First Edition News for March 4, 2003Edited by Jeff Jones & John Stevenson Latest UCI women's rankingsThe UCI has issued its rankings for women following the first round of the World Cup in Geelong, Australia. World Champion (and Cyclingnews diarist) Susanne Ljungskog (Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai) holds sway at the top of the table, with 699 points, 46 points in front of Mirjam Melchers (Farm Frites-Hartol). In third is Swiss rider Nicole Brändli (Team Prato Marathon Bike) on 532 points, while Nürnberger teammates Judith Arndt and Petra Rossner have swapped places for fourth and fifth. The runner-up at the Geelong World Cup, Katie Mactier (Saturn), moved herself up from 239th to 43rd on the rankings, while the winner Sara Carrigan (Power Plate Bik) went from 18th to 12th. Australian champion and Geelong Bellarine Tour winner Olivia Gollan (AIS) jumped from 118th to 54th, while T-Mobile's Kristin Armstrong moved from 115th to 64th. In the teams rankings, Equipe Nürnberger has a 300 point plus lead over Farm Frites-Hartol and Team Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai. UCI rankings as of March 2, 2003Individual 1 Susanne Ljungskog (Swe) Team Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai 699.00 pts 2 Mirjam Melchers (Ned) Farm Frites-Hartol Cycling Team 653.50 3 Nicole Brändli (Swi) Team Prato Marathon Bike 532.50 4 Judith Arndt (Ger) Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 517.65 5 Petra Rossner (Ger) Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 454.65 6 Priska Doppmann (Swi) 347.00 7 Zinaida Stahurskaya (Blr) USC Chirio Forno d'Asolo 337.00 8 Regina Schleicher (Ger) S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox 317.00 9 Joane Somarriba Arrola (Spa) 293.50 10 Zoulfia Zabirova (Rus) Prato Marathon Bike 278.00 11 Fabiana Luperini (Ita) Team 2002 Aurora RSM 271.00 12 Sara Carrigan (Aus) Bik-Powerplate 263.00 13 Edita Pucinskaite (Ltu) S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox 228.35 14 Debby Mansveld (Ned) Vlaanderen-T-Interim Ladies Team 211.00 15 Olga Slyusareva (Rus) 192.00 16 Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) 190.35 17 Simona Parente (Ita) Team Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai 188.00 18 Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 173.00 19 Alison Wright (Aus) 160.00 20 Lyne Bessette (Can) Saturn Cycling Team 153.00 Teams 1 Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 1,284.30 pts 2 Farm Frites-Hartol Cycling Team 953.50 3 Team Catalunya-Aliverti-Kookai 920.00 4 S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox 644.35 5 Team 2002 Aurora RSM 496.00 Full rankings UCI criticises World Anti-Doping CodeIn a long press statement (click here for the full text) the world governing body of cycling, the UCI has welcomed the World Anti-Doping Agency's new World Anti-Doping Code, calling it "an important step forward in the fight against doping." However, the UCI has expressed concern about a number of aspects of the code, and the process by which is was developed. The UCI's main criticisms include: "The UCI feels that it was not consulted so intensively as [other stakeholders]" despite having "far from the least experience in the field of anti-doping." "The comments and demands of the International Federations have not been taken into account to a degree that would be entirely justified by the interests of their athletes." "The Code allows athletes of the same sport to be subject to the rules of national anti-doping organisations all over the world, organisations which, one might add, have no authority for doping control under the Olympic Charter. The rules of these national organisations may vary from country to country, especially in the area of results management and disciplinary procedures." The UCI would prefer these matters to be regulated by the international federations on a worldwide level to achieve better harmonisation of anti-doping regulations. "The Code does not prevent multiple out-of-competition testing by different organisations on the same athlete in the same period, which is inefficient and causes unnecessary costs and conflicts." "The UCI does not agree with a two-year ban that applies regardless of the consequences of the sanction for the athlete." The UCI feels that such a ban can be unjustly severe, or not severe enough, depending on the circumstances. The UCI points out that other organizations have also spoken out against a uniform two-year ban on the grounds of justice, and that such flexibility is common in criminal law and is found the anti-doping codes of France and Belgium. The UCI says that its attempts to explain the arguments behind its position to WADA went unanswered, and questions the "overwhelming majority" claimed by WADA head Dick Pound in favour of such a two-year ban. "It is clear that the scale of sanctions in the Code will be contrary to legal and even constitutional rights (e.g. in France) that are guaranteed to citizens and that cannot be denied to athletes, even when the Code is in place." Despite these misgivings however, the UCI statement concludes, "The UCI feels quite confident and will, in the interest of its sport and its athletes, use all opportunities that the Code provides to improve, wherever possible, its own doping and health control system that still stands as a recognised example for many." Verbruggen explains WADA no-showIn an interview with l'Equipe, UCI president Hein Verbruggen has explained his absence from the WADA conference. Verbruggen said, "Despite my commitment to the code and WADA, I don't wish to be manipulated and I made this decision very calmly, despite the pressures. Richard Pound asked me to come, and so did Jacques Rogge. I'm truly sorry that there's a fixation on the problem of sanctions, that they're a secondary issue, because the code is much more than that. But this system is unacceptable and the WADA is heading for an impasse. "I'm fundamentally opposed to this decision, and many agree with me. More than you would think. I hope they will have the courage to say so at the conference. In the fight against doping, Pound has chosen a stance of repression; he acts like a sheriff and is going to propose a vote on the question of sanctions. Naturally, we'll find ourselves in the minority..." Verbruggen also spoke about the issue of different treatment of professional leagues such as the US National Basketball Association and National Hockey League under the code. Because they are not covered by sports organizations like the UCI, these professional associations are only covered by the code if it imposed by their governments. As a result, there has been speculation that professional cyclists might form breakaway league and split from the UCI. "This is a concern for the UCI, as it is for (other federations). I know that the Dutch government will likely oppose the automatic two year suspensions. And you, the French, are not in favour either, as the measure could be considered anticonstitutional... So Pound can't say that only the UCI opposes this article, since that's not the case. Plus, when we see that the North American professional leagues won't be held to the same system... what demagogy!" L'Equipe also asked Verbruggen, "what's the deal between you and Pound?" "I've always been friendly with him, but I've told him he's heading for an impasse on this question of sanctions. He's a lawyer, he has a strong personality, he's very smart, so he knows it. I proposed to him in December alternate solutions to resolve the problem: choose a panel of international judges and accept their decision, and establish a transitional period while the various governments resolve their issues. In the end he consulted a group of lawyers to see if this measure would infringe on personal rights. That's not what I proposed..." Teams announced for Milan-San RemoThe 94th edition of Milan-San Remo will take place on March 22, marking the first round of the World Cup (TV rights disputes permitting). Organised by RCS Sport on behalf for La Gazzetta dello Sport, the race will be held over a distance of 294 kilometres. 25 teams have been named, including eight Italian, four French, three Spanish, three Belgian, three German and one from Denmark, Holland, Switzerland and the USA. Ag2r Prevoyance (Fra) Saturn to race in 56th Peace RaceThe Saturn Cycling Team has been invited to compete at the 56th Peace Race, May 9 - 17. The race begins in Olomouc, Czech Republic and finishes in Erfurt, Germany with an excursion into Poland. The race Joseph Mach called the "forgotten fourth Grand Tour of European Cycling," is regarded as one of the tougher tours in Europe. After Saturn's win in January at the Tour of Langkawi, team spokesperson Giana Roberge says the team has high hopes for the Peace Race. Saturn last competed at the Peace Race in 2000 and this year will field an eight rider team including Tour of Langkawi winner Tom Danielson. The course of the 2003 Peace Race is considerably different from previous years because of the flooding that devastated central Europe last autumn. Organisers have had to move the finish from Prague, and erduce the Chech leg to just two stages in the less-affected region of Moravia. The German stages have also been considerably rerouted and there is no individual time trial in the 2003 edition. The crucial stage of the 2003 race is expected to be the penultimate one, from Freyburg to Klingenthal. This stage features a number of tough climbs and finishes at the top of the brutal Klingenthaler Aschberg col. The field for the 2003 Peace race will feature eight Division I teams out of a total of 16 or 17 eight-man teams. German Division I teams Coast, Telekom and Gerolsteiner are likely to line up, as well as Division II Team Wiesenhof. StagesMay 9 - Stage 1: Aroud Olomouc (Czech Republic), 116 km Second US World Cup qualifierAfter this weekend's round at San Diego, the next chance for US track cyclists to qualify for the World Cup series is at the Brian Piccolo Velodrome in Ft Lauderdale, Florida USA, March 28-30. This event is also an ATRA AVC round. For more information see www.businesscycles.com/velofax.htm. Perez Cuapio extends to 2005Mexican rider Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (26) has prolonged his contract with Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo through 2005. The triple Giro d'Italia stage winner will once again be Panaria's key man for the mountains in this year's Giro, where he hopes to move up the GC. Cannondale goes back to workTroubled US bike manufacturer Cannondale yesterday took a step toward a return to normality as production workers at the company's Bedford, Pennsylvania bike factory began a return to work, according to Cannondale spokesman Tom Armstrong. Cannondale employees have worked sporadically over the last few weeks building bikes for Cannondale Europe, but yesterday's return of workers in fabrication departments such as parts preparation, welding, weld sanding, heat-treating and frame machining heralds a restoration of full production. Over the course of this week, employees who work in departments such as finishing and assembly will return to work as frames move through Cannondale's production system. Cannondale anticipates that all the company's production workers will return to work by March 11. The workers' return and continued cold weather across much of the U.S. are combining to minimize the effects on Cannondale dealers of the temporary factory shutdown, according to Cannondale's Scott Montgomery. "We're very, very excited to have full production coming back on-line," said Montgomery. "It's fortunate that we went into the factory shutdown with a good inventory of bikes. The fact that it's been such a cold winter has allowed that inventory to go quite a bit further than it otherwise might have, so by and large I think our dealers haven't been too affected by the shutdown." Two day NSW MTB Stage race this weekendThe South Coast two day Mountain bike stage race is on again as part of the Ulladulla Summer Games and is also round two of the NSW cross country series. Some of the top riders from the country will be town to ride the three stages of the race on the weekend March 8 and 9. 2002 Commonwealth Games team member Josh Fleming with other elite riders such as Perren Delacour and Shaun Lewis will be amongst 150 riders expected to converge on Termeil for Stage 1 of the race, a 3.5km Individual Time Trial on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon will see the riders leaving from behind the Termeil Trading Post for a Point to point race in the North Brooman State forest. Riders will compete on one of three different length loops, depending on the class entered. On Sunday riders will compete on a 9km loop situated between the Netball courts on Camden St and Kings Point. Racing will start at 8.30 am with the under 15 men and women and will finish with the Elite men from midday . All riders will need to hold an MTBA license (day licenses will be available) in order to compete and classes from under 15 men/women through to the Elite Men and Women will be available. More information: www.ulladulla.info/summergames B&Q offers help to UK clubsFrom the Scottish Cycling Union B&Q is again this year running a community awards scheme offering grants to local organisations whose premises are in need of renovation. There are 20 grants of £5,000 worth of DIY materials available to local organisations around the country. Any community-based organisation can apply. Examples of the types of projects that would qualify include giving a facelift to the facilities of a community centre, after-school club, disabled group or building a pond for a town park. To apply call the B&Q hotline for more information and an application form on 0845 300 1001. Further details are also available from the B&Q website www.diy.com Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 21st March 2003. Wells Avenue training series returnsThe 2003 edition of the long-running New England criterium series at Wells Avenue Industrial Park kicks off on March 16, 2003. Entering its 22nd year, Wells Ave. has a long tradition of helping new racers get started in the sport, as well as helping experienced racers hone their fitness for the upcoming race season. Race Director Chris Harnish of CSN Management has announced the addition of a season long points series, sponsored by Slick Willy Bike Lube Company. Harnish also added that several other features will be tested this year, including: A points race format at selected mid-season events Sponsored by the Boston Road Club, the series is heavily reliant on volunteerism. If anyone is interested in course clean-up March 15, or helping with registration or course marshaling at any of the early races, particularly the opening event, please contact chris@peoplecycle.org (508.457.5012). For more information go to: www.bostonroadclub.com Major Sponsors ATA Cycles Team Soliton adds Wedgewood HotelVancouver, British Columbia's Team Soliton has landed a prestigious sponsor in the form of the Wedgewood Hotel, recently voted best hotel in Canada by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The two-year deal comes about, as is so often the case, because the hotel's General Manager Philip Meyer is himself a former bike racer. Moritz Chevrolet Cycling 2003The Moritz Chevrolet Cycling Team enters its third season of racing with a roster of 15 riders. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the team has been generously sponsored for three years by the Moritz Chevrolet auto dealership. The team has added a major 2nd sponsor in Legg-Mason Financial for 2003. Focusing on road racing in Texas and the Southwest region, Moritz team goals include competing in the Texas Bike Racing Association (TXBRA) Cup series and participating in charity fund raising bicycle rallies. Returning to the squadra is 2002 TXBRA and Hell of the North Juniors points series champ, Russell Walther. (All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2003) |
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