees to be caught after a 215km break, while Lopez Garcia pulled away, taking with him several other riders. Eight men enjoyed the lead for a short while: Fuglsang (AST), Lopez Garcia (SKY), Ten Dam (BLA), Losada (KAT), Costa (MOV), Cunego (LAM), Fedrigo (FDJ) and Bardet (ALM). Chased by team BMC they were caught with 25 kilometres to go.

Contador shakes the pack
In the new climb on the course, the Côte de Colonster, Alberto Contador gave it a go. The Spaniard was rapidly joined by Uran (SKY), Anton (EUS), Hesjedal (GRS), Caruso (KAT) and Costa (MOV). It was then Hesjedal’s turn to take his chance. In impressive fashion, the Giro 2012 champion pulled away enjoying a 20” lead over the pack with 10kms to go.

Hesjedal starts the Garmin-Sharp master-piece
The Canadian took on the climb up Saint-Nicolas with a slim 15” lead. Just behind Carlos Betancur, like on the Fleche Wallonne, took off. The little Colombian was caught by a group including Rodriguez (KAT), Valverde (MOV), Martin (GRS), Cunego and Scarponi (both LAM). Hesjedal was eventually caught in the last kilometres of the climb with just over 5kms to go.

Dan Martin finishes the job
The front seven remained clear of the chasing groups in the closing moments of the race. Just before the final kilometre, it was then Joaquim Rodriguez’s turn to attack. Dan Martin was the only rider able to react to the Catalan’s move. After catching up with the leader, the Irishman powered away with 300m to go. A good enough move to capture the 99th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. After Sean Kelly in 1985, Daniel Martin becomes the second Irish rider to win the oldest of classics, beating two Spaniards to the line: Rodriguez and Valverde.

RESULTS: Liege-Bastogne-Liege Classic
1. Daniel Martin (IRL/Garmin), 261.5km in 6hr 38min 07sec, 2. Joaquim Rodriguez (ESP/KAT) at 03. 3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) 09, 4. Carlos Betancur (COL/ALM) 09, 5. Michele Scarponi (ITA/LAM) 09, 6. Enrico Gasparotto(ITA/AST) 18, 7. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/BMC) 18, 8. Ryder Hesjedal (CAN/GRM) 18, 9. Rui Costa (POR/MOV) 18, 10. Simon Gerrans (AUS/ORI) 18.

Photo: ASO

Quick-Step & BMC On What Liège - Bastogne - Liège Will Bring

4/20/2013

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step:
OPQS Cycling Team has announced the selection that will participate in the final and oldest race of the Spring Classics Season: Liège - Bastogne - Liège. The race may be not be one for a select group as it has been known for in the past due to the removal of Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons from the parcour. The climb was replaced by Côte de Colonster (6%) at the 244.5km point. There are 11 climbs in total including Côte de Saint-Roch (11%) and Côte de Stockeu (12%), which are each 1km in length and are located at the 116.5km and 166.5km points. The final, often decisive climb is Côte de Saint-Nicolas (8.6%) at the 256km point, just before the finish at 257.5km.

"Today we performed as usual the reconnaissance of the parcour," Sport Director Davide Bramati said. "We started from Spa, with about 70km to go. We saw some of it by car, and then we did the rest of the course from Spa to the finish by bike. We arrive at the race with a very motivated team. The guys were motivated by the last two races, Amstel and Fleche. We've found a good leader in Michal Kwiatkowski, so the team will ride for him. We will see about the situation, as the new climb can change the race by making it more difficult to control. But we will do our best for a good result with a good team spirit."

"The Rocheaux-Faucons is steeper and shorter than the new one," Jerome Pineau said. "The new one is a little bit longer, about 2.5km. The race will probably change. The La Redoute and the Saint-Nicolas will again be two important parts of the race, as they were before the Rocheaux-Faucons was added to the parcour years ago. it's important to survive La Redoute, so we can have as many riders as we can in the final."

"It was good today to train on the parcour," Michal Kwiatkowski said. "I am looking forward to this race. I can't really compare the new final without the Rocheaux-Faucons to the previous one, as I stopped last year before that point. So for me, everything is very new. I will try to do my best, surrounded by the team."

Team Riders:
Gianluca Brambilla (ITA)
Kevin De Weert (BEL)
Michal Kwiatkowski (POL)
Jerome Pineau (FRA)
Pieter Serry (BEL)
Kristof Vandewalle (BEL)
Julien Vermote (BEL)
Carlos Verona (ESP)

AND THERE'S MORE....
Belgian world champion Philippe Gilbert is expecting Sunday's 99th Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic, which he won in 2011, to be a tactical affair. "It's going to be more tactical and therefore important to rely on your team, I've got confidence in them" Gilbert said of his BMC outfit, before lamenting the absence of two of his teammates. Here we're competing without (Tejan) Van Garderen and without (Cadel) Evans, it's going to make a big difference," said Gilbert, who could manage only 15th in the second of the Ardennes classics, Wednesday's Fleche Wallonne.

   The American team's manager John Lelangue explained that American Van Garderen was sidestepping the 261.5km showpiece known as the doyen of the one-day classics as he has recently become a father, while Australian Evans is otherwise engaged in a race in Italy. Gilbert believes that to be in with a winning chance it'll be crucial to be in a strong position by the time Sunday's race reaches the bottom of the Saint Nicholas climb, seven kilometres from the finish.

   "I see a group of 40-50 riders at the foot of Saint-Nicholas...the last climb towards Ans is always tricky enough, it's difficult to maintain a lead of 10-15 seconds, it risks being tight," the 30-year-old said. "A lot of riders are on the same level, no one can cancel out a rival," he added, reflecting on the way the two Ardennes classics already staged, the Amstel Gold Race and the Fleche Wallonne, escaped the clutches of the fancied competitors.

The local rider, known in the peloton as 'the boar of the Ardennes', believes it's a plus to be competing in Belgium.

"To ride at home is an advantage. It always brings back memories for me, of my childhood, the start of my career and more recently my victory (two years ago). I always feel lots of emotion, I try to be at my very best. Mentally I'm ready, we just need a bit of success. The dream of my career was to be world champion - I've done that, but to win a classic, and especially Liege-Bastogne-Liege with this team, that's something that I never dared dream about."

   Among Gilbert's main dangers will be Katusha team leader Joaquim Rodriguez, who fell in last Sunday's Amstel and who had to settle for sixth behind teammate Daniel Moreno in the Fleche-Wallonne.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège Preview

4/20/2013

After the show of force by Katusha and the victory of Daniel Moreno on the Flèche Wallonne, the compositions of the teams present on Liège-Bastogne-Liège take on a new light. Are the leaders the favorites?

The tactic, whether improvised or planned, is nothing new but continues to meet with success. A team-mate as talented as he is discrete is transformed by an acceleration or solo breakaway into a first-rate hunter of classics, in place of his usual leader. This was the recipe served up on Wednesday afternoon on the Flèche Wallonne with Katusha’s second consecutive success, keeping its name on top of the final classification with the presence of Daniel Moreno, whilst Joaquim Rodriguez had to make do with a 6th placed finish, a result that nonetheless raises doubts in the minds of those who thought he was diminished by injury. For the Russian team, the dream scenario in Liège would be to have both riders present on the finish, with a possible consecration for Purito on “the only monument that I can genuinely hope to win”. However, the Catalan will of course be confronted with a pack of challengers.

In several teams, the temptation of backing two riders could end up confusing the issue. As such, Astana’s team will include a title holder, Maxim Iglinskiy, but also their star recruit of the year, Vincenzo Nibali, who was the main (but unfortunate) pace-setter on the race last year, as well as the 3rd placed finisher in 2012, Enrico Gasparotto. The situation will be just as difficult to work out with Sky, where leading riders Chris Froome and Richie Porte could make way for the Colombian duo Henao-Uran to take the reins. Similarly, questions can be asked about the real identity of the Euskaltel team leader, between Samuel Sanchez, present five times in the Top 10 in Liège, and Igor Anton, 8th yesterday on the Mur de Huy. The same can be said for Garmin, between Giro winner Ryder Hesjedal and Ireland’s Dan Martin, 4th on the Flèche Wallonne.

Despite all these possible multi-faceted strategies, it seems that with or without Greg Avermaet, the world champion’s jersey and his record on the Ardennes Classics make Philippe Gilbert the undisputed leader of the BMC team. This is his final chance to save his spring classics season. Gilbert is also the leading hope for Belgium, a nation without a victory at this point of the season in 2013 on the classics and semi-classics. Belgian national pride will also be defended by Jelle Vanendert. However, the French have rarely been in such a promising position since the triumph of Bernard Hinault in 1980: Pierre Rolland now has sufficient confidence to be counted as a potential winner. Let’s not forget Poland either, which has never managed to put one of its riders on the podium, but which this time, in the person of Michal Kwiatkowski (4th on the Amstel Gold Race and 5th on the Flèche Wallonne) perhaps possesses the ideal man to stage a hold-up.

25 teams: the main participants

AUSTRALIA
Orica GreenEdge (OGE): Albasini (Swi), Gerrans (Aus)

BELGIUM
Lotto-Belisol (LTB): J.Vanendert, Van De Walle (Bel)
Omega Pharma-Quick Step (OPQ): Kwiatkowski (Pol)
Accent Jobs - Wanty (AJW): Scheirlinckx (Bel), Vogondy (Fra)
Crelan-Euphony (CRE): Juodvalkis (Ltu)
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise (TSV): Van Hecke (Bel)

DENMARK
Team Saxo-Tinkoff (TST): Contador (Spa), Kreuziger (Cze), Roche (Irl)

SPAIN
Euskaltel - Euskadi (EUS): S.Sanchez, Anton (Spa)
Movistar Team (MOV): Valverde (Spa), Costa (Por)

USA
BMC Racing Team (BMC): Gilbert (Bel)
Garmin-Barracuda (GRM): Hesjedal (Can), Martin (Irl)

FRANCE
AG2R La Mondiale (ALM): Nocentini (Ita), Betancur (Col), Pozzovivo (Ita)
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits (COF): Coppel, Le Mevel (Fra), Taaramae (Est)
FDJ (FDJ): Fédrigo, Jeannesson, Vichot (Fra)
Team Europcar (EUC): Rolland (Fra), Malacarne (Ita)

GREAT BRITAIN
Sky Procycling (SKY): Froome (GB), Henao, Uran (Col), Porte (Aus)

ITALY
Lampre - Merida (LAM): Cunego, Scarponi, Ulissi (Ita)
Cannondale (CAN): Moser, Caruso (Ita)

KAZAKHSTAN
Astana Pro Team (AST): Iglinskiy (Kaz), Nibali, Gasparotto (Ita)

LUXEMBOURG
RadioShack-Leopard (RLT): A.Schleck (Lux), Monfort (Bel), Gallopin (Fra), Voigt (Ger)

NETHERLANDS
Blanco (BLA): Mollema, Boom (NL), Nordhaug (Nor)
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team (VCD): De Gendt, Leukemans (Bel), Ruijgh (NL)
Argos-Shimano (ARG): Geschke (Ger), Huguet (Fra)

RUSSIA
Katusha Team (KAT): Rodriguez, Moreno (Spa)

SWITZERLAND
IAM Cycling (IAM): Denifl (Aut), Lövqvist (Swe)

AND THERE'S MORE....
Belgian world champion Philippe Gilbert is expecting Sunday's 99th Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic, which he won in 2011, to be a tactical affair. "It's going to be more tactical and therefore important to rely on your team, I've got confidence in them" Gilbert said of his BMC outfit, before lamenting the absence of two of his teammates. Here we're competing without (Tejan) Van Garderen and without (Cadel) Evans, it's going to make a big difference," said Gilbert, who could manage only 15th in the second of the Ardennes classics, Wednesday's Fleche Wallonne.

   The American team's manager John Lelangue explained that American Van Garderen was sidestepping the 261.5km showpiece known as the doyen of the one-day classics as he has recently become a father, while Australian Evans is otherwise engaged in a race in Italy. Gilbert believes that to be in with a winning chance it'll be crucial to be in a strong position by the time Sunday's race reaches the bottom of the Saint Nicholas climb, seven kilometres from the finish.

   "I see a group of 40-50 riders at the foot of Saint-Nicholas...the last climb towards Ans is always tricky enough, it's difficult to maintain a lead of 10-15 seconds, it risks being tight," the 30-year-old said. "A lot of riders are on the same level, no one can cancel out a rival," he added, reflecting on the way the two Ardennes classics already staged, the Amstel Gold Race and the Fleche Wallonne, escaped the clutches of the fancied competitors.

The local rider, known in the peloton as 'the boar of the Ardennes', believes it's a plus to be competing in Belgium.

"To ride at home is an advantage. It always brings back memories for me, of my childhood, the start of my career and more recently my victory (two years ago). I always feel lots of emotion, I try to be at my very best. Mentally I'm ready, we just need a bit of success. The dream of my career was to be world champion - I've done that, but to win a classic, and especially Liege-Bastogne-Liege with this team, that's something that I never dared dream about."

   Among Gilbert's main dangers will be Katusha team leader Joaquim Rodriguez, who fell in last Sunday's Amstel and who had to settle for sixth behind teammate Daniel Moreno in the Fleche-Wallonne.

Giro del Trentino: Nibali Makes the Move

4/19/2013

Italian Vincenzo Nibali underlined his form ahead of the three-week Giro d'Italia by winning the final stage and taking overall victory at the 37th edition of the Giro del Trentino on Friday. Overnight leader Maxime Bouet went into the fourth and final stage, held over 166.8 km between Arco and Sega di Ala, with a 3min 19sec lead on Belarusian Kanstantsin Siutsou of Team Sky and 3:56 on Astana team leader Nibali.

   However the Frenchman who rides for AG2R, struggled early on the tough, 11km final ascent on which reigning Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins fell off the pace after suffering mechanical problems. In the end, Bouet trailed over the finish line 4:42 behind Nibali, missing the title by just under a minute.

   Nibali completed the five-stage, four-day race in a total time of 17hr 49min 11sec, with fellow Italian Mauro Santambrogio second at 21sec and Bouet third overall at 55. Former Tour de France champion, Australian Cadel Evans, was eighth overall at 2:18 having come over the finish line one minute behind Nibali.

   "Winning on a climb like this is the biggest thing for me right now," said Nibali, who finished third overall at last year's Tour de France behind Wiggins and Briton Chris Froome. "There is still a couple of weeks to the Giro, and Wiggins remains my main rival, but I saw both (Cadel) Evans and (Ivan) Basso in clear progression."

   Wiggins, who lost precious time after angrily throwing his malfunctioning bike to the side of the road around 5km from the finish, trailed home 1:39 behind Nibali to finish fifth overall at 1:40. Sky team sports director Marcus Ljungqvist rued the lost chance to win the race, but is satisfied Wiggins is in form ahead of his bid for victory at the Giro.

   "It was some bad luck there for Brad on the climb," he said. "He was almost back to the lead group when Nibali attacked. That was always going to happen and you really can't afford to give the top guys any time. In the end he expended a lot of energy but it's just one of those things. It was a great effort. We need to focus on the good things from this race and that is two stage wins and some good work and form building ahead of the Giro. With some rest for a few guys we will be ready for May."

   The Giro d'Italia, a major objective this season for Wiggins and Nibali, will be held May 4-25.

Results from the fourth and final stage of the Giro del Trentino on Friday, held over 166.8 km, and final classification:

   Stage
   1 Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) Astana 4hr 21min 19sec, 2. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA) Vini Fantini-Selle Italia at 8sec, 3. Przemyslaw Niemiec (POL) Lampre 44, 4. Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana same time, 5. Cadel Evans (AUS) BMC 1:02 Selected: 9. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) Sky 1:39

   Overall
   1 Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) Astana 17hr 49min 11sec, 2. Mauro Santambrogio (ITA) Vini Fantini-Selle Italia at 21sec, 3. Maxime Bouet (FRA) Ag2r-La Mondiale 55, 4. Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana 1:16, 5. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) Sky 1:40 Selected: 8. Cadel Evans (AUS) BMC 2:18

Photo: Danile Mosna

Giro del Trentino

4/18/2013

An interlocutory stage did follow its plot. The main GC contenders take a breather, and in Condino (Valle del Chiese) Ivan Santaromita finally delivered the first Italian win at the 37th Giro del Trentino. The 28-year-old BMC rider from Varese took just his second win after Coppi&Bartali’s GC three years ago, managing to edge Paolo Tiralongo and Michele Scarponi. The trio was previously part of an 11-man breakaway started on the first KOM to Fai della Paganella, while the main contenders took the opportunity to save energy and did not shut on the attempt. “In the morning, Cadel Evans and Baldato told me to make my own race, and try for the breakaway. Day like these reward you for all the sacrifices you make during your career. And it’s great to enjoy the great taste of a win after so long” Santaromita explained.

Maxime Bouet saved the leader’s fuchsia jersey for another day, and sees his dreams get closer and more concrete: relying on a strong 3.19 advantage, no one can play down the Frenchman’s chances, even though the final queen stage, with the new uphill finish to Sega di Ala after 166,8 km (including the Brentonico ascent on the way) will be the final showdown, saying the final word on this Giro del Trentino. “Tomorrow, I will need to cover the Astana guys, as they have plenty of riders who are very suited to high gradients like Sega di Ala’s. With such an advantage and the condition I had three weeks ago, I could have negotiated through tomorrow with little worry. Nevertheless, I am still hoping for this – for myself and for my team, who are doing an outstanding job” Bouet commented.

Everything ordinary? Condino’s stage was not easy at all, and some of the favorites might regret not putting it to good use, trying to make the race harder. A tough and tricky stage, as proved by Domenico Pozzovivo, last year’s winner, who was ruled out by a crash in the early going (ribs contusions and a bad wound in his elbow for him), while Pavel Kochetkov and Michael Rodriguez moved down in the standings: Siutsou still has 3’19” to recover from Bouet, with Wiggins in third at 3.48”. Today’s winner Santaromita climbed to the fifth sport, while Michele Scarponi took the king of the mountains’ jersey after yesterday’s disappointment in Vetriolo.

All in all, everybody expects a great duel between Wiggins and Nibali on the feared final climb, not ruling out some strong displays by rivals like Evans and Basso. Wiggins starts with the edge of having Siutsou on his side, so the first move will be up to Vincenzo. In such a case, get ready for a sparkling show, available to all cycling fans on TV, on RaiSport2 and Eurosport, from 14,30 to 16,00. It that becomes a waiting game, Bouet could finally fulfill his dream, but that will not happen without another great performance. He might win the Giro del Trentino or not, he definitely won everyone’s sympathy.

Photo: Daniele Mosna

Fleche Wallone Preview

4/17/2013

RODRIGUEZ WILL DEFEND HIS CROWN
After crashing out of the Amstel Gold Race last Sunday and injuring his left thigh, Joaquim Rodriguez (KAT) will finally be at the start of the Fleche Wallonne, ready to defend his crown. The Spaniard however will have to wait and see how he feels during the race to really hope and triumph a second consecutive year. “Joaquim will be at the start”, explained Katusha Directeur Sportif Valerio Piva. “We were rather concerned after the crash but after a scanner yesterday, the doctors noticed that there was nothing broken. It’s obviously good for his moral because he has nothing too serious. He however still has a big bruise and ideally he would need to rest to recover but he is the title holder and the Fleche is one of his main goals. We’ll have to see how he feels after the first 100 kilometers, if he doesn’t suffer too much, because he also hopes to do well on Liège-Bastogne-Liège next Sunday.”

CONTADOR, NOT YET AT HIS BEST
Alberto Contador travels to Spain with measured ambitions. While the Fleche Wallonne can’t be considered as one of the main objectives of his season, the Spaniard could however be a man to watch in the closing stages of the race, as mentions his Saxo-Tinkoff Directeur Sportif, Philippe Mauduit: “He is far from being at 100% at the moment. But he remains an outstanding champion who can enter the Top 10 of any race whether he’s in shape or isn’t. We saw that recently on the Vuelta Pais Vasco. He never comes to a race just to like that”. In 2010, Contador had indeed finished third of the Fleche Wallonne but his preparation calendar has been totally re-considered since then. “This year, he is far from his peak at this period in time because we’ve allowed him to focus on the Tour de France. It’s a comfort and extra security to push his peak shape to later”.

NOT A DUAL BETWEEN SAGAN AND GILBERT
For his last day of preparation before the Flèche Wallonne, a race that he conquered the year of his Ardennes Grand Slam in 2011, Philippe Gilbert enjoyed a half-rest day. “He simply rode his bike for 1h10 behind the car but we didn’t go up the Mur de Huy. It’s a climb that he knows perfectly and he’ll have the opportunity to climb it twice during the race”, explained BMC Directeur Sportif, John Lelangue who also mentioned the presence of Peter Sagan on the Belgian race. Will the Slovakian be Gilbert’s main rival? “No. We never ride a race against someone in particular. He will be a competitor among others but we won’t be more focused on him than on Valverde, Rodriguez, Albasini, Vanendert or others. There are around ten men who can be considered as specialists of the Mur de Huy”.

FIRST TASTE OF THE FLECHE FOR PORTE
After winning Paris-Nice, the Criterium International time-trial and capturing second spot of the recent Vuelta Pais Vasco, Richie Porte will take on the Fleche Wallonne for the very first time of his career. The Aussie could be one of the good surprises of the race, as explains his SKY Director Sportif Nicolas Portal. “Richie returned sick from Pais Vasco like many other riders, and was able to rest at home. He comes to the Fleche Wallonne to do his best and will be one of the protected riders in the team. It’ll be his first experience which obviously isn’t great but we were able to check out the last 70 kilometres of the course yesterday”. Team SKY shows up in Belgian with other key assets. “Our number one rider will be Sergio Henao who is currently at a great level. He gets along really well with Richie and both riders combine well together although they don’t have the same style. Sergio is more explosive and the Mur de Huy could suit him well. We can also count on Rigoberto Uran who will be our third strong man”.

FLECHE WALLONNE LIVE ACTION
The international TV coverage of the Fleche Wallonne witnesses a major rise this year thanks to the interest of ESPN International that will broadcast the race on the entire South American continent. The coverage of the Fleche Wallonne therefore extends to 186 countries while only “140” nations covered the race in 2012. In terms of novelties, Slovakian channel STV2 made a rather smart move deciding to broadcast the event live for the first time. A race that national hero Peter Sagan only decided to take on two days before the start.

In Belgium, RTBF-La Une will cover the race LIVE as of 1:35 while the Flemish spectators of VRT-Een will be able to follow the race at 2:55. That’s also the time that the Eurosport France and International commentators will be on air, while other French spectators can watch the race live at 4:10 on France 3. A total of 18 broadcasters offers live coverage of the Fleche Wallonne.

A live news feed will also be available on letour.fr, in French and English as soon as the start of the race at 11:50.

Contador Heads To Belgium...Reluctantly

4/16/2013

Alberto Contador will be signing in at Fleche Wallone on Wednesday. (Photo: Bettini)

Alberto Contador will be one of the main draws at the Fleche Wallonne classic on Wednesday but the former Tour de France winner claims he wanted to skip the event. The 30-year-old Spaniard's participation comes as something of a surprise after he recently said he was tired.

His main aim for the year is a third Tour title in July. The champion from 2007 and 2009, who was stripped of a third victory in 2010 for doping, admitted the Fleche Wallonne had not featured in part of his original planning. But he said his Saxo-Tinkoff team has told him to ride.

   "The idea is to test my condition and increase my team's chances," he said. "This last week had been set aside mostly for rest, I needed it. I've only done two training sessions. Saxo-Tinkoff really wanted me to be here. Of course, these are races that everyone wants to take part in but to prepare for the Tour de France it's maybe better to miss it. Even so, it will extend my program by a week. I'll therefore try to do my best and then take some holiday time before starting my Tour preparation."

   Contador will also line up at Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege as his team look to build on their strong start to the three Ardennes classics after Roman Kreuziger claimed victory at the Amstel Gold race last Sunday.

Contador will not be expecting to win a race in which his best ever finish was a third place in 2010. He has also been struggling to capture his best form of late. Despite finishing second to Chris Froome at the Tour of Oman and coming third behind Vincenzo Nibali and Froome, possibly his two main Tour rivals in July, at the Tirreno-Adriatico, Contador has not been able to shine in the early part of this season.

   He recently finished only fifth at the Tour of the Basque Country. While Contador may not be vying for the race win on Wednesday, a countryman who would have been may not even be on the start line.

   Joaquim Rodriguez, who finished third behind Contador and another compatriot Alessandro Valverde at the Tour of Spain last year, faces a race against time to be fit. Rodriguez, the winner last year following successive second place finishes, fell during the Amstel Gold race on Sunday last and has hurt his hamstring.

   One of the favorites who will definitely be there is Slovakian Peter Sagan, who is hoping to make up for a poor showing at the Amstel Gold race. The Cannondale rider found himself exposed without any support from his team and suffered cramps on the final climb as he could only manage a 36th placed finish.

Team UnitedHealthcare Race Report

4/13/2013

On Saturday, April 13, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team’s Hilton Clarke (AUS) and Luke Keough (USA) took 1st and 2nd place respectively at the 10th Annual Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Demis Aleman of Team Jamis Hagens Berman presented by Sutter Home, finished in 3rd place, while Team UnitedHealthcare’s Carlos Alzate (COL), took 7th place, enabling the Blue Train to secure three of the top 10 spots in the race.

The victory was the fourth consecutive criterium win for Team UnitedHealthcare in the United States this season and Clarke’s third consecutive podium-topping effort. Earlier in the season, Luke Keough secured the team’s first victory at the Old Pueblo Grand Prix (March 9), while Clarke’s previous wins included the Cigar City Criterium (March 16) and the Delray Beach Twilight Criterium (March 23).
One of America’s premier bicycle races, 2013 marks the 10th year of the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational. Sponsored by Presbyterian Hospital and benefiting The Brain Tumor Fund Carolinas, the race was part of both the USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar (NCC) and the USA CRITS National Series. An estimated crowd of 35,000 spectators lined the streets of center city Charlotte for the 50-mile twilight criterium, and UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team’s six-man squad of Clarke, Keough, Carlos Alzate (COL), Karl Menzies (AUS), Brad White (USA), and John Murphy (USA), did not disappoint, battling the peloton throughout the fast and furious race around the 1.2-mile course.
Clarke, who remains atop both the NCC and USA CRITS series as the overall leader, commented on his winning performance, saying, “The team did awesome. We had a good situation with three guys (Menzies, White, Alzate) in the breakaway. We were actually pretty happy with it, but Team SmartStop (p/b Mountain Khakis) did a great job. They rode a nice race and brought back the breakaway. As soon as the boys got together, we drilled it and at five to go, led the race. Ultimately, we were able to get the win and second place finish here in Charlotte and we’re happy about that.”

Team Director, Mike Tamayo, also spoke about his team’s effort following the race. Tamayo stated, “Every single one of our guys was amazing at this year’s Presbyterian Hospital Criterium. We could not have asked for a better effort and result here in Charlotte. The entire team was outstanding and the boys executed exactly how we laid it out before the race. The lead out couldn’t have been more perfect. Hilton is sprinting really well right now and the boys have learned how to deliver him perfectly. Another beautiful race and a great win. As a Team Manager, you really can’t ask for anything else.”

Next up for Team UnitedHealthcare is the Sunny King Criterium on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
TEAM UNITEDHEALTHCARE ROSTER FOR 2013 PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL INVITATIONAL CRITERIUM:
•   Hilton Clarke (AUS)
•   Carlos Alzate (COL)
•   John Murphy (USA)
•   Karl Menzies (AUS)
•   Luke Keough (USA)
•   Brad White (USA)
•   Team Director, Mike Tamayo (USA)

Omega Quick-Step Previews Amstel Gold

4/12/2013

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will take part in Amstel Gold Race — the first race of the Ardennes Classics — on Sunday, April 14th. In 2012, Dries Devenyns was the top OPQS finisher in 14th place. The 48th edition of the race includes 33 climbs in 251.8km. The parcour also includes three circuits around Valkenberg. There are two small changes for the race in 2013: The finale is in the same place as the UCI Road World Championships, 1.8km from the legendary Cauberg in Valkenberg. Also, the finishing circuit now includes the Geulhemmerberg climb on the way to Maastricht, then the Bemelerberg before the final. More climbing means extra difficulty, and an increased possibility of a select group deciding the race.

Michal Kwiatkowski
"After the Ronde I was at home in Poland for four days and then on Friday I flew to Granada where I joined my teammates who are training there. I had few days of good training and I was surprised about the fact that I'm still OK after a long period of races as it was the one I had during the classics. Honestly I don't know what I can expect from this race. I'm OK but during the race a lot of things can happen."

"I did last year Amstel, Fleche and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, but I couldn't finish any race there. But I'm happy I did it — the team was right last year to send me here so now I know the roads that in a race like Amstel are really important."

Gianni Meersman
"In the last two weeks I trained very well in Calpe. The problem is that I didn't ride Pais Vasco due to stomach problems, so I've not been racing for about the last three weeks. This is an exigent race, you have to be always in the front. You cannot sleep on these kind of roads. In the Worlds last year I was also in the breakaway and than in the circuit I rode in the front for the National Team, so I really have good memories. The fact that the finish is the same of the Worlds can help the riders with my skills. If I have the legs in the final I can do better than in the previous finish at the top of the Cauberg."

Niki Terpstra
"After Roubaix I took four days off without really training, even because of the bad weather. I'm not completely recovered from last Sunday, but I love this race and I will try to do my best. It's my home race and I have some extra motivation. The weather will be good and there will be big crowds on the roads. The last part of the race is almost the same as the Worlds. I like this final, it gives opportunities for more riders to win. On the top of the Cauberg only three riders can win, but now you can try and play tactically ... attack before, or wait for the bunch sprint. I think a rider in good condition can win even if he's not among the favorites. I will start without pressure trying to do my best as usual. If I don't have a good day I will put, for sure, my experience on this circuit to the service of the team."

Peter Velits
"At Pais Vasco I was pretty good. I was second in a stage and present in a long breakaway. Only one day I was struggling, but for the rest it was good. Pais Vasco gave me a few good signals for the upcoming races, even if a one day race is different from a short stage race. But I'm motivated. On these roads we became World Champions last year with the team. Today during the training on the Cauberg I was thinking about it. I hope it's going to be a good race for the team. Here we can play with more cards and we will try to go with some results."

RIDERS
Michal Kwiatkowski (POL)
Gianni Meersman (BEL)
Jerome Pineau (FRA)
Pieter Serry (BEL)
Niki Terpstra (NED)
Kristof Vandewalle (BEL)
Martin Velits (SVK)
Peter Velits (SVK)

Sports Director   Davide Bramati (ITA)
Wilfried Peeters (BEL)

Length   251.8 km

Specialized Releases Ltd Edition Bikes

4/11/2013

The new, dedicated, Specialized Edition program opens a new chapter in celebrating our riders’
accomplishments, our industry partnerships, and the creativity of our talented designers. For 2013,
the design teams responsible for the Specialized Edition collection looked across all bike categories
to share a broader and deeper assembly of stories and passions, leading to 16 models spanning the
range of the entire Specialized brand.

Befitting the nature of the Specialized Edition models, each is of one-time production, limited global
quantity between 200 and 400 bikes or framesets. The Specialized Edition aluminum badge on the
frame has the unique number inscribed, while the accompanying certificate of authenticity will sport
the matching number as well as the personal signatures of Specialized founder Mike Sinyard and the
product team member central to that particular model.

From May through the end of this year, we plan to offer up to three Specialized Edition models per
month. Most will be framesets, but there will be some interesting complete builds as well. The largest
departure from the standard production bikes in the program will be the complete builds. This is
where some of the exploration mentioned above is likely to manifest itself… and maybe even hint at
the future.

RUBY COMP 10-YEAR
This year marks our tenth year in women’s products. We’ve come such a long way in that time, and are excited to see what the next ten (and beyond), hold. Our riders continue to demand a full range of products—from grocery getters to rippin’ performance machines—which we’ll continue to provide. At Specialized Women, we offer the very best bikes and equipment on the road and trail, and as long as there are women who ride, we’ll keep on doing just that.

WHY THIS MATTERS
When the Ruby was launched in 2007, it won a variety of awards, but most importantly it’s the bike that put Specialized Women on the map for discerning female riders. We want our riders and dealers to be confident that, as we look to the next ten years, we’ll continue to push the boundaries on performance women’s products.

The Ruby Comp 10-Year celebrates Specialized’s 10-year anniversary of making dedicated products that meet specific female rider needs. This limited run will feature a premium spec and one-of-a-kind graphic.

INSPIRATION
The Specialized Women’s brand launched in 2003 with the Allez Dolce in a white and silver, Mario Cipollini graphic. While it wasn’t a perfect execution of a women’s product, it opened the door and started a conversation about the needs pertaining to women’s products. Now, ten years later, we are celebrating the past decade of innovation with a custom graphic and logo for our most successful women’s platform to date: The Ruby.

EXECUTION
• 125 Individually numbered framesets
• Sizes: 44-57
• Available in April

UPCOMING SPECIALIZED EDITION MODELS
• S-WORKS TARMAC NIBALI: Highlighting the Italian stage racer, the next model to be introduced is
inspired by his nickname “the shark”, relating to his birthplace near the Strait of Messina, the artwork captures the aggressiveness of his riding style, particularly his descending, with his quintessential Italian presence.

• S-WORKS AMIRA SPECIALIZED-LULULEMON: The women’s ProTour team has served to introduce women to the sport and inspire them to achieve greatness through cycling. This frameset will
feature a unique one-race unveiling in April of a complete bike/rider kit like none before it.

Champion's Amgen Tour of California Contest

4/10/2013

Golden Mini Jersey Contest Sends Champion System Customer to the Amgen Tour of California
Champion System, a worldwide leader in custom technical apparel, is celebrating the making of their five millionth cycling jersey by awarding one lucky Champion System customer a grand prize package to see the final stage of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California. The 8-day professional cycling stage race is America’s most prestigious and will run from southern to northern California May 12-19. The prize package includes a trip for the winner and one guest to the final stage of the Amgen Tour of California in the Bay Area, including round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, VIP Hospitality passes, an official 2013 Champion System Pro Cycling Team kit, and the opportunity to attend the post final stage Champion System party in celebration of the Champion System Pro Cycling Team’s first appearance in the Amgen Tour of California.

The Golden Mini Jersey contest works like this: Champion System will produce one promotional “Golden Mini Jersey” that will be included in a customer’s order. The customer who receives the Golden Mini Jersey contacts Champion System to claim their prize. “What better way to celebrate our five millionth jersey then by thanking a loyal customer who made it also possible” said Charlie Issendorf, Champion System’s VP of Sales and Marketing.

Team UnitedHealtcare Report

4/9/2013

Cigar City Criterium Winner, Hilton Clarke, of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, Heads to Victory in Tampa. Photo: Jonathan Devich, epicimages.us.

Throughout the course of the past three years, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team has been highly successful on the U.S. professional bike racing circuit and continues to make a name for itself on the international scene. But it is about more than going after victories on the bike. Team UnitedHealthcare is equally focused on making a difference in the communities it races in and serves. The work its athletes do off the bike is equally important and benefits the thousands of people they reach each season. The boys have made it their mission to be a source of positive inspiration and help people lead healthier lives by spreading the message of the importance of healthy living through cycling, sport, and proper nutrition.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team kicked off its 2013 campaign with two events in Florida designed to benefit children in need. These events included a special presentation for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) at the 2013 Cigar City Brewing Criterium in Tampa, and participating in the Tour de Broward.

On Saturday, March 16, 2013, UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team member, Hilton Clarke, emerged victorious at the conclusion of the lightning fast 2013 Cigar City Brewing Criterium professional bike race. For Clarke and his teammates, it was their second consecutive win at the annual race through the streets of Tampa’s downtown. But this year, the central Florida race took on special meaning for the team, which donated 100% of its prize money to the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) and honored two of its grant recipients who attended the race.

Prior to the National Criterium Calendar (NCC) race, the team and UnitedHealthcare executives, David Lewis (UnitedHealthcare CEO for Central/North Florida), and his wife, Kim Lewis, hosted a special event for two recent grant recipients, Nehemiah & Noah Rentz of Lutz, Florida. The two brothers have both been diagnosed with autism and have received UHCCF grants to help pay for the cost of therapies. In addition to receiving the funds, the boys were presented with bikes, helmets, water bottles and T-shirts courtesy of the team. As an added touch, the riders for Team UnitedHealthcare wore special jerseys created by team sponsor Voler that were designed specifically for the Cigar City Criterium.
Photo: L-R: Mrs. Keisha Rentz, Team UnitedHealthcare (back row, L-R: Hilton Clarke, Karl Menzies, Carlos Alzate, Adrian Hegyvary, Davide Frattini), Team Logistics Head Joe Coddington, Mr. Rentz and sons Nehemiah and Noah Rentz, UnitedHealthcare Central/North Florida CEO, David Lewis (center).
“This is an effort that everyone in our organization supports and is proud to be a part of,” said Team President, Thierry Attias. “To be associated with such an important crusade that is designed to help children in need is an honor.”

Popular pro cycling race announcer, Chad Andrews, who called the action for the Cigar City Criterium, recognized the family on the main stage and the family was so appreciative of the UHCCF grants and the way they were honored by the Team.

In his post-race interview following his win, Clarke said, “We’re really happy to support the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation and had the opportunity to meet a couple of its grant recipients earlier this evening. Knowing we were riding for a good cause, it was both great and inspiring to spend time with the kids and their family. We presented them with a couple of bikes and helmets and are happy to show our overall support by donating our prize money to the Foundation.”

Team member, Davide Frattini, who was also part of the victorious effort as the pre-race event recognizing the Lutz family, said, “One of the things we love about racing for this team is taking an active role in the community and making the lives of others better. We support UHCCF by raising funds for its medical grant program in several ways, including donating our race winnings. It was pretty cool to meet the children and their parents before the race. We talked a bit about their stories and knowing our prize money will help families like theirs who can use these grants is simply inspirational. It definitely provided additional incentive to go out and work hard for the win!”

The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is a501c3 public charity that provides medical grants, up to $5,000, to families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by any (not just UnitedHealthcare) commercial health insurance plan. The grants can be used to help pay for child medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. In addition, grants are used to help pay for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

In late February, team member Karl Menzies, participated in the Tour de Broward, an annual South Florida event that includes cycling and running events to benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

The event took place just west of Ft. Lauderdale under hazy Florida skies. As participants made their way in and around Miramar, Florida, the energy level was high for the thousands participating. Menzies rode the 100km course with Frank Sacco, President & CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. The kilometers clicked off quickly, but not before Menzies and UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team’s VP of Client Services, Kristin Sanders, had the opportunity to converse with the many members of the enthusiastic group riding for a great cause.

Just as the groups were finishing and all enjoyed some well-needed recovery food and drink following the ride, the haze cleared and the sun emerged as Sacco proceeded to emcee a brief awards ceremony and thank all those in attendance. During the presentation, the Memorial Healthcare System President & CEO introduced two of the nine children who were also heart transplant recipients, along with their doctors. One of the children even participated in the events of the day, running the 5km race with his doctor. Following the emotional celebration, Menzies presented a signed team jersey to Sacco.

To find out about eligibility requirements for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, visit www.UHCCF.org.

Team RadioShack Race Report

4/7/2013

    Three cobblestone trophies will now reside at the home of Fabian Cancellara after his stunning win in the velodrome of Paris-Roubaix. Coming onto the track with Sep Vanmarcke, Cancellara positioned himself behind the Team Blanco rider and sprinted for the line, taking the win by a bike length and making it three Roubaix victories for the Swiss rider.

Cancellara, 32, collapsed to the ground after his huge effort, taking a moment to recover and savor his victory: “I was in another world of riding! I still don’t know how I did it. I was dropped and pretty far back but then I started to move up. This is a race you can never give up on until the end. I had to play with him in the end because I tried to go away but he followed so then I knew it was man against man. I’m happy for the team and for me. Now I look forward to rest and a holiday. Mission accomplished,” said a satisfied Fabian Cancellara.

It was cold but clear skies on the 254km course for the 198 starters in the 111-th Paris-Roubaix, making for the second-fastest race in Roubaix history with a time of 5:56:13. Cancellara’s original move came with 50km to go when he upped the pace from a chase group and began the process of selection. An impressive Zdenek Stybar stayed with Cancellara as they chased down Vanmarcke and Stijn Vandenbergh but crashes took the Omega Pharma QuickStep teammates down, leaving the battle to be fought between Cancellara and Vanmarcke.

With his Tour of Flanders win last week, Cancellara headed into the race as the clear favorite and in the position of having everyone ride against him. Cancellara: “It’s amazing having a third victory. When I see how in this race everyone was against our team, against me, I just had to do a selection. The team came into a little bit of difficulty because we lost a few guys because of bad luck. But that’s Roubaix. It’s always nice to win alone but today there was pure fighting until the very end. I could not believe it when I crossed the finish line. My legs and my head wanted to bring me here.”

In the car for Fabian was 1988 Paris-Roubaix winner and team director Dirk Demol, encouraging Cancellara and reminding him he was the best: “I was nervous the whole day. We knew what we were facing. We knew we had the best rider and best team. But I told the guys this race wasn’t only for Fabian, it was for the whole team. We weren’t riding for second place, only the victory. I know Vanmarcke very well. He’s from my neighborhood and I knew he would be a fighter. I told Fabian to ride to keep him working and not make any mistakes. He had to stay focused as we knew Vanmarcke could do a good sprint. It was too bad Stybar crashed. This was perfect for him. But this time others had the bad luck and we had the good. That’s the way it goes in Roubaix. Fabian feels this race. That really helps in a race. He’s good at that. Really good.”

The 111th Paris-Roubaix

4/7/2013

Switzerland's Fabian Cancelllara of RadioShack won the prestigious Paris-Roubaix Spring Classic for the third time on Sunday. The winner from 2006 and 2010 took the grueling 254km "Queen of the Classics" race in a sprint climax ahead of Belgian Sep Vanmarcke. Cancellera became the 12th rider to achieve the Flanders/Robaix double and in the process, set a new record average pace of 44.190 kilometers an hour.

   "At the end it was like roulette," reflected Cancellera on the dash for the line which he claimed by the length of a bike.

The 32-year-old justified his status among the favourites for this 111th edition. The top two surged clear from Belgian Stijn Vandenbergh and Czech rider Zdanek Stybar, hampered by spectators, in the 'Carrefour de l'Arbre' section of the race.

   In third, half a minute behind, came Dutch champion Niki Terpstra, who edged in clear of Belgian Greg Van Avermaet and France's Damien Gaudin. Cancellera was following up his win in last Sunday's Tour of Flanders.

   The 2008 Olympic time trial champion moved up to within one win of the Roubaix win record held jointly by Belgian duo Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen, the latter missing from Sunday's renewal after his fall last weekend.

   After taking time to get his breath back Cancellera added: "I've never known a race as hard as this one today.

   "A couple of times I thought it was over then I said to myself 'Roubaix is never finished, the battle never ends'. Everything was against us, against our team. I don't know how I managed to do it. I gave everything I could, now I've only got one thing on my mind - a holiday!"

Runner-up Vanmarcke said he scented victory as the line approached. "The closer we got to the Veldorome, the more I believed in victory. I knew I could manage a good finish but Fabian was the stronger. The aim was to enter the velodrome with him, but I couldn't shake him off. I've got to be proud of what I've done, especially after these last few weeks as I should have had surgery after Tirreno-Adriatico.

   "But I'm disappointed, extremely disappointed, I got so close!"

RESULTS:
1. Fabian Cancellara (SUI/RSH), 254km in 5hr 45min 33sec, 2. Sep Vanmarcke (BEL/BLA) s.t., 3. Niki Terpstra (NED/OPQ) at 31sec, 4. Greg Van Avermaet BEL/BMC) 31, 5. Damien Gaudin (FRA/EUC) s.t., 6. Zdenek Stybar (CZE/OPQ) 39, 7. Sebastian Langeveld (NED/ORI) 39, 8. Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP/VAC) s.t., 9. Alexander Kristoff (NOR/KAT) 50, 10. Sebastien Turgot (FRA/EUC) s.t., 11. Heinrich Haussler (AUS/IAM) s.t., 12. Bernhard Eisel (AUT/SKY) s.t., 13.
Maarten Wijnants (BEL/BLA) s.t., 14. Lars Boom (NED/BLA) s.t., 15. Matti Breschel (DEN/SAX) s.t.

Tour of the Basque Country, The Finale

4/6/2013

Colombian Nairo Quintana has won the Tour of the Basque Country after finishing second to Tony Martin in the 24km time trial that rounded off the six-stage event on Saturday. The Movistar rider started the day six seconds behind compatriot Sergio Henao (Sky) but he finished 40 seconds behind Quintana, just holding on to take third place ahead of Simon Spilak (Katusha) by one second.

   Henao's Australian teammate Richie Porte (Sky) finished fourth on the day to ensure he took second overall. As expected, Martin of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team won the stage convincingly in a time of 35min 5secs. The German was 17 seconds quicker than Quintana, with Spaniard Benat Intxausti (Movistar) coming in third a further 15 seconds back.

RESULTS: The sixth and final stage of the Tour of the Basque Country, a 24km time trial around Beasain:

   1. Tony Martin (GER/OPQ)                         35min 05sec
   2. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV)                    at    0:17.
   3. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV)                          0:32.
   4. Richie Porte (AUS/SKY)                                 0:40.
   5. Simon Spilak (SLO/KAT)                                 0:48.
   6. Jean Christophe Peraud (FRA/ALM)              0:51.
   7. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY)                                0:57.
   8. Carlos Betancour (COL/ALM)                        1:05.
   9. Pieter Weening (NED/ORI)                             1:06.
   10. Alberto Contador (ESP/SAX)                        1:07.

   Overall
   1. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV)                  21h39min 35sec
   2. Richie Porte (AUS/SKY)                     at      0:23.
   3. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY)                            0:34.
   4. Simon Spilak (SLO/KAT)                            0:35.
   5. Alberto Contador (ESP/SAX)                     0:54.
   6. Pieter Weening (NED/ORI)                          1:18.
   7. Carlos Betancour (COL/ALM)                     1:19.
   8. Benat Intxausti (ESP/MOV)                          1:57.
   9. Wout Poels (NED/VAC)                              2:47.
   10. John Gadret (FRA/ALM)                             2:56.

Team Argos-Shimano Previews Roubaix

4/6/2013

The 111th Paris-Roubaix will be another very tough edition, covering 254.5km, of which 52.6km are on cobbles. At 98.5km into the race the action will heat up, and the route will feature 27 cobbled sectors from then on. After 158km the peloton will enter one of the most famous sections and the first five-star section, the Forest of Arenberg, covering a distance of 2.4km. After that there are two additional five-star sections, at 205km and 236.5km, before the riders reach the velodrome.

Team Argos-Shimano has built a team around John Degenkolb. “We want to continue our upward trajectory of the last few races (De Panne, Tour of Flanders and Scheldeprijs). In those races we really rode as a team. I think it is very realistic to aim for a top-10 place,” said sports manager Marc Reef.

“John has shown that he is getting into top shape after taking 9th place in the Tour of Flanders, and this course suits him even better than the Tour of Flanders. He will need the full support of the team to position him well, as positioning is one of the decisive factors in this race. He needs to be sure that he is in the front of the race entering the final cobbled sections to get a good result. If it ends up in a sprint he is a dangerous outsider.”

Degenkolb said: “I will definitely be aiming for a top-10 place; the form is good enough for me to be there and reach the finale. We have done everything we could in preparation. We already started testing all the equipment in January, as you need special frames, tires and wheels. I am confident about not only my own form but also that of my teammates. They are strong enough to bring me to the finale and also to support me in the finale.

“Flanders gave me a good morale boost. Before Flanders it wasn’t easy for me; my expectations were too high, and with pulling out of Tirreno I lacked the kilometers and the effort to get in the best shape possible. Yesterday we did the last reconnaissance on the course and made the final adjustments to the equipment. I felt good and I really had the power to accelerate on the cobbles. I know I can ride a good race, but you also need a bit of luck in Paris-Roubaix. We will see how it goes Sunday.”

Degenkolb will have strong support from Ramon Sinkeldam, Tom Veelers and Koen de Kort, three U23 Paris-Roubaix winners who are eager to get a strong team result. Veelers said: “My wounds aren’t heeled yet, and sleeping is a bit difficult, but I felt good in the reconnaissance yesterday and I know that I can support John well. Everybody is motivated, and if we ride as a team we can make the difference.” Tom Stamsnijder, who missed the Tour of Flanders due to illness, is back on the roster for Paris-Roubaix.

Riders:
Bert de Backer (BEL)
Will Clarke (AUS)
Roy Curvers (NED)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Koen de Kort (NED)
Ramon Sinkeldam (NED)
Tom Stamsnijder (NED)
Tom Veelers (NED)

Life Without Boonen: OPQS Previews Roubaix

4/6/2013

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team met with the press on Friday, April 5th to talk about Paris-Roubaix, which takes place on Sunday, April 7th. Prior to the press conference, OPQS performed reconnaissance of the Paris-Roubaix parcour. Below are comments from riders Sylvain Chavanel, Niki Terpstra, and Zdenek Stybar, as well as CEO Patrick Lefevere.

Sylvain Chavanel
On his goals for Paris-Roubaix
"I hope to be a protagonist of the race on Sunday after the last two editions where I was really unlucky,” Chavanel said. “I love Paris-Roubaix as much as Tour de Flandres. The Ronde assured me about my condition. If we exclude Cancellara and Sagan, I was there with the best of the peloton. Then, at the end, it was only a story of places at the sprint. I really hope to do something good on Sunday because I love this race.

On the Roubaix tactics of OPQS
“I think we will have a lot of riders who will try to anticipate Cancellara and the other favorites,” Chavanel said. “We have a good team that has a habit for these races and we are ready to fight. But sometimes Paris-Roubaix is also a question of luck. A flat tire in a bad moment can compromise the entire race. The presence of Tom would have been important tactically, but now this is the situation and we will do our best to make a great race with a strong team.”

Niki Terpstra
On his hopes given his 2012 performance
“I’m pretty confident about this race,” Terpstra said. “Last year I was 5th and proved I can do well at Roubaix. At training I tested myself a little and did well, but training and racing is different. When we get to the cobble sectors that are two and a half kilometers long, after that I really hurt. Now it wasn’t so painful, but Sunday it will get really painful. After the parcour recon I at least am prepared for what it will feel like in a couple days.”

On the tactics without Tom Boonen as the leader at Paris-Roubaix
“Normally I’d be helping Tom, especially in the final, but now we have to do it ourselves. But this also gives a lot of opportunity for the whole team actually, because we are here with eight strong riders. If we can make a nice final, for sure there’s an opportunity. The breakaway that contests the final, whether a favorite like Fabian Cancellara is there or not, is always the right one. If I have the legs for sure I will try my best to do something.”

Zdenek Stybar
On Paris-Roubaix Reconnaissance
“This morning it was still a bit strange,” Stybar said. “It was really the first time doing so many cobbled sections. You just need to get used to it I think. Even when you are doing it for 10 years, still a year later you go again on the cobbles and it’s still exciting for everyone. I think for me through those sections I rode well, with good position, and it gave me a good feeling for Sunday.”

On his first Paris-Roubaix
“It was always my dream to do Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.” Stybar said. “Now I am here and must make the best of it and really enjoy the race. How far I can get I don’t know. It’s difficult for me to say of course. I am someone who loves to win, but for a race like this I have to be patient and try to learn as much as possible.”

On cyclo-cross riding compared to the cobbles of Roubaix
“You can’t truly compare it,” Stybar said. “Riding over the cobbles it’s somewhat like riding over a frozen field or something. I have some experience with something like that, but still it’s not so much the same. I think what I can use from cyclo-cross is my handling of the bike. Going from left to right and sometimes you have to unexpectedly change direction or brake. You know, when the bike is sliding, I don’t panic and think that part is something I can really use to my advantage. But, I think what I need most is the power in my legs. I think at Tour of Flanders I had one of my best days on the bike and I hope to have the legs I had last week to get as far as possible.”

Patrick Lefevere
On the chances of an OPQS victory on Sunday
"Everybody says it is difficult to win, but difficult is OK for me if we win," Lefevere said. "We are a team of specialists for these kinds of races. Tom is not here and for the team this is of course a handicap. But I think for the other riders, the roads are free now. So, I think all eight of them could do the final of Paris-Roubaix. I hope they will make something with it. I think all kinds of tactics are possible. If you can anticipate the group, and can go to the final without consuming too much energy, it's important for a chance in the final."

Team TIBCO Ready For Redlands

4/5/2013

The first National Racing Calendar event of the season is here: the Redlands Bicycle Classic. The nation’s top teams will vie for victory as they race four stages in four days in Southern California April 4 to April 7. Team TIBCO returns to Redlands to defend last year’s General Classification triumph, sending an 8-rider squad of top talent to contest the stage race.

Riders include U.S. Olympian and fierce sprinter Shelley Olds, Track Olympians Joanne Kiesanowski and Jasmin Glaesser, European all-rounders Chantal Blaak and Claudia Hausler, Irish National Champion Melanie Spath, and Team TIBCO veterans Amanda Miller and Samantha Schneider - the current U23 U.S. National Road and Criterium champion.

After a breakout campaign in Europe, including a pair of 2nd place finishes at Le Samyn des Dames and Omloop van het Hageland, Team TIBCO’s European squad will join forces with their domestic teammates as they prepare for an individual time trial, circuit race, criterium, road race and overall title Thursday through Sunday.

Racing kicks off Thursday on the north shore of Big Bear Lake for a 7.8-mile individual time trial. Friday’s City of Beaumont Circuit Race should shake things out for the overall standings as riders jump into 72.3 miles of racing that will include the first opportunity for riders to earn Sprint and Queen of the Mountain points. The course features one significant climb each lap that will max out at 3200 feet of elevation. Expect some all-out climbing as riders bid for QOM points and GC contenders attempt to put time into their top rivals.

Saturday’s Stage 2 City of Redlands Criterium will give the sprinters a chance to showcase their speed and technical agility in the 60-minute race. The 8-corner course will be technical and fast, including hair-pin turns and chicanes to make things exciting, particularly in the closing meters of the race.

The Redlands Stage Race will close out Sunday with the Stage 3 68.1-mile Sunset Road Race.

For more information, please visit: http://

Team TIBCO Roster for Redlands Bicycle Classic:

Amanda Miller (USA)
Chantal Blaak (NED)
Claudia Hausler (GER)
Jasmin Glaesser (CAN)
Joanne Kiesanowski (NZL)
Melanie Spath (IRL)
Shelley Olds (USA)
Sam Schneider (USA)

Paris Roubaix Preview

4/5/2013

Work on Paris–Roubaix continues behind the scenes with the official design of the route of the 111th edition, which will take place on Sunday, April 7, 2013. The course will be a teeny bit shorter (254 km vs 257.5 km), but the main effect of the changes will be to alter the order in which the bunch will tackle the toughest parts, which could affect race strategies. In the last few editions, the peloton took a detour in the area south of Valenciennes, which took the riders through the Le Buat cobbled sector. This section has been replaced with another detour through the town of Wallers.

The bunch will come up against a cobbled sector which has not featured in the race since 2008: following renovation works by the town of Wallers and the Nord Pas-de-Calais region, the 1,600 m section from Wallers to Hélesmes has been rechristened "Pont Gibus" as a tribute to Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle. It will be sector number 17 this year and will come just after the Trouée d'Arenberg, which the peloton will exit in bits and pieces (or not) with still 94 kilometres to go. Next up will be the Hornaing–Wandignies sector, which rounds off this new sequence and will leave the riders a mere 83 kilometers from Roubaix Velodrome. More than enough to separate the men from the boys.

http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_horscoursePRX.html

52.6 KM OF COBBLESTONES: THE RATINGS GAME

This time round, the changes made to the course could very well bring forward the showdown among the favorites to win the race, as the peloton will enter the Trouée d'Arenberg after 158 kilometres (14 km earlier than in 2012). Shortly after, the riders will reach the sector known as "Pont Gibus", which is making its comeback after a four-year absence. Another consequence of the overhaul is that Paris–Roubaix will once again feature the sector from Hornaing to Wandignies, which at 3.7 km is the longest in the race. Some of the riders will no doubt remember tackling it in the opposite direction in the 2010 Tour de France (above), but not all memories will be sweet, as Sylvain Chavanel reminisces about the puncture that cost him the yellow jersey. If he manages to navigate the sector successfully this time round, there will still be two five-star ones between him and a top-place finish at the Roubaix Velodrome, one in Mons-en-Pévèle and the other at the Carrefour de l'Arbre.

The 27 cobbled sectors of Paris–Roubaix
27. Troisvilles (km 98.5 – 2,200 m) +++
26. Viesly (km 105 – 1,800 m) +++
25. Quiévy (km 107.5 – 3700 m) ++++
24. Saint-Python (km 112.5 – 1,500 m) ++
23. Vertain (km 120 – 2,300 m) +++
22. Verchain-Maugré (km 130 – 1,600 m) +++
21. Quérénaing – Maing (km 133 – 2,500 m) +++
20. Monchaux-sur-Ecaillon (km 136.5 – 1,600 m) +++
19. Haveluy (km 149.5 – 2,500 m) ++++
18. Trouée d'Arenberg (km 158 – 2,400 m) +++++
17. Wallers - Hélesmes, aka "Pont Gibus" (km 164 – 1,600 m)
16. Hornaing (km 170.5 – 3,700 m) +++++
15. Warlaing - Brillon (km 178 – 2,400 m)
14. Tilloy - Sars-et-Rosières (km 181.5 – 2,400 m) +++
13. Beuvry-la-Forêt - Orchies (km 188 – 1,400m) +++
12. Orchies (km 193 – 1,700 m) +++
11. Auchy-lez-Orchies - Bersée (km 199 – 2,600 m) +++
10. Mons-en-Pévèle (km 205 – 3,000 m) +++++
9. Mérignies - Avelin (km 211 – 700 m) ++
8. Pont-Thibaut (km 214.5 – 1,400 m) +++
7. Templeuve - Moulin de Vertain (km 220.5 – 500 m) ++
6. Cysoing - Bourghelles (km 227 – 1,300 m) +++
Bourghelles - Wannehain (km 229.5 – 1,100 m) +++
5. Camphin-en-Pévèle (km 234 – 1,800 m) ++++
4. Le Carrefour de l'Arbre (km 236.5 – 2,100 m) +++++
3. Gruson (km 239 – 1,100 m) ++
2. Hem (km 246 – 1,400 m) ++
1. Roubaix (km 256.5 – 300 m) +

Photos: Bettini

Bianchi Unveils New Bike

4/4/2013

Revolutionizing the world of endurance cycling, and three days before Paris-Roubaix, one of the most legendary and toughest races in the world - Bianchi introduces the new Infinito CV Countervail Vibration Cancelling technology

Proven in the extreme conditions of NASA aerospace operations, Countervail is now exclusively introduced for cycling by Bianchi. The new Infinito CV with Countervail vibration cancelling composite technology is Bianchi’s innovative solution to reduce muscle fatigue and increase bike control.

Bianchi collaborated with the USA’s Materials Sciences Corporation to develop the exclusive application of the Countervail integrated system for the cycling world. With its special carbon fiber architecture, patented Countervail viscoelastic material is embedded within the Infinito CV proprietary carbon lay-up to immediately cancel road vibration. "We are really excited to introduce a revolutionary vibration cancelling technology for cycling with our new Infinito CV model", Bianchi CEO Bob Ippolitosaid. "Thanks to our close collaboration with MSC's engineers we developed a new exclusive patented material technology that will deliver better performance with less fatigue and more control".

Bianchi and MSC's intense laboratory testing and the rigorous experiences of our professional test riders confirm, the Bianchi Countervail integrated system immediately cancels vibration while increasing frame rigidity. Decreased vibration reduces muscle fatigue which improves handling, rider control, and maximizes energy savings under the spectrum of vibration loads. "MSC and Bianchi have entered into a license and trademark use agreement enabling Bianchi to utilize the Countervail patented technology and registered trademark within the bicycle industry. MSC has collaborated with Bianchi to incorporate Countervail technology in Bianchi bicycles, starting with the new Infinito CV model announced today”, Thomas Cassin, President/CEO of MSC commented.

The new aero shaped Infinito CV with Countervail vibration cancelling technology is cobblestone proven by our UCI WorldTour professional riders, and will be officially used in competition by Vacansoleil-DCM’s Juan Antonio Flecha at Paris-Roubaix, on Sunday. Flecha attended today’s Infinito CV official presentation in Lille.

The Infinito CV carbon fiber frame keeps the optimal C2C (Coast to Coast) road endurance geometry that distinguished the previous Infinito, giving every rider the maximum level of performance and peak power output under normal to extreme vibration loads with more control during endurance rides. The 2014 Infinito CV also available with the innovative Bianchi disc brake system.

* As noted by the Journal of Sciences and Medicine report.

Argos Shimano Scores At Scheldeprijs

4/4/2013

Marcel Kittel (GER) was the strongest today in a chaotic sprint in the Scheldeprijs. With his speed he forced Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick-Step) into second place and Barry Markus (Vacansoleil-DCM) into third.

The day was animated by an early break. The bunch kept the break under control, and it was never a danger. As soon as the finale started, it was one big battle for the sprinters' teams to take control. But in the end Team Argos-Shimano was the strongest and delivered Kittel to the finish line in an impressive manner.

"The guys did a really great job and made sure throughout the race that Marcel didn't waste too much energy. The whole race was good, and it was never a dangerous situation so almost everybody could save some energy for the sprint. It was incredible teamwork, especially in the final kilometers," said sports manager Marc Reef.

Kittel, who also won the Scheldeprijs last year, felt some pressure before the start: "Because I was the winner of last year's edition, everybody, including myself, expected that I would repeat the trick. Plus, we really made a goal of it after De Panne as well, so I felt some pressure. But right from the start I felt pretty good and I had a lot of faith in a positive outcome. The guys helped me throughout the whole race to save my energy. In the end no team was able to do a very good leadout. I thought I was boxed in, but Tom Veelers found me and brought me back to the front and did the leadout perfectly. I started to sprint and thought somebody would pass me, but no one did and I took the victory!

I am super happy with this win, as the season has already had some ups and downs. After Paris-Nice I got sick and had the flu, and the Driedaagse De Panne, which was a big goal for me, didn't go well, as I was not in top shape. During that race I regained my form, though, and I was really focused on taking the win in the Scheldeprijs. This is absolutely great, but I have to say that without the teamwork we had today, I couldn't have done it."

TEAM OPQS REPORT
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Mark Cavendish did his best with his position in the sprint finish of 204.2km Scheldeprijs on Wednesday, in an attempt to break the record of career wins at the race. Unfortunately, he couldn't overcome launching his sprint from several positions back in the final meters, finishing 2nd to Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) by about 3/4 of a wheel.

"The race went OK — it was windy, but the guys rode brilliantly all day always present at the front," Cavendish said. "In the last kilometers it was a bit hectic and we had some problems with keeping good position in the final. In the sprint I was about 20th position and I was coming, coming, coming, and I went to go with about 250 meters to go but Feillu was coming around too. So I had to leave about 50 meters more to start. I just ran out of time, you know, and if I'm not in the top five positions it's usually too far back. But Marcel Kittel won and it's not like he's not one of the best sprinters in the world. So I can't be too disappointed today, losing a close finish to a guy like that. I was really excited to race here today, as I'm on a Belgian team now. Also, it's a special day as a year ago my little princess Delilah was born, it's her first birthday. I missed the race a year ago today because she was due to be born. So I wanted to come here and win for her, for her birthday present. It's really nice, I love my family being here. They put my life into perspective. It takes the whole pressure from the day away."

Tour of Basque, Stage 3

4/4/2013

Colombian Sergio Henao claimed victory on the third stage of the Tour of the Basque Country and the overall lead in the race with an impressive late surge Wednesday up the steep mountain finish in La Lejana. The Team Sky rider chased down a late breakaway by Giampaolo Caruso (Katusha) and Carlos Alberto Betancur (Ag2r-La Mondiale) in the final kilometer to win the 165km stage from Vitoria in just six minutes short of four hours racing.

Henao opened up an eight-second lead over compatriot Nelson Quintana (Movistar) in the overall standings, with teammate Richie Port and two-time winner of the race Alberto Contador (Saxo/Tinkoff) just a further two seconds back.

   The set up of the stage with a daunting 500m climb in the last 10km was always going to favor the stronger climbers in the peloton, but for the third consecutive day Amets Txurruka was at the front of a breakaway group of five riders. The Caja Rural rider along with teammate Omar Fraile, Mikel Landa (Euskadi), Larent Didier (RadioShack) and Daniel Navarro (Cofidis) built up a lead of over five minutes just before the 100km mark. The peloton then began to work their way back towards the leaders and eventually caught them with just under 10kms to go.

   Henao, Contador and Quintana then began to position themselves towards the front of the pack on the climb up to La Lejana and it was Henao who made the first break with 3.5kms remaining. Caruso and Betancur then hit the front just over a kilometer later, but they couldn't hold off Henao on the line as he surged to his second stage victory of the season.

   Quintana finished in fourth, eight seconds behind, with Porte and Contador arriving together just two seconds later in sixth and seventh respectively

RESULTS: The third stage of the Tour of the Basque Country, a 164.7km ride from Vitoria to Trapagaran-La Lejana.
   Stage
   1. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 3hr 54min 22sec, 2. Carlos Betancour (COL/ALM)at s.t., 3.Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) 0:05, 4. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 0:08, 5. Diego Ulissi (ITA/LAM) 0:10 6. Richie Porte (AUS/SKY) 0:10 , 7. Alberto Contador (ESP/SAX) 0:10, 8. Simon Spilak (SLO/KAT) 0:10, 9. Igor Anton(ESP/EUS) 0:16, 10. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/EUS) 0:21.

   Overall
   1. Sergio Henao (COL/SKY) 12h24:26, 2. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) at 0:08, 3. Richie Porte (AUS/SKY) 0:10, 4. Alberto Contador (ESP/SAX) 0:10, 5. Giampaolo Caruso (ITA/KAT) 0:10, 6. Simon Spilak (SLO/KAT) 0:10, 7. Jakob Fuglsang(DEN/AST) 0:21, 8. Pieter Weening (NED/ORI) 0:21, 9. Jose Herrada (ESP/MOV) 0:21, 10. Carlos Betancour (COL/ALM) 0:21.

Ride The Sea Otter Gran Fondo

4/3/2013

On Saturday, April 20 as part of the most beloved cycling festival in the nation, The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Sea Otter Classic will premier in Monterey, CA, adding its unmistakable Italian twist to this four-day outdoor sport and tradeshow event. The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Sea Otter will start from the world-famous Laguna Seca Race Track and will offer two different routes, Carmel Valley (96 miles) and Coastal (49 miles), open to riders of all capabilities willing to experience a real “Italian style” Gran Fondo in one of the greatest cycling areas in the US. Look out for the original Giro d’Italia Trophy (Senza Fine) and get your picture with a backdrop of the Milan Duomo: bellissimo! Impress your cycling buddies with your own personalized bike number and the limited edition jersey by Santini! With stunning views of the majestic Pacific Ocean and lush Californian farms, the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Sea Otter will be an experience like no other. Enjoy Italian cycling brands and Pasta Party on the newly created area, the Italian Island, where you can discover products that are sure to please!

Known as the ultimate in the “celebration of cycling,” Sea Otter is cycling’s North American season opener; it also happens to be one of the nation’s largest, attracting a total of 10,000 riders from multiple disciplines and about 50,000 fans. With both professional and amateur athletes alike make the annual pilgrimage to participate in some of the sport’s most competitive and enduring events. Hundreds of pro cyclists, including national, world, and Olympic champions attend Sea Otter to race and meet with fans. Not to be missed is the Expo, boosting a wealth of over 400 companies and featuring for the first time the Italian Island.

The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia brings to America a top international appeal and the ultimate expertise in mass-participation productions of a true “Italian” Gran Fondo experience, with breathtaking scenic courses, and challenges that impart an atmosphere typically reserved for professional races, all in a fun “Italian style” environment that brings out the best of this sport. Upcoming signature events: Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro (May 5); Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Pasadena (June 2); Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Miami-Coral Gables (November 10).

Sponsors of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia include: Vittoria, Selle Italia, Limar, Santini, Bianchi, Gazzetta dello Sport and Interbike. For additional information please visit www.gfgiro.com.

Team Predator Lands Rodriquez For Redlands

4/3/2013

Predator Cycling is pleased to announce that three-time National Champion, Olympian, and multiple Grand Tour stage winner Freddie Rodriguez will be joining Predator Carbon Repair at the 2013 Redlands Classic in an effort to raise awareness for his Fast Freddie Foundation. Redlands Classic is a race that inspired Freddie at the age of 13 and is the perfect venue to promote his inaugural "Fast Freddie Gran Fondo" charity ride to help raise funds for the Fast Freddie Foundation.

"Fast Freddie Foundations mission is to inspire and provide youth with the tools to achieve personal successes by utilizing life skills learned through cycling. We encourage a commitment to education and a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.”

At this years event, the Predator Carbon Repair Elite team will be racing in custom Fast Freddie Cycling Apparel, "a brand that is dedicated to designing and producing the finest handmade cycling apparel in the USA.”

Along with Freddie, we've assembled a solid squad that will surely help to animate the race. Please come out and support this amazing event. Our roster for Redlands:
Sergio Hernandez
Ricky Esquela
Cody O'Reily
Julio Molinedo
Cesar Grajales
Kirk Carlsen
Freddie Rodriguez
Jean Michel Lachance
www.ffgranfondo.com
www.fastfreddieaparel.com
www.fastfreddiefoundation.org
www.predatorcycling.com

More Injuries Plague Team OPQS

4/2/2013

Quick-Step Cycling Team riders Dries Devenyns and Tony Martin suffered a crash at the top of the final climb of Vuelta al Ciclista Pais Vasco on Monday, Alto de San Miguel.

Dries Devenyns abandoned, and was taken to the hospital immediately for further examinations. Devenyns was diagnosed with a broken radial bone of the left arm as a consequence of the crash. Tomorrow Dries will return to Belgium to pass further examinations with the team medical staff, and possibly undergo surgery.

"I was there in the first position, but in a certain moment Van Den Broeck crashed in front of me and I couldn't avoid him," Devenyns said. "I went to the ground, and we were also going at a high speed. Now I have this fracture of my left arm for a third time. I am not really lucky with these kind of things in my career. It is really a shame because the condition was good and I was looking forward to the Ardennes Classics. Now I have to stay calm, as there is nothing I can do. I can only recover as best I can."

Tony Martin was able to finish the race, but immediately went to the hospital to determine the extent of injuries to his left wrist after hitting the ground hard. The X-rays of today did not show any fractures. More examination will be done in the next days if necessary.

"We were riding in the first part of the peloton and I only heard the noise of the crash and suddenly we were laying on the ground," Martin said. "There was immediate pain in my left wrist and I thought maybe it was the old fracture of last year during the Tour de France. But the first thing was to get to the final and not to lose too much time, then to see at the hospital if there were any fractures. Fortunately, the results seemed to exclude any fractures. So, it's more important that I am OK, than the fact that I lost time."

Tony Martin will take the start of the second stage.

Italy Calls A Tour Champ

4/1/2013

Australia's Cadel Evans has added the Giro d'Italia to his schedule for the season, his team BMC announced on Saturday. It will be the first of two Grand Tours for the 36-year-old this year, with Evans also set to race in the Tour de France, an event he won in 2011.

   In a statement published on BMC's official website, Evans admitted the Tour de France remains the number one objective, but insists that he will not be going to the Giro just to make up the numbers as he recovers form after illness hindered his progress last year.

   "Since the virus I had last year, I have had to change my approach to my work," he said. "I am not coming to the Giro just for training. I don't know where I will be with my form, but for sure, I will give it everything."

   Evans last competed in the Giro in 2010, when he won a stage and wore the overall leader's yellow jersey for one day.

   "I have always wanted to race again at the Giro, but after I raced it in 2010, I didn't get to the Tour fresh," he added. "I'm not saying that the Giro and the Tour together is too much. The illness and injury I had in 2010 made it impossible to judge."

   BMC sporting director John Lelangue added: "Three weeks of racing in what is a nice Giro for him, will be the best way to prepare well and be ready for the month of July."

   The Giro will run from May 4-26.

Tour of the Basque Country, Stage 1

4/1/2013

In-form Australian rider Simon Gerrans won the first stage of the Tour of the Basque Country after a 156.5km ride around Elgoibar on Monday. The 32-year-old edged out Peter Velits and Angel Vicioso on the line form his second stage win in Spain in just over a week after also emerging victorious in the penultimate stage of the Tour of Catalonia.

   Pre-race favorite and two-time winner of the event Alberto Contador finished back in seventh, but registered the same time as the leaders. However, a crash just five kilometers from the end of the stage cost another contender Samuel Sanchez five seconds as he finished down in 18th. Until that point the day had been largely controlled by the peloton.

   Amets Txurruka and Laurent Didier set the early pace as they broke away after 30km to establish a healthy five minute lead just before the 50km mark. That was as big a gap as the peloton allowed though as led by Contador's Saxo-Tinkoff team the front two began to be reeled in.

Txurruka made a solo break 36km from the finish but was eventually caught 18km out by the chasing pack. At that point the Sky and Movistar teams carried the workload in the peloton, but the leading pack was reduced to some 17 riders after a crash at the top of the final climb up the Alto de Aiastia.

The chasing pack was never able to make up the gap the crash created and Gerrans timed his run to the line to claim the stage win.

RESULTS: Tour of the Basque Country, a 156.5km ride around Elgoibar on Monday:
   Stage
   1. Simon Gerrans (AUS) Omega Pharma-Quick Step 4hr 06min 33sec, 2. Peter Velits (SVK) at s.t., 3. Angel Vicioso (ESP) s.t., 4. Francesco Gavazzi (ITA) s.t., 5. Jacob Fuglsang (DEN) s.t, 6. Sergio Luis Henao (COL) s.t., 7. Alberto Contador (ESP) s.t., 8. Richie Porte (AUS) s.t., 9. Nairo Quintana (COL) s.t., 10. Pieter Weening (NED) s.t.

Team RadioShack Race Report

3/31/2013

It was an impressive display of power. One vicious attack on the Paterberg after using the team to perfection put Fabian Cancellara in the winning position as he time trialed to Oudenaarde to claim the win in the Ronde Van Vlaanderen on Sunday.

Fabian: “This was an amazing team job. Everyone was against us and we just stayed focused. We came on the Oude Kwaremont for the last time and Gregy Rast said everyone looked tired, so I tried to do the first selection there. Peter (Sagan) and I came up to Roelandts then and I knew I had to go again to get away from Peter. It happened like we’ve been planning for months. Hard work from me and the team and sacrificing time with our families. I can count on two hands the number of days I’ve been home this winter. It hasn’t been easy for my wife and kids but these are the hard choices we make. My career won’t last forever so it’s important to pick moments to enjoy. This victory is for my family and team. They gave me so much support. And for the fans – it was a perfect day. My second win in Flanders has been exceptional. I will relax now and recover from this effort and see what happens next week,” he concluded, referring to Paris-Roubaix next Sunday.

Asked if she will be at Paris-Roubaix next Sunday, wife Stefanie said, “He deserves this so much after last year’s misery. Oh, yes, I will stay until Roubaix now.”

Cancellara attacked on the Oude Kwaremont to soften up the competition, with Peter Sagan on the wheel. Not wanting to take the sprinter to the line, Cancellara patiently waited for the Paterburg to put the final nail in the coffin, attacking from a seated position on the climb and immediately creating a gap. From then on it was time trial mode for the four-time world TT champion. Sagan (Cannondale) and Roelandts (Lotto-Belisol) rounded out the podium at well over a minute behind the Swiss champion.

Team director Dirk Demol was in the car, directing Cancellara throughout the day: “We could see in the previous races he was good. He was working on his condition and always improving. Everyone was riding hard today and waiting for his attack. There were comments before the race that RadioShack Leopard Trek would not be one of the strongest teams in the race today but I was laughing at that. I knew better. I knew we had the team here to support Fabian and they were ready to die for him. Between 10km and 5km to go, there was no race information so I pulled up beside him and told him he was going to win the 100th Tour of Flanders. He’s full of confidence now – he is the one to beat next week in Roubaix.”

Teamwork was the key ingredient in today’s win with every team rider playing a part in positioning Cancellara for the finale. One member of the armada was New Zealand's Hayden Roulston.

Hayden: “This was a super win. Fabian was able to confirm what everyone thought before the race and that isn’t easy to do when you’re a big favorite. The team did our maximum and it was great to see Fabian win in that way. Early in the race we went to the front with our plan to keep everyone together and stay in the front. We knew we could react better from that place. It’s such a nice feeling to work so hard and then deliver the win. It’s good for the riders, the staff, the sponsors and our families. It’s pretty special. It’s easy to buy in to the plan when you have a leader like Fabian who can deliver.”
Cancellara won the 2010 Tour of Flanders and wanted to repeat the effort after last year’s race-ending crash in the feed zone took him out of the classics. Cancellara and RadioShack Leopard Trek have targeted this race since then.

Fabian: “One year ago I was on the ground and now I’m back and I’ve won Flanders on the new course. It isn’t easy winning as the big favorite but I’m really happy. In the end it was a strange race, but strange good because I won! It was so fast in the beginning and we had to take over early but I think that was the key. There were not so many riders left at the end. The team did a fantastic job and I did what I had to do: bring the Ronde Van Vlaanderen home.”

Stijn Devolder, winner in 2008 and 2009, was part of the winning team too, giving his all for leader
Cancellara.“I’m happy to be able to do this today after some bad years. In the beginning of the race I didn’t feel so good but I’m happy I was able to go on and help the team. The entire team did a super job.”

Team manager Luca Guercilena was bursting with pride at the race’s end: “This is one of the best days of my life. We led the race for 160km with no fear and used all of our talents to put our star in the perfect position to use his power. Then Fabian went to work. I’m really, really happy. We look now to Roubaix. We can be at the start with some pressure but confidence too because of our performance today. This victory is special to us. We get many comments in the press about our team and we can only answer them with the pedals. Our new sponsor BPURE came in at just the right moment. We hope it will be a good sign for the future.”

Fabian & The Tour of Flanders

3/31/2013

Swiss ace Fabian Cancellara won the one day classic Tour of Flanders for the second time here on Sunday. The 32-year-old 2008 Olympic time-trial champion - nicknamed 'Spartacus' - came home clear at the end of the 256km ride from Bruges ahead of Slovakian Peter Sagan while Jurgen Roelandts of Belgium was third.

   Cancellara, also a four-time world time-trial champion, won his previous Tour of Flanders in 2010 but returned for this edition with sour memories of last year's race where he crashed and fractured his collarbone in four places.

   Cancellara and Sagan, the other favourite for the race, had fought out a thrilling duel once they joined Roelandts at the front with 16km to go. Both of them fought for supremacy over the last two climbs of the race, Vieux Quaremont and then the Paterberg.

   Whilst Sagan was able to stay on Cancellara's wheel on the Quaremont he was unable to stay with the merciless pace of the Swiss rider on the Paterberg, 13km from the finish. Cancellara left alone like in a time-trial never faltered as he rode to the line to win his fifth major classic of his career.

   The early part of the race had seen defending champion and home favourite Tom Boonen crash out after 19 kilometers. The three-time winner of the race was treated in hospital for bruising to the elbow, left hip and right knee but x-rays revealed no broken bones.

RESULTS:
1. Fabian Cancellara (SUI/RadioShack) 6hr 05:58, 2. Peter Sagan (SVK) at 1min 26sec, 3. Jurgen Roelandts (BEL) 1:28, 4. Alexander Kristoff (NOR) 1:38, 5. Matthieu Ladagnous (FRA) same time, 6. Heinrich Haussler (AUS) s.t., 7. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) s.t., 8. Sebastien Turgot (FRA) s.t., 9. John Degenkolb (GER) s.t., 10. Sebastian Langeveld (GER) s.t.


Photo: Bettini

TEAM OMEGA PHARMA QUICK-STEP REPORT:
Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Tom Boonen had an unfortunate crash at 19km that forced him to abandon Ronde van Vlaanderen on Sunday. He was transported to the hospital of Roeselare.

Boonen has a contusion at his left hip, as well as a wound on his left elbow. He also has a contusion and a wound on his right knee that required a few stitches. X-rays showed no fractures.

Chris Carmichael's Tour of Flanders Take-Aways

3/30/2013

Tomorrow morning, I strongly suggest you find a live video feed of the Tour of Flanders. It’s always a race worth watching, and if watching the Ronde van Vlaanderen doesn’t inspire you to get out there and put in a storming Sunday ride, I don’t know what will. I raced Flanders with 7-Eleven, and it was brutally hard. It still is, and it always will be. But as you watch the Tour of Flanders, there are some lessons you can take away and use for your own performance.

Let the distance and terrain take their toll
The Tour of Flanders is 256 kilometers this year, including 17 climbs and seven sections of cobblestones. Even if you’re the strongest rider in the race, you don’t have to be the strongest rider in every kilometer. Don’t waste your energy trying to split the field in the first 50km when the climbs and cobblestones will do it for you by the 150th. Even in local and regional racing, riders make the mistake of attacking when everyone is still fresh. That’s like trying to break a green branch. Wait until those branches are dry and brittle, and then break them with a single strike.

The better you’re feeling, the less you should do
When you have great legs it can be hard to resist the urge to let everyone else know about it, but that’s what you have to do in order to win hard races. To win you’ll need to initiate or respond to the move that creates a selection, and then you’ll have to attack or sprint to finish it off. If you’re a strong rider you might be able to make the selection and be in contention for the win on a normal day. But on the days when strong riders have great legs, they save their best effort for their last effort – the one that gets them to the line first.
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Don’t telegraph your punches
Every time you make a move, you’re providing information to your opponents. If you sprint across a gap like it’s nothing, they’ll know you have the strength to be dangerous later on. If you’re attacking or constantly going to the front to push the pace, you’ll become someone to watch. It’s better to be anonymous, so when you attack no one knows whether you’re worth chasing.

In long events, the final hour separates the men from the boys and the women from the girls
Out of 208 riders at the start line of the Tour of Flanders, there may be 30 capable of winning a hard 200-kilometer race. Of them, perhaps 20 could win at 220. But you can count on two hands the number capable of winning at 250-260 kilometers. It’s a difficult phenomenon to describe, but riders have a point – whether it’s kilojoules or time in the saddle or a mental barrier – where the lights go out. It takes time and experience to gain the inner strength to keep the motor going strong all the way to the line. And extending that range is a big part of your training. When you know you have what it takes to go the distance, don’t worry so much about the riders who don’t. In the final 40km, when it really counts, they’ll be gone.

What I remember most about the Tour of Flanders was the energy. You know how a wide river speeds up and turns violent as it enters a narrow gorge? That’s what it’s like to race toward the narrow, steep, cobbled climbs in the Tour of Flanders. As the roads get narrower, the fighting for position gets more intense. When you hit the climbs the intensity goes through the roof and the race fans are loud enough to wake the dead. And at Flanders, it’s as if the river keeps getting narrower and the rapids keep getting bigger, and one by one riders go under to be dashed against the rocks.

Chris Carmichael
CEO/Head Coach
Carmichael Training Systems

Team Omega Pharma Quick-Step Previews Flanders

3/30/2013

OPQS Ronde van Vlaanderen Press Conference
29-Mar-2013: Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team met with the press on Friday, March 29th to discuss Ronde van Vlaanderen. Here is some are some of what riders Sylvain Chavanel, Tom Boonen, and Niki Terpstra, as well as CEO Patrick Lefevere had to say.

Tom Boonen
“Cancellara in a good shape, so he’ll be the guy to beat along with Sagan and Team Sky of course," Boonen said of the competitors. "Don’t forget them they also have a very strong team. But other guys, maybe they will able to get more freedom than we have, so they are dangerous teams as well.”

“It’s not the same as it was last year, but it’s not looking that bad either,” Boonen said of his condition. “During the circumstances I think the team and I made a lot of progression the last few weeks. We will see on Sunday if it was enough and if it was on time to get a result in the race, but I did the maximum possible to get here and I can’t expect anything more. I think after last year this is really not a bad circumstance. If I had the same level as last year it would be very hard to carry the race. Now it’s a little bit different, but I don’t think I will get any freedom if I try to escape in the final. I’m not in my best condition, but anything is possible. I’ve won races with less condition than this.”

“Nobody is unstoppable,” Boonen said of Peter Sagan's recent success. “It only seems like that. Of course Sagan is a very dangerous guy to have with you in the final. He’s fast at the finish line. It’s nearly impossible to drop him on the last two climbs, the Kwaremont or the Paterberg. He’s probably the guy who can climb the Paterberg the fastest, but after the Paterberg there is still 13km to go. We don’t have the big favorites. We have a lot of strong riders. I think it’s important to keep the team together and be smart. Don’t try to be the strongest. Try to be the smartest.”

Sylvain Chavanel
"I feel good and I'm ready to do a good race," Chavanel said of his condition. "The team is really strong and balanced but also the competitors are fearsome. We don’t have to focus only on two riders but pay attention also to other riders. Here we have all the best riders of the world for this kind of competition. In any case it will be a great race once again. I’m expecting a difficult race with as usual a big fight to take the climbs in the first positions. As a team our goal is to try to win and we will do our best to get the result. We will have to play also tactically. I love this race, all the things around are great. The public, the entire country who lives this race, the competitions…I can't wait to take the start of this race."

Niki Terpstra
“He is really enthusiastic on the bike,” Terpstra said of Peter Sagan. “If somebody attacks he is immediately on the wheel. He is strong enough for that. It’s a tough opponent, especially for Sunday. Now we see the last weeks two top favorites with Cancellara and Sagan, other teams will have to carry the race now and we can lay low for a while. We have to be there in the final. But we have an experienced team. We know how to ride a final. We know the roads perfectly and maybe it will help on Sunday. As for who compares to Sagan, I think last year there was a strong Belgian guy in the Classics who almost won everything. He’s here on our team actually. That’s Tom Boonen.”

Patrick Lefevere
"It’s clear that today the situation is totally different than last year," Lefevere said of the tactical comparison between OPQS at the Ronde in 2012 to 2013. "We’ve seen even in the last days, Sylvain, since Sanremo and even Paris-Nice he is in good shape. Niki has always been there when we needed him as well. So, I think the team is very strong. Stybar, Kwiatkowski are strong also, all eight of them really. Even Stijn Vandenbergh — I may not name names, but I think six of them are really able to do the final. It’s up to us to find the key to beat the others.”

“I think those roads have no secrets any more for the riders,” Lefevere said of the familiarity with the Belgian roads. “Especially the guys here. Like always it is the riders who make the race and they will decide how the final will be. I expect that the best riders will be at the front in the right moment.”

“They were always free to do their own race if it’s fixed in the tactic," Lefevere said of Chavanel and Terpstra. "If you are in the final — we don’t have to race on Sunday to be in the front. We have to race to win. To win, they might not be taking wild risks. We have riders to make the race tough. For sure if Sylvain or Niki is in the lead with Sagan and Pozzato who are on paper faster in the sprint, it’s not up to them to ride with them to the finish. We have several chances if it’s possible. But in an ideal world you have to go along. You can make 50 tactics, but with a massive crash your tactic is wrong. So it’s based on provision.”

Pass The Parmesan And EPO

3/30/2013

Following in the recent footsteps of doping admissions my former Rabobank riders Michael Rasmussen and Michael Boogerd now comes this..

German rider Stefan Schumacher, who has served a two-year doping ban, has admitted regularly knocking back a cocktail of performance-enhancing drugs, likening it to eating pasta after training. Schumacher was caught in October 2008 when a sample taken during that July's Tour de France was shown to have contained CERA, a variant of the banned blood-booster erythropoeitin (EPO). He also tested positive at the Beijing Olympics.

   Drug-taking, he said, was par for the course in his then-team. "I took EPO, growth hormones and corticoids (steroids)," the former Gerolsteiner rider told Der Speigel in an interview that will be published in full on Sunday.

   "I was put into a system. I'm not proud of it but that's the way it was. Doping became an integral part of the daily routine, like a plate of pasta after training."

   The admission of his doping history was a first for Schumacher, who now races for the Danish team Christina Watches-Onfone.

Lazer's New Helmet For Lotto-Belisol

3/29/2013

For 2013 the Lotto-Belisol team is equipped with the Lazer Helium helmet. Patented Lazer Rollsys retention system for easy and quick adjustment and a comfortable fit every time, 7 piece in-mold construction, dual-density EPS foam for maximum weight savings, 19 vents with internal air channels for unparalleled airflow.

At this year's Ronde van Vlaanderen Lotto-Belisol will be using the next generation in Lazer helmet technology - Helium FAST!

On the outside is the Lazer Aeroshell with the special Leeuw van Vlaanderen (Lion of Flanders) graphic to celebrate the Flemish tradition of the De Ronde. The Aeroshell also provides an aerodynamic advantage. Compared to a standard Helium helmet, the Helium with the Aeroshell in place can save between 4 and 10 watts at 45kph.

The real difference with the Helium FAST is on the inside. Thanks to the added reinforcement of the Lazer Aeroshell, less material is required in manufacturing the helmet. All outer cosmetic material is removed along with some of the foam support structure. The Helium FAST passes all testing standards but is a remarkable 56 grams lighter than the standard Lazer Helium!

With the Helium FAST there is no compromise. Unparalleled aerodynamics and incredible lightweight! Look for the Helium FAST to be available to consumers in November 2013.

Additionally, the Lotto-Belisol team is now supported with Lazer Vision Optics in 2013 including the revolutionary Magneto eyewear system. With the glasses mounting to the helmet straps via the use of magnets the Magneto system eliminates traditional eyeglasses temples that can cause pressure against the head, inhibit airflow into the helmet and around the head as well as interfere with the rear retention system of the helmet. Look for the Lotto-Belisol riders equipped with Lazer Magneto this weekend at the Ronde van Vlaanderen!

Team BMC Slims For Flanders

3/29/2013

Reigning world champion Philippe Gilbert of Belgium and American rider Taylor Phinney have both been ruled out of Sunday's Tour of Flanders, their team BMC announced on Thursday.

   Gilbert, who has twice finished third in the spring classic race, is currently recovering from a cold and is not in suitable condition to take part, while Phinney has a knee injury and is hoping to return to peak condition for the Paris-Roubaix on April 7.

   "With my current condition, I know I cannot be successful at Flanders," Gilbert was quoted as saying on BMC's official website.

   Phinney said: "I'm confident if I stay at home in Italy and have a couple more days of recovery, I can be back 100 percent for Paris-Roubaix."

   Britain's Adam Blythe has been named in the BMC team for the race to help cover for the duo's absence.

Team Omega Pharma Quick-Step Race Report

3/28/2013

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Sylvain Chavanel came into the final stage just 10" down in the overall, and he demolished the Driedaagse Van De Panne-Koksijde Stage 3b 14.7km time trial on Thursday, winning the stage and the overall for the second straight year. The victory of Chavanel was a well executed plan of OPQS, putting their GC leaders Niki Terpstra and Chavanel in the best position for the overall, while also going for stage wins with Mark Cavendish.

Chavanel put on a show despite a technical course, passing the split 9.57" faster. He won with a time of 18'02", which was fastest by 19".

It was not just individual success for OPQS on Thursday. Terpstra also finished 3rd in the GC, and OPQS riders Guillaume Van Keirsbulck and Mark Cavendish were 9th and 10th overall. Furthermore, OPQS won the team classification.

Chavanel added the 19th and 20th win, in three disciplines, for OPQS in 2013 by taking the stage and overall. Chavanel achieved three of those 20 victories.

"I like to race, it doesn't matter which race," Chavanel said. "I like this race a lot, however. Now I have 48 hours to recover after this double victory and be ready for the race on Sunday. Last year I had a few little problems with my health during Paris-Nice. This year everything went good and normal so far. I'm in good condition. My objective is to maintain this form until Paris-Roubaix. As for the Ronde, I'm not one of the favorites. Sagan is strong and also Cancellara, but we have a strong, united team. We are experienced in these kind of races and also with great specialists such as Tom and Niki. The strategy will also be important. Maybe there are also a few underdogs for the race on Sunday that can surprise everyone. We will do our best as a team and we will see!"

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

Team Columbia Race Report

3/28/2013

While being also in contention in two races in France over the weekend, Team Colombia will face a busy Spanish weekend, taking part to GP Miguel Indurain (March 30th) and Vuelta Ciclistica la Rioja (March 31st). As in the past, the semiclassic dedicated to five-time Tour de France winner Indurain will unfold on a 180-kilometer distance and will be, as usual, characterized by a very selective course. The difficult ascents of Alto de Guirguillano and Alto de Lezaun will be anticipate the final showdown on the Alto de Emaul and Basilica de Puy, where the finishing line is placed.

The next day (Sunday, March 31st), on Easter day, the Escarabajos will be committed in another Spanish race: Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja, a classic stage contest turned into a one-day race in 2009. The 158-km race course around Logroño will be characterized by the climbs of Alto de Valpierre and Alto de Elciego.

For the Spanish races, Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli will field a combative team led by Robinson Chalapud, who looked in good shape at Settimana Coppi & Bartali, with Alexis Camacho, Marco Corti, Wilson Marentes, Dalivier Ospina, Michael Rodriguez, Jeffry Romero and Juan Pablo Suarez rounding out the team line-up.

“Chalapud knows the course of the GP Indurain, as he finished 6th two seasons ago” – Sports Director Pellicioli said – but this race could suit all the riders in the line-up. Vuelta a la Rioja has an easier route compared to the previous editions, but I I expect to see an aggressive team from the early kilometers to take advantage of any possible breakaway opportunity”.

Team Colombia’s season will continue with an equally busy month of April. The Escarabajos will start at the Circuit de la Sarthe (April 2nd-5th) while Klasica Primavera (April 7th) and Vuelta Castilla y Leon (April 10th – 14th) will lead up to the Fleche Wallonne (April 17th) and the Giro del Trentino (April 16th – 19th), key set-up fixtures to the Giro d’Italia.

GP Miguel Indurain (March 30th) – Vuelta Ciclistica a La Rioja (March 31st)

Line-up: Alexis Camacho, Robinson Chalapud, Marco Corti, Wilson Marentes, Dalivier Ospina, Michael Rodriguez, Jeffry Romero, Juan Pablo Suarez.

Photo: Bettini

Cannondale Pro Cycling Adds A Sponsor

3/28/2013

Wega Coffee Machines, the leading Italian company producing professional espresso coffee machines, is pleased to announce a new partnership deal signed with team Cannondale Pro Cycling, one of the strongest cycling formations in the world. Under the agreement the Wega brand will be able to boast the title of official supplier to the team that features Ivan Basso, Moreno Moser and recent winner of the Gent-Wevelgem as well as current World Tour leader Peter Sagan, as the company follows the team along roads the world over.

This high profile partnership confirms Wega's propensity to align itself with international events in order to increase the brand's visibility and highlight the quality of its products.

Wega branded espresso coffee machines will be placed in the Cannondale motor homes, campers and logistical offices, lending support to the performance of the team and staff and offering team guests the chance to savour a coffee break in the excellence of Italian style.

“The collaboration we've started with Cannondale is a strategic opportunity in terms of brand recognition," comments Paolo Nadalet, CEO for Wega Coffee Machines. “The agreement will allow Wega to increase their exposure in strategic markets, thanks to the international dimension of the team which, like us, operates on all five continents. This opportunity is doubly interesting in light of the company's hospitality activities during the Giro d’Italia which will allow company guests to experience a unique perspective at this important world class event.”

“We're happy we reached this agreement" comments Roberto Amadio, Team Manager for Cannondale Pro Cycling. “The tradition of Italian espresso coffee is recognized all around the world. We hope that our activities and our victories will offer visibility to this prestigious brand that is recognized internationally for its quality".

Spring Heroes Video

3/27/2013

Bettini Photo

Team Omega Pharma Quickstep Report

3/27/2013

Quick-Step Cycling Team had complete control of the front of the peloton in the final kilometers of the 204.2km Stage 2 of Driedaagse Van De Panne-Koksijde, putting all riders on the front working very hard for sprinter Mark Cavendish.

However, with just 1km to go, Iljo Keisse and Niki Terpstra — in a headwind — were left with the responsibility of leading out Cavendish. Despite the challenging situation, they pulled so hard for the Manx Missile they had a gap with only one rider able to stay on the wheel of Cavendish.

As the race came back together for the final, and sprinters such as Francesco Chicchi (Vini Fantini-Selle Italia), Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol), Elia Viviani (Cannondale), and Arnaud Demare (FDJ) loomed, Cavendish launched up the right side from several hundred meters out. Terpstra put in a tremendous effort as the final leadout man.

Cavendish went on to win the bunch sprint from long distance, with Viviani 2nd and Chicchi 3rd.

This is the 18th win, in three disciplines, for OPQS in 2013.

"I didn't feel that great actually earlier on in the day," Cavendish said. "We talked this morning about doing what we can to dig in for a bunch sprint. Halfway through I was like, 'I don't know if I can do it today.' I didn't feel great, but as the finish grew near we just kind of got to the front. It wasn't even spoken about. We were just doing it, like we were going for the sprint. Everyone stayed in the front and as you could see, the last lap was incredibly fast all together. The guys were in great form to not just do fast pulls, but really long pulls as well at the end. That just put me in position for the final corner. I wanted to be two or three back out of the last corner and that is exactly where I was. So, I was really, really happy. With one kilometer to go I just sat there waiting, waiting, waiting. I wanted to go at 450 meters really. I felt the sprint going early on my left, so I had to kick out earlier than normal. In a headwind if you kick out too hard you die out and riders come from behind. So I didn't go full gas. I just kept accelerating and accelerating as guys were coming through."

"The team was phenomenal for me today," Cavendish continued. "Big pulls at the end and it was a hard finish. I'm really happy. The guys had to go long just because of the wind. We wanted to keep it lined out in that last big road, and then we had to use guys to try and get to the corner before the small road at 450 meters to go. Iljo and Niki had to take some big, big pulls. But they were really strong and I am really proud of them."

"One of the biggest stars who has ever been in cycling, he's one of the guys who has got the most faith in me," Cavendish said of Tom Boonen, who did plenty of work setting up the leadout and chasing down breaks earlier in the race. "That's incredible. I spoke to Tom last night, and I said 'It really means a lot that you're here.' It's the first time we've raced to a final together this year, as at Gent-Wevelgem he crashed out. But seeing the confidence he had in me yesterday, and I mean all the guys as well, it's really nice. I spoke to them last night about that and you've seen the same again today. These guys are flying. It could be easy for them to take their own opportunity to win races here in Belgium. But they're committed to the new guy on the team and it means a lot to me. I am so happy for the commitment from all the guys. Some guys thought we were going for the sprint yesterday. It couldn't be further from the truth. Yesterday's stage is never, ever finished in a bunch sprint. We were going for our GC guys, and I was there to help. I'm happy they were able to turn around and help me today. So we're in good position. We've won a stage and we're still up there in the GC. We're looking forward to the final day."

Boonen also took some time to talk about the race and his condition. He will not take the start tomorrow.

"I'm very happy about the victory of Mark, he deserves it and the team supported him very well today," Boonen said. "Concerning me, it was a 'good day at the office'." After the race I did 30 minutes on the hometrainer just to relax the muscles after the race. The knee is quite good, even if it hurts a bit when I am full gas. But I can live with it. Now It's important to recover well at home in the next 24 hours and on Friday I will join the rest of the team to get into the mood of the race. I wish to the guys here in De Panne all the best for tomorrow. I'm sure they can get again good results."

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

San Dimas Stage Race, The Finale

3/26/2013

RESULT: Incycle/Cannondale San Dimas Classic
Pro-1 Men
Average Speed of Winner 29.65 MPH 47.72 Km/H

Pl Bib Name                  Team                             Time    Bon(Pen)     Behind

1   77 Haedo, Juan Jose     Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter   1:29:51 10        @ 0:00

2   87 Huff, Charles            Jelly Belly P/B Kenda              "      6            "

3 135 Lea, Bobby              Team SmartStop-Mountain Khakis     "      4            "

4   13 Bevin, Patrick           BISSELL Pro Cycling                "                   "

5   80 Companioni, Ruben    Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter     "                   "

6 131 Holloway, Daniel     Team MIke's Bikes p/b Incase       "                   "

7 127 Macias, Luis Fernand TEAM DEPREDADORES / GDESIGN'S      "                   "

8   88 Vander Velde, Ricard Jelly Belly P/B Kenda              "                   "

9   29 Aldapa, Enrique         Calimax p/b Pista Palace           "                   "

10    2 McCabe, Travis      Elbowz Racing pb Boneshaker Pr     "

Pro-1 Men
Average Speed of Winner 26.84 MPH 43.19 Km/H

Pl Bib Name                          Team                              Time       Behind

1   79 Acevedo, Janier               Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter   4:56:35 @    00:00

2   48 Cooke, Matthew                Champion System p/b Stan's NoT   4:56:44 @    00:09

3   16 Jones, Carter                 BISSELL Pro Cycling              4:57:01 @    00:26

4   76 Amaran, Luis                  Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter   4:57:17 @    00:42

5    5 Jenkins, Max                  5hr Energy p/b Kenda             4:57:20 @    00:45

6   99 Grajales, Cesar               Predator Cycling                 4:57:30 @    00:55

7   54 Smith, Dion                   Full Circle - Pure Gear          4:57:33 @    00:58

8   90 Davila, Luis Lemus            Jelly Belly P/B Kenda            4:57:36 @    01:01

9 163 carlsen, kirk                 Team FF                          4:57:41 @    01:06

10   55 Tvetcov, Serghei              Full Circle - Pure Gear          4:57:44 @    01:09

RESULT: INCYCLE/CANNONDALE San Dimas Classic
Women
Average Speed of Winner 26.68 MPH 42.93 Km/H

Pl Bib Name                  Team                             Time    Bon(Pen)     Behind

1   43 Carleton, Gillian    Specialized-lululemon              51:17 10        @ 0:00

2   35 walle, brianna       Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strate     "      6            "

3   44 Rowney, Loren        Specialized-lululemon              "      4            "

4   20 Oliveira, Flavia     Helen's Cannondale                 "                   "

5    9 Tamayo, Lauren       ExergyTWENTY16                     "      5            "

6   51 Kiesanowski, Joanne Team Tibco                         "                   "

7    2 Ryan, Alexis         NOW and Novartis for MS            "                   "

8    3 Farina, Robin        NOW and Novartis for MS            "                   "

9   11 Abbott, Mara         ExergyTWENTY16                     51:20           @ 0:03

10   58 Guloien, Leah        Colavita Fine Cooking              51:21           @ 0:04

GC AFTER STAGE 3 INCYCLE/CANNONDALE San Dimas Classic
Women
Average Speed of Winner 22.72 MPH 36.57 Km/H

Pl Bib Name                          Team                              Time       Behind

1   11 Abbott, Mara                  ExergyTWENTY16                   3:39:17 @    00:00

2   29 Neben, Amber               The Dare to Be Project           3:39:26 @    00:09

3   35 walle, brianna                Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strate   3:39:40 @    00:23

4   42 Wiles, Tayler                 Specialized-lululemon            3:39:54 @    00:37

5   20 Oliveira, Flavia              Helen's Cannondale               3:40:32 @    01:15

6   77 Shaw, Rhae                    Vanderkitten                     3:40:39 @    01:22

7    4 Albrecht, Lex                 NOW and Novartis for MS          3:40:42 @    01:25

8    3 Farina, Robin                  NOW and Novartis for MS          3:40:55 @    01:38

9    7 Newell, Elizabeth           NOW and Novartis for MS          3:41:03 @    01:46

10    1 Donovan, Kathryn         NOW and Novartis for MS          3:41:16 @    01:59

TEAM JAMIS-HAGENS BERMAN TEAM REPORT
Janier Acevedo wins the overall at the San Dimas Stage Race. Team finishes 1-2-3 in stage two circuit race and wins field sprint in stage three criterium. Team also wins points classification and king of the mountain competition.

It was a successful weekend of racing in southern California for Team Jamis - Hagens Berman. On Saturday, Luis Amaran and Ruben Companioni survived a day long breakaway to take a hard fought 1-2 finish on the second day of racing at the San Dimas Stage Race. J.J. Haedo won the sprint from the first chase group to complete the all Jamis - Hagens Berman podium. On Sunday, J.J Haedo won the stage three criterium in emphatic fashion. Janier Acevedo finished safely in the bunch to win the general classification and the king of the mountains competition. Luis Amaran also claimed the points classification and fourth overall in the general classification.

Team director, Sebastian Alexandre, had nothing but praise for how the team rode. "The guys were fantastic this weekend. They were strong and aggressive throughout the entire race and they really earned the victory. With teamwork like this, it's going to be a great season!"

Stage two of the three-day San Dimas Stage Race consisted of a challenging and rolling 84-mile circuit race. The racers contested 12 laps of a 7-mile course, with each lap featuring a short and steep climb. Racing started aggressively, with Luis Amaran featured prominently in many of the early breakaway attempts. Janier displayed his strength by being the first man over the climb to claim the king of the mountains points. Mid-way through the race, Luis and Janier joined a dangerous eight-man escape containing a few other racers high up in the general classification. When that breakaway was brought back, another group set off that contained Luis, once again, and Ruben. The breakaway worked well together and began to pull away from the field. Back in the bunch, an unfortunate crash took the race leader, Phil Gaimon, out of the race. With Gaimon on his way to the hospital, Janier became the de facto leader of the race. The hesitation after the crash gave the breakaway a few critical moments of advantage. Luis and Ruben attacked the breakaway with 15 miles to go and rode a two-man time trial to the finish for the win. Meanwhile, back in the bunch, J.J. won the sprint for third in a group containing Janier to round out the podium.

Stage three of the race was a fast and technical 90-minute criterium. Eighty-two riders began the day after an especially difficult road race the day before took nearly half the field out of contention. The team rode the front and controlled the race the entire day. J.J., Ruben, Demis, and Luis gave a small breakaway a short leash in order to protect Janier's lead in the general classification. The breakaway was kept in check with the team riding tempo on the front. With six laps to go the race was all back together and headed for a field sprint. In the closing laps the entire team, including the yellow jersey, Janier, worked to set up J.J. for the final field sprint. They were able to deliver him to the last corner in perfect position. He unleashed a great finishing kick to take the win and end a great weekend of racing for the team.

"The team is firing on all cylinders at the moment. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform at the Redlands Cycling Classic next week," states Alexandre. "With so much positive momentum after victories this weekend and at Valley of the Sun last month, we are feeling confident that we will be in contention for the win at the upcoming races."

Visit www.jamishagensberman.com for information on the 2013 team and race schedule.