First Edition Cycling News, Tuesday, February 23, 2010

• Previous Edition
• Next Edition

Date published:

February 23, 2010, 18:00

• Gear news: Zipp, Bont, Ritchey and more

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 07:30

  By:

  James Huang

  Professional teams name suppliers for 2010

  Zipp stacks the field for 2010 season

  Top road teams Astana, Team Saxo Bank and Cervélo TestTeam will all exclusively use Zipp wheels for both training and racing during the 2010 road season.

  Team will use the full gamut of available wheels as they campaign a wide variety of events – from grand tours, spring classics, and smaller one-day and stage races – and with at least nine stock wheel models to choose from plus whatever special builds the teams may request, the numbers are staggering.

  Consider this: each team boasts over two dozen riders (not counting women's and development teams), each rider has multiple road bikes for training and racing, and each rider has at least one time trial bike as well. When factoring in the typically generous number of spares, Zipp's commitment to the three teams accounts for at least several hundred – if not nearly a thousand – complete wheels in total.

  "I can’t say how many wheels – it’s a lot," said Zipp marketing manager Andy Paskins. "I can say that the total has increased over the years as the teams are running multiple programs at the same time – women’s and men’s, classics and tours, big tours and lesser tours. Also, since we have so many different wheels to choose from, we are supporting the teams with a full arsenal so that they have the best equipment for various types of racing and terrain."
  
  In addition to the increased visibility the team sponsorships will provide, Zipp will naturally also call on the riders for feedback on both existing products and other items in development. Paskins declined to elaborate on what those new items may be, however, saying only that there was "nothing specific that we can discuss now in terms of development."

  Bont backs Cervélo TestTeam

  Australian cycling shoe manufacturer Bont will increase its presence on the world racing stage as the official footwear supplier to the Cervélo TestTeam in 2010. Bont shoes were already a regular visitor to the pro ranks last year under riders such as Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) and Michael Rogers (Team HTC-Columbia) but this new agreement marks its first full-scale sponsorship of a top-tier squad.

  Bont will supply the Cervélo TestTeam riders with a collection of shoes, including its top-end a-one road model as well as its more category specific Chrono aero shoe and new ultralight Zero climbing shoe, as well as new prototype models as they are developed. All models feature bathtub-type full-carbon soles for ultra-low stack heights and excellent stiffness and are offered in narrow, standard and wide lasts. Uppers and lowers across the board are fully heat moldable for a custom fit.

  In addition to the shoes' light weight and high stiffness, Cervélo co-founder Gerard Vroomen also cites the available dedicated four-bolt drillings, which will eliminate the need for adapter plates on the team's Speedplay pedals.

  "[The Bont sole] provides the perfect interface with the Speedplay pedals used by Cervélo TestTeam, as the four-bolt system and thin sole puts the cleat and therefore the pedal spindle closer to the rider’s foot,” said Vroomen in a recent press release.

  Ritchey to back four US domestic teams for 2010

  Ritchey Design, Inc. recently announced a new sponsorship agreement with the Webcor Builder women's professional road team, adding a fourth US domestic squad to go along with its renewals of the Colavita/Baci p/b Cooking Light women's team, the Jamis-Sutter Home p/b Colavita men's team, and the United Healthcare p/b Maxxis men's team (formerly OUCH).

  Ritchey will supply stems and seatposts across the board including the WCS 4-Axis and WCS Alloy 1-Bolt, as well as road handlebars such as the alloy Logic II and Classic, with the exception of Webcor Builders. Webcor will be the first pro team to be officially supplied with Ritchey wheels, however, and they will also use the company's Hammerhead time trial bars along with United Healthcare.

  Team Katusha switches to Selle San Marco saddles

  Filippo Pozzato, Robbie McEwen, Sergey Ivanov and the rest of the Team Katusha squad will switch from previous saddle sponsor Prologo to Selle San Marco for the 2010 season. According to a recent press release, the team will use the Zoncolon, Aspide and Regale – the company's recently debuted revamp of the classic Regal model. All team saddles will feature a white, red, and blue cover to match the rest of the Katusha livery.

  Naturally, the Zoncolan model of current Italian national champion Pozzato will be further personalized with gold accents.

  Limar returns to pro peloton

  Italian helmet maker Limar will make a return to the pro peloton after a multi-year hiatus – on the road with the Footon-Servetto-Fuji team and on the dirt with the TX Active-Bianchi squad.

  Both teams will primarily use Limar's latest Pro 104 Ultralight model, which weighs as little as 170g depending on size thanks in part to its very low-profile shape and high cut. Twenty-two vents and co-molded mesh netting will provide cooling airflow while also filtering out insects. Out back, a dial-type retention system will allow for one-handed adjustments on the fly.

  The Footon-Servetto-Fuji riders will also use Limar's Speed Demon aero helmet for time trials, which uses an unusually generous 15 vents to help prevent overheating.

  Tifosi Optics and Kelly Benefit Strategies Pro Cycling team up for 2010 season

  Tifosi Optics has announced that it will provide sunglasses and eye protection to the Kelly Benefit Strategies Pro Cycling team for the 2010 season. The Watkinsville, Georgia-based company will outfit the team with a wide range of models depending on the application and personal preferences, including the Logic, Dolomite, Torrent, Ventoux, Tyrant, Vogel and Pavé – all of which are available in multiple frame color options plus a wide range of fixed-tint and photochromic lenses.

  Most of the riders, however, will use a special custom team edition of Tifosi's top-end Logic complete with matching green and white colors. Key features include a shield-type single lens for ample coverage, temple vents to prevent fogging, and adjustable hydrophilic nose- and earpieces for secure and customizable fit.

  In spite of the high-end features, suggested retail price on the Logic is a surprisingly reasonable US$59.95, including three interchangeable lenses.

• Van Poppel expecting big spring from Haussler

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 09:00

  By:

  Greg Johnson

  Haussler’s focus on Flanders

  Cervelo Test Team’s Heinrich Haussler is stronger heading into this year’s Spring Classics than he was during his breakout performance last year, according to team sport director Jean-Paul Van Poppel. He believes Haussler is not only better prepared physically this time around, but his success in 2009 also has the Australian-born rider better prepared mentally.

  “He wants to show in all the Classics, but he is focused on the Ronde van Vlaanderen,” Van Poppel told Sporza.be. “Haussler is more prepared than last year, because then it was new for him to fight at the front [in 2009]. And now he has won a stage of the Tour de France.”

  Haussler had complained about knee pains during last Friday's tough mountain stage in the Volta ao Algarve. Despite the knee gripes, Van Poppel believes Haussler’s form is better timed than last season.

  “Heinrich is on schedule,” he said. “Last year he was perhaps too early to form.”

  Haussler fired warning shots of his arrival as a top sprinter at last year’s Tour of Qatar, where he was on the podium after nearly every stage before finishing second to Tom Boonen overall. He went on to win two Algarve stages then claimed a narrow second to Mark Cavendish at Milano-San Remo and second to Stijn Devolder at Ronde van Vlaanderen.

  While not as present in the final sprints at Qatar this year, Haussler still managed two second places en route to a top 10 finish. His highest finish during Algarve last week was eighth on the opening stage.

• Simpson, Boardman lead British Cycling's hall of fame

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 09:34

  By:

  Cycling News

  National federation celebrates 50th anniversary with 50 inductees

  The first 50 members of British Cycling's Hall of Fame were inducted at a Gala Dinner held to celebrate the organisation's 50th anniversary at the weekend. Many of those selected for the honour were sporting heroes, including Chris Boardman, winner of three Tour de France yellow jerseys and an Olympic gold medal, seven-time world champion Beryl Burton and mountain bike legends Tim Gould and Caroline Alexander.

  Others had done great work behind the scenes, like Eileen Grey, whose efforts led to women’s cycling gaining Olympic recognition, and Peter Keen, who revolutionised British Cycling’s performance programme with the aid of National Lottery funding, paving the way for huge success.

  Some of the certificates were awarded posthumously, such as the one for Tom Simpson, who died during the 1967 Tour de France while climbing Mont Ventoux.

  Brian Cookson, British Cycling’s president, said: “Our first Hall of Fame ceremony was a truly touching occasion and a fitting finale to a superb evening of reflection and entertainment. Thirty-eight inductees and representatives collected their honours on the night to a great reception from the audience.”

  Guests at the black tie event, hosted by Sky News anchorman Dermot Murnaghan, included Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Steve Peat. A number of Volunteer and Special Recognition Awards were also presented.

  British Cycling's Hall of Fame inductees: Pat Adams, Caroline Alexander, Brian Annable, David Baker, Sid Barras, Stuart Benstead, Chris Boardman, Bill Bradley, Beryl Burton , Keith Butler, Arthur Campbell, Brian Cossavella, Doug Dailey, Tony Doyle, Ian Emmerson, Malcolm Elliott, Benny Foster, Tim Gould, Eileen Gray, Dave Hemsley, Barry Hoban, Dale Holmes, Mandy Jones, Peter Keen, Peter King, Stan Kite, Phil Liggett, Craig Maclean, Paul Manning, John & Doreen Mallinson, Yvonne McGregor, Gerry McDaid, Jason McRoy, Chas Messenger, George Millar, Robert Millar, Graeme Obree, Hugh Porter, Jason Queally, John Rawnsley, Brian Robinson, Alan Rushton, Tom Simpson, Eddie Soens, Colin Sturgess, Dot Tilbury, Graham Webb, Les West, Sean Yates and Tony Yorke.

• Cracked pelvis for Ten Dam, bruises for Cunego

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 09:41

  By:

  Cycling News

  Both riders and Vanendert out of Ruta del Sol after crash in finale

  Neither Damiano Cunego (Lampre Farnese-Vini), Laurens Ten Dam (Rabobank) or Jelle Vanendert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) will be at the start of the third stage of the Ruta del Sol Tuesday. All three were involved in a crash shortly before the finish line, with Ten Dam being the most seriously injured, cracking his pelvis.

  With around 500 meters to go the three riders plus Linus Gerdemann (Milram) crashed over a crowd barrier which had been blown over by the wind and lay in the street.

  Cunego, 28, suffered severe bruising to his right arm when he hit a barrier. “He suffered a major contusion to his right forearm, plus multiple abrasions to his elbow and arm,” his team reported. The 2004 Giro d'Italia winner will return home to Italy today for further medical checks. The bruises are expected to take about five days to heal.

  Rabobank's Oscar Freire won the stage, but the team said that, “the concern over Laurens Ten Dam was greater than its joy over Oscar's win.” Ten Dam, 29, suffered a cracked pelvis in the crash. He will return home to the Netherlands as soon as possible. “Only then can the team management, in consultation with the medical staff, estimate the impact on Lauren's programme,” the team said.

  Vanendert suffered head, facial and knee injuries and will not start. Gerdemann received some bruises but will start again today.

   

• McCarty to Yahoo! Cycling Team for Redlands and Sea Otter

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 10:23

  By:

  Susan Westemeyer

  Former Garmin-Slipstream rider hopes to bring ProTour experience to Continental squad

  Pat McCarty will join the Yahoo! Cycling Team for the Redlands Bicycle Classic and the Sea Otter Classic, the team has announced. McCarty brings ProTour experience to the small American team.

  “This is a great opportunity to join forces with the Yahoo! Cycling Team,” said McCarty. “They have a nice mix of talent and they are a new team on the rise. I think I can add a great dynamic with my experience, particularly helping out the younger racers. I’m hoping it will be a success.”

  “We are excited to have a rider like Pat join us for our NRC opener and at the Sea Otter Classic.,” said team owner Kevin Klein. “We are looking to Pat to bolster our stage racing team with his climbing prowess and knowledge of the bigger races.”

  McCarty, 28, rode for OUCH p/b Maxxis in 2009, and was with Garmin-Slipstream from 2007-2008. He rode for Phonak Hearing Systems in 2006 and turned pro with US Postal Service in 2004.

  McCarty had signed to ride with Rock Racing this year, but the team annulled the contract when it did not receive a Professional Continental licence from the International Cycling Union. According to Yahoo!, his current sponsor Matrix/RBM has released him to ride the two races.

  Redlands will be held March 25-28 in Redlands, California, and Sea Otter takes place April 15 to 17 in Monterey, California.

• Steegmans in question for weekend Belgian races

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 10:42

  By:

  Susan Westemeyer

  RadioShack rider recovering from concussion suffered in Algarve crash

  Gert Steegmans of RadioShack is still questionable for the weekend's races in Belgium. The sprinter suffered a concussion in a crash last week at the Volta ao Algarve, and his team stressed that he will not ride unless he fully recovered.

  The 29-year-old went down early in Algarve's third stage last Friday, landing on his head. He spend the night in the team hotel so that team doctors could keep an eye on him, and flew home to Monaco on Saturday.

  He was expected to start doing some light training again today, and the decision as to whether he will ride in the Omloop Het Niuewsblad on Saturday and Sunday's Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne will be made on Wednesday.

  "We don't want to take risks,” RadioShack Directeur Sportif Dirk Demol told sporza.be “The headache must be completely gone, otherwise I won't let him start."

  "It would be unfortunate if Gert can not participate, but we'll mainly rely on him for the Tour of Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem, Paris-Roubaix and such races."

• Alonso and Contador collaboration still on the cards

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 11:55

  By:

  Peter Cossins and Richard Tyler

  Compatriots keep dream of Spanish super-team alive

  Former Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso has restated his intention to form a professional cycling team capable of winning the Tour de France with compatriot and two-time Tour Champion Alberto Contador.

  Last year, the two Spaniards had mooted the possibility of collaboration as doubt swirled around Contador's team for the 2010 season. The latter's eventual resolution with Astana hosed down further discussion of the partnership, but in an interview with British newspaper The Guardian published on Tuesday Alonso re-ignited the prospect of a Spanish super-team forming in the next few years.

  "It's a project for me – a kind of dream I have because I love cycling. Creating a top team and being in a position to win the Tour de France will give me a nice feeling," said the 2005 and 2006 Formula One World Champion, who took the opportunity to train with Olympic champion Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and several of Contador's Astana teammates during the European winter.

  Despite obvious differences between his chosen sport and professional cycling, increasing parallels between the set-up of Formula One teams and their two-wheeled counterparts adds significant clout to Alonso's renewed statement of intent.

  However, in spite of his enthusiasm for the project, Alonso's direct experience with the complexities of a high-level sporting organisation will command a patient approach to any cycling set-up. "I know it is not easy to create a top team from zero. You need good riders, good staff, a lot of preparation and, most important, a lot of sponsors. So I don't think we are in the right moment to start a project like this, because of the world economy," he told the newspaper.

  Despite the measure of caution, Alonso, who will commence the first of a three-year contract as a pilot for Ferrari this year, hasn't ruled out the possibility of the Contador-led cycling galácticos coming together before the end of his own professional sporting career.

  "It is something Alberto and I can work on. As I said I'm very open," he said. "I know this year he is with Astana but from next year onwards, for sure, if there is an opportunity I will be very interested. I think he will be interested as well."

  Speaking to Cyclingnews at the Tour of the Algarve last week, a member of Contador's support team confirmed that the Spaniard is still interested in linking up with Alonso in the future. However, it was indicated that such a move is unlikely to happen when Contador's existing contract with Astana runs out at the end of this season.

  Those close to Contador believe that the demands on Alonso's time will be greater than ever now that he is with Ferrari, making it more likely that the 2007 and 2009 Tour de France champion will either extend his current agreement with Astana or look for a deal with another squad. Caisse d'Epargne still looks a strong option, assuming their management can tie up a deal with a new backer in the next few months.

  
   

• Women's racing returns to Tour of California stage

  

  Article published:

  February 23, 2010, 17:18

  By:

  Cycling News

  Sacramento GP to kick off before stage 1 men's finish

  Professional women's racing will make a comeback on the Tour of California stage, with the San Francisco Grand Prix criterium taking place the morning of the Tour's first stage.

  The criterium will take place on a 1.4 mile circuit in downtown Sacramento on May 16, using portions of the Tour of California stage 1 finishing circuit. The race will also include a Pro-Am men's field for those riders not competing in the Tour of California.

  "The Sacramento Grand Prix is emerging as one of the top women's cycling events in America and carries international athletic importance," followed Ryan Dawkins, president of Project Sport and race director of Sacramento Grand Prix. "With huge crowds expected in Sacramento the event promises to be exciting for both racers and cycling fans."

  While a women's criterium at the Tour of California is not new, with editions having been contested in Santa Rosa in the past two years, the race was at risk of not happening when the organiser, AEG, could not find funds to hold it.

  The Sacramento Sports Commission worked with Project Sport, LLC and the Amgen Tour of California to include the race after several years of discussions.

  "We didn't come to this decision overnight,” said commission executive director John McCasey. “We have been talking for three years about this idea. Our LOC put Project Sport through a pretty thorough evaluation and Ryan Dawkins and his staff did a great job of presenting this concept and showing how nicely they could fit the three hour presentation into an already busy day of setup.

  "We are excited to partner with Project Sport not only for this year but in going forward with the Sacramento Grand Prix in future years. They showed great patience and persistence."

  The Grand Prix will offer fans a close look at the elite of women's cycling. The field of female competitors will feature members of the Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty12, assembled to develop cyclists for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, led by Kristin Armstrong, a 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist and the current World Time Trial Champion.

  "I am very pleased that Project Sport is including a women's event in conjunction with the Tour's men's race," said Nicola Cranmer, General Manager of the Peanut Butter & Co. Twenty12 team. "It's my hope that this partnership could develop into a great stage race for the women too.

  "It's critical to our sponsors that women's racing gets the attention it deserves and is able to take advantage of the great media impressions that the Amgen Tour of California affords. Women's racing is dynamic and exciting. I can assure you the cyclists will put on a great show for the spectators and the City of Sacramento."