Cyclingnews - the world centre of cycling Cyclingnews TV   News  Tech   Features   Road   MTB   BMX   Cyclo-cross   Track    Photos    Fitness    Letters   Search   Forum  

Recent News

January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008

2007 & earlier

Recently on Cyclingnews.com


Giro finale
Photo ©: Bettini

News for January 31, 2003

Edited by Jeff Jones

2nd Tour of Qatar preview

Despite the threat of war looming in the Gulf, the second edition of the Tour of Qatar will go ahead as planned, with the opening 90 km stage starting and finishing in the capital Doha on January 31. The remaining four stages take the riders in various directions over the rest of the peninsula, each time finishing in Doha. The main obstacle that will have to be faced is the wind, rather than any kind of hill.

120 riders from 15 teams will contest the five day, UCI 2.3 event, which has 106,810 euros in prize money. The teams are as follows

Quick-Step-Davitamon
Lotto-Domo
Vlaanderen - T Interim
Team Csc
O.N.C.E .- Eroski
Fdjeux.Com
Credit Agricole
Brioches La Boulangere
Team Coast
Gerolsteiner
Lampre
Saeco - Longoni Sport
Sidermec
Rabobank
Phonak Hearing Systems

The Stages

Stage 1 - January 31: Doha (Corniche) - Doha (Corniche), 90 km
Stage 2 - February 1: Ras Laffan - Doha (Corniche), 137 km
Stage 3 - February 2: Camel Race Track - Doha (Corniche), 187.5 km
Stage 4 - February 3: Al Wakra - Doha (Corniche), 151.5 km
Stage 5 - February 4: Sealine Beach Resort - Doha (Corniche), 144 km

Euskaltel-Euskadi presentation

By Eloi Corres and Martin Hardie

Euskaltel-Euskadi
Photo: © Eloi Corres
Click for larger image

The Euskaltel-Euskadi team was presented on Tuesday in the capital of Euskadi, Vitoria-Gasteiz. The event was more than a presentation in the usual sense, it was a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the project and the professional squad started by the Fundacion Euskadi in 1994. Miguel Madariaga described the history of the team when he said at the presentation, "Today we celebrate ten years of struggle".

Many of the declarations of the team directors focused upon their hopes for inclusion in this year's Tour de France, in the face of the fact that they did not win automatic selection for the race and now must wait upon an invitation from the race organisers. Miguel Madariaga signaled the importance of this invitation for the future of the team.

"The participation will permit us to work with continuity with the team. If we are not invited to the Tour and our sponsor does not want to continue, we will not be able to renew the contracts of those riders whose contracts terminate at the end of the year," he said.

But to calm the fans, the representative of the Basque telephone company, Euskaltel, said that he was confident that they could maintain the "happy marriage" between the company and the cycling foundation.

Amongst the riders was presented a new face that of 24 year old, Dioni Galparsoro, who has four victories in the aficionados. But two riders were not present from last year's ranks, both Cesar Solaun and Igor Flores have left cycling after not finding an acceptable offer after many years in the professional ranks.

Overall the Euskaltel team presentation left no doubt as to the one clear and immediate objective of the squad: to ride in such a way during the early season so as to guarantee their presence in the Grand Boucle.

Euskaltel-Euskadi team roster

Lampre meets

Team Lampre met this week for its second training camp of the season, after the first gathering last December in Pavese. All 22 riders on the Lampre roster were reunited in Castagneto Carducci, Italy, for five days of hard work that included rides of 140-150 km covered at race intensity. These days were a good opportunity to evaluate the work done in winter before the first races of the season: the Tour of Qatar and the Tour de Langkawi, both of which start on January 31.

With 15 of the team's riders travelling to these two races, the other seven including Casagarande, Rumsas and Belli will remain in training under the supervision of team manager Pietro Algeri, preparing for the GP Costa degli Etruschi, the 1.3 UCI race that will open the Italian season on February 2.

Split between three different squads, Lampre will present the following riders in three front lines:

Tour of Qatar: Jan Svorada, Alberto Loddo, Milan Kadlec, Manuel Quinziato, Alessandro Corinovis, Zbigniew Spruch, Eddy Ratti and Mariano Piccoli. Team manager: Fabrizio Bontempi.

Tour de Langkawi: Rubens Bertogliati, Maximilian Sciandri, Gabriele Missaglia, Marco Serpellini, Marco Pinotti, Daniele Righi and Luciano Pagliarini. Team manager: Maurizio Piovani.

GP Costa degli Etruschi: Francesco Casagrande, Raimondas Rumsas, Wladimir Belli, Patxi Vila, Juan Manuel Garate, Simone Bertoletti and Sergio Barbero. Team manager: Pietro Algeri.

Francesco Casagrande will participate on his first stage race of year in the Volta ao Algarve in Portgual (February 19-23). For Casagrande, the main objective of the season will be the 2003 Giro.

Courtesy of João Cravo

Krone becomes Ringerike...for the time being

Ringerike Sykkelklubb has decided to continue to run Norway's only professional cycling team. Since the main sponsor, the Kronegroup left the team last fall there have been some doubts about the economic resources to run a team.

In the past few weeks the club has managed to secure some of the funds needed and the possibilities to reach the desired level are good. The team is now registered as a trade team III with the UCI as Team Ringerike, but the UCI rules allow a name change as soon as a new head sponsor is found.

The team will be directed by Øyvind Lillehagen and has the following riders: Gabriel Rasch, Rune Jogert, Lars Breiset, Per Martin Lund, Andreas Molandsveen, Christopher Myhre, Simon Gerrans, (Aus), Jonathan Dayus, (GBr) and Mattias Carlsson (Swe).

The team departs for South Africa at the end of February for training and racing.

Navigators adds Chris Wherry

Chris Wherry has signed with Navigators Cycling Team for the 2003 season. The 30 year old Boulder (Colorado) resident got in at the last minute as the team prepares for its training camp in Italy, which begins next week. The addition of Chris Wherry brings the total number of riders on the team to 14.

Chris had one of his best seasons ever in 2002 with victories in several top domestic events such as the Saturn Classic, the Cascade Classic and the Tour of the Gila. He also had a strong race in one of the hardest one day races on the U.S. calendar with a second place finish in the First Union (now Wachovia) Invitational in Lancaster, PA.

Wherry rode for Mercury last year, but had not found a new contract by the time the team folded at the end of the year. At Navigators, he will join ex-Mercury teammate Henk Vogels.

Women's team to show the boys in New Zealand

A top New Zealand women's team will take part for the first time in the international Trust House Cycle Classic (February 5-9) in an attempt to finish the gruelling event. New Zealand's leading female cyclist Sarah Ulmer has entered a strong all-female team to take part in the event for the first time in the 17 year history of the race. Sarah is a current New Zealand champion, double Commonwealth Games champion and winner of a number of World Cup medals and New Zealand Championships.

"Sarah won't come to the Trust House Cycle Classic just to make up the numbers, I am sure a few of the boys in the race will have to find the extra gear so they are not left behind by any of the women in the race," said race director Jorge Sandoval.

"In cycling it's not easy for women to compete against men. Taking into consideration that all riders in the event must complete the same stages and distances during the five days of racing, the women have taken up the challenge and I respect them for this," he added.

"It would be great for the sport if some of the boys who think they are bike riders, learn something from this and accept the challenge and participate in these testing races," said Sandoval.

Racing alongside Ulmer is the 2001 New Zealand Road Champion Melissa Holt. Melissa has won races in Canada and the United States over the last three years, and is used to riding tours overseas. The other three members are Analisa Farrell, Kenny Warring and Sussie Wood from Wellington, all very experienced riders.

"Sarah needs the competition, if we can help by allowing her to race in the event and prepare herself for international competition later in the year, why not?" Sandoval said.

New Zealand Team announced

The New Zealand team for the Trust House Classic is 2001 NZ Road National Champion Karl Moore. Moore has ridden for the Parma Team in Italy since 1999 is also the winner of the 2001 Tour of Southland.

Moore will be joined by Ryan Russell, who bases himself in the USA and rides for the Marco Polo team. Over the last two years, Russell has competed in races all over Europe and the USA. Completing the Trust House team are Tim Gudsell, Stephen Collins and Peter Latham

Two more teams

Sandoval also announced today that two other teams have confirmed their participation for the Trust House Cycle Classic. 2002 Tour winner Robin Reid is racing with a team made up of riders from the Top of the South Island, and wants to retain his title. Reid will have Scott Allen and Aaron Tuckerman at his side to help him, as well as his brother Andy Reid and Mike Willacy, all from Nelson.

An international team with riders from the Gears Racing Institute from Canada is also taking part in the tour for the first time. The Gears Racing Institute is specialist foundation created to identify and develop world-class competitive road cyclists for Canada. The team is led by the 2002 Canadian Individual Time Trial Silver medallist Michael Moore and provincial champion Andrew Pinfold. The other riders are Andrew Baguley, Timothy Wilson (both Australians) and Matt Sunde from New Zealand.

FBD Milk Ras presented

By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent

The FBD Milk Ras 8 Day International Cycle Race will present a formidable challenge for the 200 riders from at least 10 countries expected to line up for the start on Sunday, May 18. In a clockwise course around the country, the riders will cover over 1200 kilometres of mountain climbs, Hot Spot Sprints and long gruelling roads with stage finishes in Roscrea, Clifden, Ballina, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Donegal Town, Oldcastle and the Phoenix Park on Sunday, May 25.

The route includes Mamore Gap, reputed to be the steepest climb in the country, and the much longer Glengesh Pass, well known for its 1 in 4 hairpin bends as it rises steeply up the side of a glacial valley near Ardara. These awesome mountain climbs feature on two of three stages in the country's most north-westerly county, Donegal.

Roscrea in Co. Tipperary has the honour of hosting the first stage of the 51st edition of the Milk Ras when the riders head off from Dublin through Kildare, Monasterevin and Mountmellick, before tackling the first KOM climb of the race, the Cut in the Slievebloom Mountains. While a KOM is unusual on the first stage of a stage race, the Slieveblooms may not be severe enough to split the field, so a huge bunch sprint is likely in Roscrea as all the riders try for the first yellow leader's jersey.

On stage three the riders tackle the longest stage of the race, 188 kilometres from Roscrea to Clifden. Once through Birr, Portumna and Galway City, the huge entourage face beautiful Connemara. But for the riders it will be 80 kilometres of gruelling, energy sapping Connemara roads. A prevailing south westerly wind whipping across the open roads could wreak havoc with the bunch as it passes through Oughterard, Maam Cross and Recess. Another 60 kilometres of Connemara roads face the riders the following day as they head up through Leenane, Westport, Newport, a 3rd category KOM at Keenagh and Bellacorrick, before turning east for the finish of the 142 kilometres stage in the busy town of Ballina.

Wednesday will bring the riders closer to the Donegal Mountains with a long, tough stage of 173 kilometres to an uphill finish in Letterkenny. As the riders set out the following day, the mountain climbing specialists are expected to come into their own with five major climbs to contend with. From Letterkenny the race heads up along the shore of Lough Swilly before turning in Moville to Malin and the start of the first Category 1 of this year's race. The long steep Ballagh Hill will surely produce the mountain climber most likely to challenge for final honours. Sixteen kilometres from the finish in Buncrana, the short but severely steep Mamore Gap looms as they pass Dunaff Head. Again those riders who excel once the road rises can gain valuable time.

160 kilometres is a long distance for a stage that includes three Category 2 and a Category 1 KOM, but that's what the riders have to contend with on Stage 6, Buncrana to Donegal Town. The Category 1 is the spectacular Glengesh Pass that rises up on the side of a glacial valley. It's long, almost six kilometres, and steep including 1 in 4 hairpin bends where body and bike will be tested to the limit as the strong men of the mountains attempt to end the hopes of many of the more accomplished riders. Donegal Town may well witness the reduction of potential winners to a mere few.

The county Meath village of Oldcastle 180 kilometres away will be firmly set in the minds of all the riders as they leave Donegal for the penultimate stage of the Milk Ras. Those still in contention for overall honours will be closely watching their danger men, while others will be determined to write their sname into the history book as stage winners. But for all it will not be an easy ride. A combination of fast open roads with troublesome winds as they head south, before turning left in Bundoran and heading southeast, tackling the Gap of Bellavally between the Iron and Cuilcagh Mountains. From Cavan Town furious racing can be expected as the riders vie for stage honours in Oldcastle.

Sunday, May 25 will see a transfer of the race from Oldcastle for an exciting afternoon's racing in the beautiful surrounds of the Phoenix Park and the crowning of the 2003 FBD Milk Ras champion.

The stages

Stage 1 - May 18: Dublin - Roscrea, 135 km
Stage 2 - May 19: Roscrea - Clifden, 188 km
Stage 3 - May 20: Clifden - Ballina, 142 km
Stage 4 - May 21: Ballina - Letterkenny, 173 km
Stage 5 - May 22: Letterkenny - Buncrana, 146 km
Stage 6 - May 23: Buncrana - Donegal, 167 km
Stage 7 - May 24: Donegal - Oldcastle, 180 km
Stage 8 - May 25: Phoenix Park Circuit, 40km

Road Racing Back in Phoenix Park

Following agreement with Dúchas, the Heritage Service of the Department of the Environment, Cycling Ireland has announced that an extensive series of cycling races and events will be held on the trianglar circuit in the Phoenix Park during 2003.

Dúchas the Heritage service have agreed to nine road closure orders and the list of events is as follows:

Tuesday April 29th
Tuesday May 13th
Saturday May 25th
Saturday June 14th
Tuesday July 1st
Tuesday July 15th
Tuesday July 22nd
Tuesday August 19th
Sunday September 21st

Genesis Scuba/FFCC cycling team

The Genesis Scuba Women's Cycling Team, a regional development team located in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced its roster for the 2003 season. After competing in national and international competitions this past season, the team returns for 2003 with a few new additions to bolster the lineup of returning athletes.

"This is by far the strongest group we've had in our three year history," said team director Mike Skop. "I think we're going to surprise a few folks with the quality and depth of talent on this squad."

Among the new members of the team this year is Canadian Sue Palmer-Komar. The 36 year old Hamilton, Ontario resident has consistently proven herself at the world level. "There are only a few riders in the entire world who have finished in the top ten at World Cup races, Elite World Championships and the Olympics", said Skop. "Sue is one of those riders. We are all so excited to have her on board for 2003."

Sue's time on the racing circuit will be split between riding for Genesis Scuba while racing at North American events and the Canadian National Team for a European schedule that includes a number of World Cup races.

Candice Blickem, 23, joins the team after an impressive season in the southeastern US, including a solo win at the NRC Michelin Classic. The New Mexico native (now residing in Winston Salem, NC) said that "I'm really excited about riding for such a well organized team after riding by myself this past year."

Other members of the team include the talented Grace Fleury and multiple US champion Larssyn Staley, who will be ride for the team in selected races this season. Also 2000 Olympian and 2002 CAC Games gold medallist Iona Wynter, 2002 US National U-23 Road Race and Time Trial Bronze medallist Maggie Shirley, Canadian climbing specialist Giselle Trahan, 2002 US National Pursuit Champion Angie Vargas, 2002 US Masters Bronze Medallist Alison Brown and former southeastern race series champion Jennifer Cooper, Alexis Brown, Clara Constantinescu, Kim Foland, Jody Kosinski and Leigh Valletti.

The team will be contesting most major NRC and UCI races throughout North America with an eye on qualifying riders for the Pan American Games and UCI World Road Championships.

Team roster

Sue Palmer-Komar (Can)
Candice Blickem (USA)
Grace Fleury (USA)
Larssyn Staley (USA)
Grace Fleury (USA)
Larssyn Staley (USA)
Iona Wynter (USA)
Maggie Shirley (USA)
Giselle Trahan (Can)
Angie Vargas (USA)
Alison Brown (USA)
Jennifer Cooper (USA)
Alexis Brown (USA)
Clara Constantinescu (USA)
Kim Foland (USA)
Jody Kosinski (USA)
Leigh Valletti (USA)

Sponsors

Genesis Scuba
EPX Carbon Performance Bicycles
Aon Risk Services
Verge Sport
Mavic
Maxxis
Rudy Project
Limar
Northwave
Speedplay
ProGold Lubricants
Sockguy
Nazran USA

Youth Olympics competitor loses bike

Dual gold medalist at the recent Australian Youth Olympics, Andrew Wyper, has had his Colnago road bike stolen from outside his apartment in Liverpool, Sydney. Andrew moved down to Sydney from Inverell just before Xmas and joined the Bankstown Sports Cycling Club to follow his dream of representing Australia at the Junior World Championships this year. He worked at Fulchers Cyclery and his bike was his only mode of transport.

Andrew is devastated by the loss, as he was to compete in the State titles in 10 days time, and with no road bike will lose valuable training time. The bike is 49cm, and the paintwork is white with blue and orange Rabobank colours.

If you have any information regarding it, please contact Rik Fulcher.

(All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2002)