Liquigas-Bianchi's Fire & Ice

Brazilian sprinter Luciano Pagliarini and Finnish champ Kjell Carlstrom are proof that opposites attract. The fiery Brazilian is know for his sprinting prowess, while Carlstrom comes from the Finnish hardman tradition of "sisu" or gutsy endurance riders. But the Liquigas-Bianchi teammates are friends and also roommates on their first trip to America.

Pagliarini and Carlstrom have raced all over the globe and are enjoying their experience at the Wachovia Cycling series. "The racing has been good and so has the weather; we're looking forward to Sunday," said Carlstrom.

Pagliarini has been able to enjoy a shopping expedition in Philly, as Air France lost his suitcase on the way over and five days later, the French carrier still has no idea where it is! "Yeah it's a real pain, but luckily I had my shoes and my bike", said Pagliarini, who lives in Treviso, Italy with his wife Julia. Liquigas-Bianchi was able to organize a rush shipment of team jerseys and short from Italy so the team was able to start all six riders at Thursday's Wachovia race in Trenton, where Marco Zanotti was 10th.