Latest Cycling News for March 9, 2005

Edited by Jeff Jones

Third stage shortened

As expected, the third stage of Paris-Nice has had to be shortened as a result of the adverse weather conditions. The stage will still start at Thiers, as planned, but instead of finishing at Chambon-sur-Lignon, it will end at Craponne-sur-Arzon after 118 km, including a short finishing circuit. "The race cannot reach Chambon-sur-Lignon because of the snow," said competition director Jean-François Pescheux.

It's expected that the fourth stage to Montélimar on Thursday will also be changed, with the start probably in Saint-Peray, close to Valence, instead of Chambon. The stage will be shortened by 75 km to 105 km.

Cyclingnews is covering stage Live, starting 14:30 CET. To view the real-time updates, click here.

A stage 2 diary entry from Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) can be read here.

An interview with Sylvain Chavanel

"Paris-Nice: A Mini Tour de France"

Sylvain Chavanel is enjoying life at Cofidis - his new team for 2005 - after breaking ties with long-time team manager Jean-Rene Bernaudeau. According to Chavanel, he needed a change of scenery and 2005 was just the right time for that change. Stephanie Langlais caught up with Sylvain and found out that he's enjoying his racing and looks forward to being co-leader of a well-respected team. (Translated by Chris Henry)

Chavanel prepares for the prologue at Paris-Nice
Photo ©: Régis Garnier

Cyclingnews:Is Paris-Nice a race that appeals to you?

Sylvain Chavanel: The first time I raced Paris-Nice, in 2001, I crashed and was unconscious. I finished the race in the ambulance! But yes, it's a race that I like. I prefer stage races to single day races because you start to feel better from day to day; I get stronger bit by bit. That's what will happen at Paris-Nice.

CN: The bad weather doesn't make you nervous?

SC: No, I'm a rider for all seasons. Whether it's sunny and hot or whether it's raining, it's fine with me! Besides, all of the riders have to deal with the cold, the snow, or the rain, so it doesn't really change anything. We're all up against the same thing. But I do think some stages may be cancelled, like last year, because they've predicted bad weather all week.

Click here for the full interview

Paolini out of Tirreno-Adriatico

Luca Paolini (Quick.Step) has had to pull out of Tirreno-Adriatic, which starts today in Civitavecchia. Paolini is suffering from an inflamed right knee, noticing it for the first time during the GP Lugano 10 days ago. He will undergo physiotherapy this week, and will not race.

Hematocrit controls in Italy

The UCI has carried out hematocrit controls on six of the teams that will take part in Tirreno-Adriatico. 48 riders from Ceramica Panaria, Acqua & Sapone, Phonak, T-Mobile, Euskaltel-Euskadi, Illes Balears were tested, and all were declared fit to start.

Perez shines for Spiuk

By Martin Hardie

The young Basque rider Aitor Perez was one of many who showed promise in the now defunct Cafes Baques outfit. Although he never gained the victories of, for example, his Colombian teammate in Baque, Felix Cardenas, Aitor was often prominent in the peloton. He worked at the head of the peloton consistently in the closing stages of last year's Vuelta and was often seen in good position in many of the climbing stages throughout the Spanish calendar.

This year Perez is a member of the Spanish continental team sponsored by Basque bicycle manufacturer, Spiuk. Although the Spiuk squad didn't receive an invitation to participate in either the Vuelta a Andalucía, the Vuelta a Murcia or the Clásica de Almería, the determination of Perez is starting to pay off. In the latest UCI European Continental standings, published at the end of February, he remarkably achieved the leadership of that classification.

Vanspringel thinking of De Clercq

Former Belgian professional Herman Vanspringel thinks that he can offer Mario De Clercq a job. De Clercq recently resigned from his position at the Ronse cycling school following his four year suspension by the Belgian cycling federation for his involvement in the Jose Landuyt affair.

Vanspringel told Gazet van Antwerpen, "I work for a graphic design company that deals in street planning. But I'm preparing for my retirement. Therefore I want to sound out Mario as to whether he wants to follow me. I know that it helps if you have a name, that's why I thought of De Clercq."

USC Chirio Forno d'Asolo presented

The official presentation of the Chirio-Forno d'Asolo-Tre Colli-Idea Quick women's team was held in the Asolo Golf Club a Cavaso del Tomba (Treviso, Italy) on Monday, March 7. The is in its fifth year of existence and numbers 20 riders, with Franco Chirio (manager), Antonio Fanelli and the recently retired Alessandra Cappellotto (team directors) forming the core staff.

Manager Franco Chirio expressed his satisfaction at signing track specialist Giorgia Bronzini, who has already tasted success on the road this year at Brissago last weekend. "We have considerably broadened our roster," said Chirio. "Because the particular placement of the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in the calendar hinders an athlete from participating in both stage races. Since we are invited to the Giro and the Tour and we want to honour both engagements, it was necessary to prepare two balanced squads. For this reason, other than Bronzini, we have signed champions such as Australian Kathy Watt, Olympic gold medalist in Barcelona '92, and Japanese Miho Oki, third overall in the recent Tour of New Zealand."

Team director Antonio Fanelli indicated that any race is fair game for his riders. "Bronzini showed that she was in top condition by winning in Brissago, and with her, we are thinking of San Remo, the first big appointment of the season."

"Our company is entering its 20th year of existence," said Fabio Gallina, team president and representative of the main sponsor, Forno d'Asolo. "An anniversary of Forno d'Asolo represents an important achievement and we hope to be able to celebrate the racing season at a high level. It seems to me that the essential requirements are all there."

The team roster is as follows: Giorgia Bronzini (Ita), Kathy Watt and Rebecca McConnell (Aus), Miho Oki (Jpn), Uenia Fernandes and Clemilda Fernandes (Bra), Lorenza Morfin (Mex), Tatsiana Sharakova (Blr), Dori Ruano (Spa), Valeria Pintos (Arg), Francesca Castrucci, Marina Chirio, Barbara Cazzaniga, Lavinia Tofanelli, Francesca Lotti, Samantha Profumo, Francesca Aluigi, Marika Raina, Silvia Bollea and Daniela Porta (all Ita).

Tour de Nez celebrates 13th year

The Tour de Nez pro-cycling challenge will be the feature event in a three day cycling extravaganza in Reno, Nevada, USA, from June 16-18. The Tour de Nez will see competitors vying for $35,000 in prize money and include events for enthusiasts of all forms of cycling, from bike messengers and collectors to kids and pros. Antonio Cruz (Discovery Channel) will be back to defend his Tour de Nez Overall Champion title. Racing against him will be Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto), the current U.S. Pro Champion, and Justin England (Health Net p/b Maxxis), the 2004 Tour de Nez Road Race Champion. Everyone will have the opportunity to ride with top cyclists during the "Ride with the Pro's Event" as well as the chance to push their own cycling limits during the Tour de Nez Century Ride.

Started 13 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez, the Tour de Nez has grown from a Masters Twilight Criterium to a three-day party filled with pro, amateur and enthusiast events. Live music, belly dancing, unique food, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting, and an industry expo.

For more information: www.tourdenez.com

Great Dane Velo Club

Madison, Wisconsin's Great Dane Velo Club has announced its 2005 elite team roster. The team will focus on the Wisconsin Cup competition and the NRC International Cycling Classic but will also compete nationally at select NRC and other events.

The Great Dane Velo Club is comprised of professional working adults, college students and high school students, and the team includes an U18 junior squad. Racing tactics, techniques, and training methods are shared between the elite and junior riders, producing the best junior racing team in the Midwest.

Click here for the complete roster

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