First Edition Cycling News for June 11, 2006Edited by Jeff Jones & Hedwig Kröner
Cyclingnews will cover the 60th edition of
the Dauphiné Libéré live
as of stage 4 on Wednesday, June 10, at approximately 15:00 local Europe
time (CEST)/ 23:00 Australian time (CDT)/ 9:00 (USA East). Dauphiné stage 6 wrap-up: Mayo's back!
After already showing his excellent form on Friday, Iban Mayo was able to prove that he is back on track for the upcoming Tour de France by taking the victory in Saturday's stage six to La Toussuire. Attacking his breakaway companion Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) with only a few kilometres to go on the final climb of the day, the Basque Euskaltel rider truly cheered when he passed the finish line. Valverde saved his advantage over the three chasers Christophe Moreau (AG2R), Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) and overall leader Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) to come second.
"I've thought I'd never come back", a relieved Mayo said after his win. "I've spent two years without a win. Once it was because of a problem with a shoulder that stopped me from racing for a long time. Then I decided to prepare only for the Tour de France, but I got a sore knee as well as back problems and I never reached my level on time." The lead on general classification remained in the hands of American Leipheimer, while previously second-placed Denis Menchov (Rabobank) unluckily crashed and lost his spot to Frenchman Moreau. A very consistent Bernhard Kohl of T-Mobile moved up to third overall. "Levi feels very good," said Gerolsteiner directeur sportif Christian Henn after the stage, feeling confident that Leipheimer will be able to take his advantage until the race finish in Grenoble. "Not much is missing anymore - we will definitely do everything it takes to pull this thing through." After mastering the Cold du Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer, the man in the yellow jersey remained calm on his way to La Toussuire. "He really had good legs," Henn added. "Especially on the last climb, Levi was brutally strong and did not give a single chance away to his rivals for the GC. He was in total control." Click here for full results, report & photos
An interview with Jesús Manzano"Everyone clean"Spanish ex-professional Jesús Manzano made a name for himself just over two years ago when, in a series of interviews with AS, he accused his former team Kelme of dangerous doping practices. All the allegations made by Manzano were subsequently dismissed by a Spanish court due to lack of evidence, but now they are coming back to the table, thanks to 'Operacion Puerto'. Cyclingnews spoke to Manzano about the current affair and his own thoughts on it.
'Operacion Puerto' is being conducted by the Central Operating Unit (UCO), the anti-drug trafficking arm of the Spanish Civil Guard, and has been in progress for four months, but made headlines on May 23 when five men, Eufemiano Fuentes, Jose Luis Merino, Jose Ignacio Labarta, Manolo Saiz and Alberto Leon, were arrested in Madrid by the UCO. The guard had found hormones and steroids, 200 packets of blood, products to manipulate it, machines to freeze it and material to perform transfusions in flats belonging to Eufemiano Fuentes and the clinic of José Merino Batres. In addition, the UCO also found a list of 200 names of athletes, including many riders and other top Spanish sportsmen. The whole case puts Manzano's 2004 accusations in new light. Cyclingnews: What is your opinion about 'Operacion Puerto'? Jesús Manzano: 'Operacion Puerto' is a satisfaction, because in the end what I announced on March 2004 became a reality. There are still some doctors over there free, but well, we will see. It is real what was said [back then], and a verification. It has been checked and it shows what I said in 2004 has happened again now. In this case, for me, it is satisfactory; for others it is not nice. Click here for the full interview Liberty Classic favourites hit by vehicleBy Mark Zalewski, North American Editor in Philadelphia T-Mobile's Ina Teutenberg and Judith Arndt, easily the two pre-race favourites for Sunday's Liberty Classic, were involved in a vehicle accident while training on the course Saturday morning. Luckily the speeds were low with no critical injuries. However Arndt did go to hospital and reportedly was released after being treated for a broken finger. The two were riding ahead of their group coming to an intersection. A vehicle apparently did not see the pair and turned in front of them, causing Teutenberg to crash into the car. Arndt's hand was caught in Teutenberg's rear wheel when she flipped and caused the broken finger. At this point it seems that Teutenberg is only suffering from minor scrapes and is expected to race tomorrow. Arndt's race status is still unclear and will likely be a race time decision. No information whether citations were issued in the incident. Triple Crown points double in finaleBy Mark Zalewski, North American Editor in Philadelphia The results for the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling have been re-tabulated following the second round in Reading, PA. This is in accordance with the rule stating a rider must start all three Triple Crown races to be eligible for the overall prize of $10,000 and a new Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV for the pro men and $5,000 for the pro/elite women. Sergey Lagutin (Navigators Insurance) of Uzbekistan is still leading for being the most consistent finisher in the first two races, including a second place in Reading. Jackson Stewart (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada) trails Lagutin by only eight points followed by Juan Jose Haedo (Toyota-United Pro). Defending champion Chris Wherry is tied for thirteenth with eight. In the pro women’s competition Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile) has a commanding lead with a perfect 80 points. She is followed in the overall classification by Gina Grain (Colavita-Cooking Light) in second. Tied for third with 28 points are Laura Van Gilder (TEAm Lipton) and Katherine Carroll (Victory Brewing). The racing will be even more interesting in the final as the points on offer will double, with 100 for first, 70 for second, 40 for third and down to fifteenth place following the UCI point scale. Commerce Bank Triple Crown standings after round 2Men 1 Sergey Lagutin (Uzb) Navigators Insurance 88 pts 2 Jackson Stewart (USA) Kodak Sierra Nevada 80 3 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Toyota-United 56 4 Danny Pate (USA) TIAA CREF 48 5 Hilton Clarke (Aus) Navigators Insurance 24 5 Kirk O'Bee (USA) Health Net - Maxxis 24 7 Facci Mauro (Ita) Barloworld 20 7 Richard Faltus (Cze) Sparkasse 20 9 Caleb Manion (Aus) Jelly Belly 16 10 Matti Breschel (Den) Team CSC 12 10 Emile Abraham (Tri) Aeg-Toshiba-Jetnetwork 12 Women 1 Ina Teutenberg (Ger) T-Mobile Pro Cycling Team 80 pts 2 Gina Grain (Can) Colavita Cooking Light 34 3 Katharine Carroll (USA) Victory Brewing Cycling Team 28 3 Laura Van Gilder (USA) Team Lipton 28 4 Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) Verducci Breakaway Racing 16 4 Laura Yoisten (USA) Victory Brewing Cycling Team 16 4 Brenda Lyons (USA) Victory Brewing Cycling Team 16 8 Shannon Hutchison-Krupat (USA) Aaron's USA 12 9 Annette Beutler (Swi) Aaron's USA 7 10 Rebecca Larson (USA) Tri State Velo Amoroso 4 11 Tina Pic (USA) Colavita Cooking Light 3 11 Lara Kroepsch (USA) Team Lipton 3 13 Rachel Heal (USA) Victory Brewing Cycling Team 2 14 Megan Esmonde (USA) Travelgirl Magazine 1 Cunego certain for TourAfter ongoing rumours about his non-participation, Belgian news outlet sportwereld has reported that Lampre-Fondital's Damiano Cunego is planned to ride the Tour de France according to his team management. The 24 year-old 2004 Giro d'Italia winner finished fourth in the Italian Grand Tour this year, and had then publicly doubted his appearance in the Tour. "Cunego will ride the Tour, as this is much too important for his development as a rider," said team officials Saronni and Martinelli. "It will teach him a lot." Valverde prepares Tour in Sierra NevadaBy Antonio J. Salmerón The current leader of the ProTour, Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) has revealed that he will carry out his final preparation for the Tour de France in Sierra Nevada, South of Spain, in the company of several teammates. The Spanish rider is reportedly making great progress in the time trial, although he must still improve his abilities in the high mountains. Therefore, before participating in the ongoing Dauphiné Libéré, Valverde reconnoitred the mythical Alpe d'Huez climb, where the Tour de France peloton will arrive on stage 15. The Spaniard wants to re-edit his memorable victory in Courchevel last year, and also hopes to finish in the top 10 of the final general classification in the Tour de France this year. Luis León Sánchez believes in Tour participationBy Antonio J. Salmerón Young cycling talent Luis León Sánchez of the Spanish team Würth is quietly preparing his possible second Tour de France participation. His next competition will be the team time trial in Eindhoven on June 18, as he is not riding either the Dauphiné Libéré nor the Tour de Suisse. The 23 year-old still believes in the inclusion of his team in the next edition of Tour, "because I do not understand why not Astana-Würth", although he also confessed that, he felt "a certain disagreement by the news that seem to assure the opposite. I worked very hard for a serious podium contender such as Vinokourov, although I would also like to show myself." Sánchez also revealed that he other teams - T-Mobile and Discovery Channel - had shown interest in signing him, but that he rejected the offers. "I will finish my agreement at the end of 2008," the Spaniard commented. International Anti-Doping Conference in Madrid 2007By Antonio J. Salmerón The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that the capital of Spain, Madrid, is going to be the host of the next International Anti-Doping Conference in 2007, scheduled to take place from November 15-17, 2006. "The Conference has reached the support of the Spanish government through the Sport Superior Council (CSD)," WADA announced. It will be the third edition of the conference which had previously been organised by the International Olympic Commission (IOC) in the Swiss city of Lausanne in 1999 as well as in Copenhagen in 2003. The first conference produced the so-called "Declaration of Lausanne", which gave rise to the creation of WADA, while the second conference elaborated the International Anti-Doping Code. Women's Giro on soonAfter the Under 26 men cyclists have departed on what is commonly known as the "Baby Giro", the elite women pro's will also get under way in their version of the Giro d'Italia. From June 30-July 9, the female road champions will complete 891 kilometres from start town Formello to Magreglio on the famous Madonna del Ghisallo climb. A short first time trial over 5.2 kilometres will inaugurate this year's event, which will then see two fast, flat stages to begin with. Serious business begins in stage four to Arezzo, as the first hard climb will be tackled with the Foce di Scopetone. The next day around Pescia will see three ascents of the Montecarlo climb, but the hardest part of the race is yet to come: Stages 6-8 will all be challenging courses, and the last day will be characterized as a "gran finale" with the Ghisallo as the last race-decisive mountain. The stages Stage 1 - June 30: Formello (ITT), 5.2 km Goldstein aims for BC Superweek, againLess than one year after a near fatal bike crash, Vancouver’s Leah Goldstein is back to racing, winning, and finally aiming at her first BC Superweek victory, July 15-23. The former World Champion kick-boxer, now with Team Symmetrics, was marching toward her season-long goal of winning at BC Superweek last year, winning nine of eleven races along the way when her season and almost her life came to a sudden end on July 7, 2005 on a high speed descent in the Cascade Classic in Bend, Oregon. "A rider in front of me kind of lost her nerve on a corner and cut in front of me taking out my front wheel," Goldstein recalled. "I went down face first at 70 kilometres an hour and everyone behind piled up on top of me. I fell so hard that I broke the roots of five of my teeth and now need implants. My lips got rubbed off, I had road rash from one end of me to the other. I broke my right arm, ribs, a cheekbone and my pelvis was in pieces." After spending two months in a wheelchair doing laps on a nearby school track, she was back on a trainer three and a half months after the accident. By December she was riding again and in February she started training. "It was painful but mentally I can handle anything," said the Vancouver born 37 year-old who also holds Israeli citizenship and once spent nine years in the Israeli commandos and secret police. This season, Goldstein has already scored four straight victories, including two of the FloraGLO BC Cup races in Hatzic Valley and Victoria. She even shocked herself by returning to successfully defend her championship in the difficult Mt. Hood stage race in the mountains of Oregon. Goldstein's long-range target is to become the first Israeli woman to ride in the Olympics in Beijing, 2008, but her immediate goal is to pick up her first victory in BC Superweek. "White Rock is the course for me," she said. "I love the hills and I’ll be going hard to win there [on July 15, 16, 17]. I'm still not comfortable in crits so I won't race in Gastown [July 19] unless the course is dry. In Gastown and the Tour de Delta [July 21, 22, 23] I’ll be working hard for my teammates. Delta’s road race may be a little too flat for me unless I can get away and solo but I’ll be happy to just help out my team. I just signed up with Symmetrics and I'm having a great time with old friends like Mandy and Marnie [Hambleton]. It may take a while to get back to 100 percent but I'm enjoying racing more than ever." Carbondale Cyclocross Classic from July 8-9Due to the growth of Cyclocross in the United States in recent years, it was only a matter of time before the sport began to expand formats and its place on the calendar. The Carbondale Cyclocross Classic is a two-day, three-stage omnium set in Evergreen Park in Carbondale, IL. Set along a lake, the race to be haled from July 8-9 includes a short track race at dusk on Saturday night, a time trial on Sunday morning, and a full Cyclocross race on Sunday afternoon. "We look forward to seeing this event grow in future years," said race director Mike Pease. "I've already had interest from riders on both coasts of the U.S., not bad for a first year event." The website for the Classic is: www.smartendurance.com/cross.htm 'Pedal for Prevention' includes Triple Crown fundraiser beneficiaryThe Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC), sole beneficiary of fund raising proceeds from the ongoing Pennsylvania Triple Crown, has announced that it will also be involved in the 16th annual 'Pedal for Prevention' event, which will this year be held on the same course as the Philadelphia International Championship. The FCCC is a major sponsor of a local cycling club, Guy's Racing ( www.guysracing.org ), which will lead the ride. The club's roster includes Pennsylvania State champions in several categories as well as a a bunch of accomplished amateur competitive cyclists. Cyclingnews' readers may contribute to America's first hospital solely dedicated to the cure of cancer, by pointing their browsers to www.foxchasegiving.org/pedal and supporting Guy's Racing Team efforts. (All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2006) |
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