Cycling News Roundup 18 September 2006
Team Comments, Latest UCI Pro Tour Standings, NRC Health Net Seals the Lead, New
Contracts Announced, Saul Raisin Announces Book in the Works, Bike Biz News, In
Memoriam and more...
Vuelta Comments
Illes Balears-Caisse d’Epargne Eusebio Unzue
After the 61st edition of the Vuelta a España ended in Madrid,
Eusebio Unzue analyzes the race of the team Illes Balears-Caisse d’Epargne: “For
sure we go home with the feeling that we let escape a big opportunity to win the
Vuelta, most of all after we kept the yellow jersey so many days within the
team. But on the other hand, without being really superior, the rider who won is
a very great rider too and he could reckon on Kashechkin’s help whose paper was
essential for the victory in this Vuelta.
Without any doubt, despite the final result, the behaviour of the team Illes
Balears-Caisse d’Epargne all through the race was really impeccable. We just
failed once, in the famous stage that arrived in Granada, where we had no rider
in the breakaway and which should have been the solution to the problem we had
in the final part of the stage when Alejandro was left alone and needed somebody
at his side to chase behind Vinokourov. But we nevertheless are very happy
because we won a very nice stage in El Morredero and one more time we finish on
the podium of a Big Tour. We are also very satisfied because of Alejandro’s
evolution, most of all in the time trial that was his weakness in the past. His
regularity is also very important and we can look at the future with optimism.”
Good end of Vuelta for Lampre-Fondital.
The Italian team comes back from Spain with the 15th place of Szmyd (at 18'40")
and the 18th of Petrov (at 27'51") in the overall standing (victory of Vinokurov).
In the time trial of Saturday in Riva Vaciamadrid (27,5 kms), Petrov finished in
27th position at 2'15" from the winner Vinokurov, while Szmyd defended his 14th
place in the overall standing finishing 47th at 2'56".
On Sunday, in the final stage in Madrid, victory for Zabel. Corioni finished 9th
in the final sprint.
Team CSC
As often before the 21st and final stage of Vuelta a España ended in a bunch
sprint. Team CSC lead the peloton for the last lap in Madrid, but no one could
compete with Milram's Erik Zabel, and the German veteran won the stage.
"We tried to line Stuart up for the sprint, but we weren't positioned quite
right in that final turn so we lost the opportunity. We're not quite used to
this, and we must admit that we don't have enough routine in the sprints. But at
least we tried and Stuart was up front some where for the final stretch," said
Kim Andersen, who on the whole is satisfied with this year's final great stage
race.
"It's been a good Vuelta for us. It's been a great pleasure to work with the
riders, who've all shown fantastic motivation down here. We took a brilliant
stage win in the team time trial, had the jersey for a while and Carlos has
played a major part in the mountains. The whole team has done a tremendous job,
and we've been part of almost everything and at the same time protected Carlos
as our captain. It's a shame we didn't get on the podium, because I really think
Carlos deserves it. But Astana had the race in a firm grip for this past week,
and there's no doubt they do deserve the overall victory," said Kim Andersen.
Team CSC had four riders among the top 28 overall. Carlos Sastre finished in
fourth place and Lars Bak was second best with a 21 st place.
UCI Pro Tour Standings after the Vuelta
Alejandro Valverde in Commanding Lead.
Alejandro Valverde still has a commanding lead over Aussie Cadel
Evans in the Pro Tour rankings with Andrey Kashechkin making the move from
fifteenth to third in the tour on the strength of his Vuelta performance jumping
over Alessandro Ballan of Lampre who is now 4th.
A three way race in the team rankings with CSC holding onto the lead for the
second year, with Rabobank and Discovery Channel in striking distance of Bjarne
Riis's lads.
Spain took a commanding lead in the Pro Tour leadership over Italy and
Germany.
Individual Rankings 11/17/ 2006
Rank Previous (10.09.2006) Riders Code UCI Teams Points
1 1 VALVERDE BELMONTE Alejandro (ESP) ESP19800425
Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears 285
2 2 EVANS Cadel (AUS) AUS19770214 Davitamon-Lotto 162
3 15 KASHECHKIN Andrey (KAZ) KAZ19800321 Astana-Würth Team 156
4 3 BALLAN Alessandro (ITA) ITA19791106 Lampre-Fondital
155
5 4 BOONEN Tom (BEL) BEL19801015 Quick Step - Innergetic 154
6 5 SCHLECK Frank (LUX) LUX19800415 Team CSC 150
7 6 BASSO Ivan (ITA) ITA19771126 Team CSC 138
8 7 SCHUMACHER Stefan (GER) GER19810721 Gerolsteiner 133
9 18 SANCHEZ GONZALEZ Samuel (ESP) ESP19780205 Euskaltel - Euskadi 133
10 - VINOKOUROV Alexandre (KAZ) KAZ19730916 Astana-Würth Team 121
11 8 MOREAU Christophe (FRA) FRA19710412 Ag2r Prevoyance 118
12 9 HINCAPIE George (USA) USA19730629 Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 117
13 10 LEIPHEIMER Levi (USA) USA19731024 Gerolsteiner 114
14 35 SASTRE CANDIL Carlos (ESP) ESP19750422 Team CSC 114
15 11 JAKSCHE Jörg (GER) GER19760723 Astana-Würth Team 110
Team Ranking
Rank Previous (10.09.2006) Code Teams Country Points
1 1 CSC Team CSC DEN 333
2 2 CEI Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears ESP 325
3 3 RAB Rabobank NED 308
4 4 DSC Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team USA 295
5 6 LAM Lampre-Fondital ITA 280
6 5 PHO Phonak Hearing Systems SUI 270
7 7 TMO T-Mobile Team GER 267
8 10 AWT Astana-Würth Team ESP 252
9 9 SDV Saunier Duval - Prodir ESP 252
10 8 GST Gerolsteiner GER 239
Nations Ranking
Rank Previous (10.09.2006)
Code Country Points
1 2 ESP Spain 728
2 1 ITA Italy 599
3 3 GER Germany 475
4 6 USA United States of America 316
5 4 BEL Belgium 292
6 12 KAZ Kazakhstan 286
7 5 AUS Australia 285
8 7 NED Netherlands 239
9 8 FRA France 231
10 9 RUS Russian Federation 229
Complete results.
Displeasure Expressed by Team Caisse d’Epargne-Illes
Balears
Pro Tour Leader's Jersey Awards Ceremony at the Vuelta
Because of the quarrels between the organizers of the Big Tours and
the UCI ProTour, the Spanish public was refrained from seeing the awards
ceremony where the jersey of leader of the UCI ProTour was handed over to the
rider Alejandro Valverde, the leader of that classification.
We regret the incoherence that the organizers commit by accepting the rules
of participation of the ProTour obliging the rider to comply with all the
requirements that his condition of leader imposes (namely the controls and the
obligation to wear the white jersey of leader) for later, at the end of the
race, once he consolidated his position, not to admit on the official podium the
handing over by the UCI ProTour of the leader jersey that honours him.
Health Net/Maxxis Seal NRC Top Team Rank
Menzies and Moninger win at Parker Street Omnium
Going into the final weekend of the NRC schedule, the Health Net Pro
Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis held a solid lead of 493 points over
Toyota-United in the team rankings. But if there was any doubt about whether the
team would earn its third consecutive NRC crown, Karl Menzies and Scott Moninger
erased every last bit of it at the Parker Mainstreet Omnium in Parker, CO this
weekend.
Despite facing off against full teams from Toyota-United and TIAA-CREF, the
duo, with the help of teammate Garrett Peltonen, finished first and second
overall, with Menzies winning the final-day criterium to take the overall title,
while Moninger finished a surprising fourth in the bunch sprint to hold onto
second overall.
"TIAA-CREF held things together," Menzies said of Sunday's criterium. "They
wanted to try and get Mike Friedman to chip a few points off of Scott's lead to
move him up in the overall."
But the 39-year-old veteran, who at 130 pounds is known more for his climbing
power, found the right wheels and had the punch to take the fourth-place points.
In addition to his win Sunday, Menzies finished second in both the opening time
trial and Saturday's 105-mile road race, which Moninger won. Moninger also
earned fourth-place points in the opening time trial.
Notes:
In addition to sealing the overall NRC team title, the first-place
points will move Menzies close to the top of the NRC individual points
standings.
Final Overall Results
1. Karl Menzies (Tas) Health Net Presented by Maxxis
2. Scott Moninger (USA) Health Net Presented by Maxxis
3. Mike Friedman (USA) TIAA-CREF
David Boucher Signs with Landbouwkredit
French talent David Boucher (Unibet.com) has just subscribed for 2007 a contract
with Team Landbouwkrediet.
Boucher known for his agressive-race style will be one of the leaders in the
Landbouwkrediet-team for the Flemish and French races.
There was pultiple interest from pro-continental teams, but Boucher is very
excited to work coming years with Gérard Bulens and the landbouwkrediet-team.
At the same-time he wants to thank the Unibet.com-management for the good
partnership last 2 years.
Courtesy: www.acso.be
David Deroo signs two-year deal with Skil-Shimano
The Skil-Shimano cycling team has signed David Deroo on a two-year deal. The
21-year-old from Roubaix in northern France has been put through his paces at
Skil-Shimano over the past few weeks and Deroo’s performances in a number of
races, including Rund um die Hainleite and Sparkassen Giro Bochum in Germany,
were enough to secure him a two-year contract.
Deroo first attracted attention earlier this season on the Circuit des Ardennes,
in which he earned a third place finish in stage four, and in the Tour de
Bretagne, where he took a stage victory. Deroo came through the ranks at Velo
Club Roubaix, where he honed his cycling abilities up to this season before
arriving at Skil-Shimano for a trial. The Frenchman is a fine mid-distance
climber and also shows the makings of a good sprint finisher in small groups.
The signing of the talented Deroo is consistent with Skil-Shimano’s strategic
policy and is the first step in the intended expansion of the team’s
international activities into France, to serve the interests of its sponsors as
well as possible.
Albert Timmer signs contract with Skil-Shimano
Dutch rider Albert Timmer has signed a two-year contract with Skil-Shimano.
This season the 21-year old cyclist from Gramsbergen (Netherlands) is riding for
Team Löwik Meubelen of Han Vaanhold. Timmer attracted attention this season with
a third place in the GP Gerrie Knetemann, a third place in the Meeùs Race in
Lierop and two second places, in the third and fourth stage of the GP Wilhelm
Tell.
Timmer, who is seen as a promising talent, is an all-round cyclist who can
compete with the best riders in the category Under 23 on hilly courses as well
as in the time trial.
Albert Timmer: “The program, ambiance and ambition of the Skil-Shimano team
is very appealing to me and I will give my very best to succeed as a
professional cyclist.”
Exit Reinerink and Weissinger team Skil-Shimano
Rik Reinerink and René Weissinger are leaving Skil-Shimano at the end
of the season. The team didn’t offer the 33 year old Reinerink a new contract.
His position in the team will be available for a younger rider. The Dutchman
started his carreer in 1999 with BankGiroLoterij. After one season Chocolade
Jacques in 2004, Reinerink was the only Dutch teammember last year who stepped
over from Shimano to the present Skil-Shimano formation.
René Weissinger declared after one year Skil-Shimano that he wants to ride
for a German or an Austrian team next season. Skil-Shimano is searching for a
successor to take over his position.
Dutch rider Maarten den Bakker has signed a one-year deal with Skil-Shimano.
The 37-year-old has been brought into the team to share his experience with the
younger riders in the same way as Aart Vierhouten has done this season. Den
Bakker will also regularly take on the role of main rider. ‘Given his sober
personality and his extensive roll of honour we view Maarten as a strong
addition to the team,’ say team managers Arend Scheppink and Iwan Spekenbrink.
Maarten den Bakker launched his pro career at PDM in 1990, riding for TVM (Farm
Frites) in 1993-1997 and Rabobank in 1998-2005. This season Den Bakker has been
riding for the German Milram team. Career highlights include a second place in
the Amstel Gold Race (1998), third in Liege-Bastogne-Liege (1999) and a
runners-up finish in the Flèche wallonne (1999). He also won the Dutch national
road title in 1999, becoming Dutch time trail champion four years later in 2003.
Den Bakker has taken part in the Tour de France nine times.
Den Bakker is looking forward to his role at Skil-Shimano next season. ‘I’m
highly motivated to guide the team’s young riders in the peloton and share my
experience, and I’m happy I’ll also have the freedom to ride for my own success
when the opportunity arises.’
Saul Raisin Announces Book
6 hour rides and Writing a book
I did a 6 hour training ride over 2 mountains today 4000kcal with my
Powertap.
I am getting strong!! Feels Good!! I have cool news. I have decided to write a
book with Author Dave Shields. I have read and I loved Dave’s books. I feel he
can tell and express my story very well, I think he can put my pain and triumph
into words.
My Whole Motivation behind the book is to help other people and families who
are going through and have been through the same things my family and I have
experienced. I want the world to know to never give up.. Always keep fighting.
It always gets better no matter how bad it seems..
Saul Raisin
Dave Shields
Carmichael Training Systems proud to contribute to over $8,000 raised for
Shepherd Center!
Carmichael Training Systems (CTS), in cooperation with
Saul Raisin’s family, is proud to announce that over $8,000 has been raised for
the Shepherd Center. All of the $8,000 was contributed $3.00 at a time with the
sale of the “Raisin Hell” wristband, a limited-edition wristband sporting the
colors of Saul Raisin’s Credit Agricole cycling team (green and white). Every
cent of the proceeds of the $3.00 purchase price goes back to Shepherd Center.
Saul Raisin, a 23-year-old American cyclist who suffered severe head trauma
during the Circuit de la Sarthe race in France on April 3rd of this year, has
been an inspiration to all of us here at Carmichael Training Systems (CTS). His
dedication, determination, and focus are especially inspiring given his young
age of 23 years. Saul is coached by CTS Premier Coach, Jim Lehman.
CTS Product Manager Jason Lombard gives credit to the thousands of people around
the world for supporting Saul and a great facility. “Ultimately, we have to
thank the people that purchased the wristbands,” says Lombard. “Our primary goal
was to help with their distribution, and we couldn’t be happier with the
wristband’s success.”
“Obviously we’re quite please with the outcome,” says Saul’s father, Jim Raisin.
“When you have a vision of starting something like this— to give something back—
you hope that it will be a success.”
Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital devoted to the medical
care and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired
brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems. Based in
Atlanta, Shepherd Center has been helping people through some of the most
difficult and life-changing experiences they can imagine for more than three
decades. They can be found online at http://www.shepherd.org.
The “Raisin Hell” benefit wristbands will continue
to be available on the Carmichael Training Systems Pro Shop website at:
http://www.trainright.com
Bessette, Jacques-Maynes head
Cyclocrossworld.com Team
After two seasons of incredible results, Team Cyclocrossworld.com has
re-loaded for 2006 adding a new rider, new sponsors but keeping the same old
energy for winning cyclocross races across North America. Building on its East
Coast domination of a year ago, the team added West Coast ‘cross stud Ben
Jacques-Maynes for ’06. Jacques-Maynes will join Lyne Bessette, Canadian
National Champion and North America’s top Elite female ‘cross racer, to form a
potent bicoastal duo.
“I’m very excited to race ‘cross again,” says Bessette, who retired from her
successful road racing career over the summer. “It’s going to be a little
different because I didn’t race all summer but I will be giving my best. Stu
Thorne was always there since the beginning and I wanted to race for him again.
His offer was the best for me. Stu's new bike and SRAM are two new big pieces on
the team.”
Jacques-Maynes concluded his best-ever road racing season with a stellar 7th
place in September’s USPRO Championships for the domestic KodakGallery.com-Sierra
Nevada squad. With strong performances throughout the road season, Jacques-Maynes,
27, established himself as one of the most consistent and respected riders in
North America. After missing most of the 2005 ‘cross season due to the birth of
his son, the San Jose, Cal resident is looking to make a big splash in his
cyclocross return.
"After such a long road season, I am looking forward to refocusing on
cyclocross this winter,” says Jacques-Maynes. “I find 'cross refreshing, and I
think I can do a great season this year with the team. I feel strong in the
legs, and I have worked hard on my running to bring up my competitive level."
Stu Thorne, Team Director and team owner, will introduce his eponymous Thorne
Cyclocross Frames for the 2006 season, with Jacques-Maynes and Bessette riding
prototypes in early races and production models by U.S. Nationals. Thorne team
bikes will also fly the buzz-worthy SRAM Force component group.
“SRAM is a big sponsor and we have a great relationship with them,” says
Thorne. “They are new to the whole road group thing and this is really cool to
be working with them on a cross project. Most of the time we'll be on the East
Coast including Ben, chasing the UCI races, but it will be nice to have a West
Coast guy who will be doing some local NorCal stuff when not here.”
Check Cyclocrossworld.com throughout the season for team updates, rider bios,
and race results.
The Cyclocrossworld.com Cyclocross Team is sponsored by Cyclocrossworld.com,
SRAM components, Thorne frames, Louis Garneau clothing and helmets, Mavic
wheels, adidas shoes and casual clothing, FSA bars, stems, seatposts, and
headsets, Fizik saddles and bar tape, Wetzikon guards, and Geller-Devellis.
CYKLISTIKA/CYCLING
ČESKÝ POHÁR ŽENY 2006 / CZECH WOMEN CUP
Czech Rep. / Louny 9. – 10. 9. 2006
Kriterium
1. RŮŽIČKOVÁ MARTINA ASC DUKLA PRAHA
2. HAVLIKOVA PAVLA KOOPERATIVA J.N.
3. MACHACOVA JARMILA ASC DUKLA PRAHA
4. ŠČUČKOVÁ JIŘINA PSK WHIRLPOOL HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ
Silnicni zavod / road race
1. HAVLIKOVA PAVLA KOOPERATIVA J.N.
2. BABUNKOVA ANDREA SLEZAN FM
3. ŠČUČKOVÁ JIŘINA PSK WHIRLPOOL HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ
courtesy of Michal Frantik
N.E.M.O. Completes 4th National Caliber Event in
2006
Race Organizer Celebrates Epic Year!
With the completion of the 2006 UNIVEST Grand Prix, National Events Management
Organization, Inc. (N.E.M.O.) completed their third and most successful year in
bicycle race management. In 2006, they provided race management services for the
Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the UNIVEST Grand
Prix, and the Tour of Shenandoah. A total of 21 days of national caliber road
racing.
National Events Management Organization’s principals, Kirk Leidy, Fred
Austin, and Dave Miller, together have over 50 years of race management
experience. This includes founding long-running stage races, providing race
management, developing national sporting events and technical positions for
Olympic and World cycling events.
In addition to National Events Management Organization road racing
activities, they also co-managed two days of track racing at the Lehigh Valley
Velodrome in Trexlertown, PA. and one day of cyclocross racing, the Nittany Lion
Cross, at the Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus, Fogelsville, PA.
According to Kirk Leidy, who served as Director of Technical Operations at
the 2006 road races, “N.E.M.O. is poised to provide services to even more events
in 2007. We have the ability to expand our services to race promoters across the
country including on-site management, consulting and race security services
using our experienced crew of motorcycle marshals, many of whom are USA Cycling
motorcycle officials.”
National Events Management Organization is one of the leaders in bicycle
events, managing more days of national caliber racing than any other U.S. based
sports management company. N.E.M.O. will be providing based sports management
services again in 2007.
About National Events Management Organization,
Inc.: N.E.M.0., Inc. is a Virginia incorporated event management
group specializing in sporting events. Additional information about services
please contact Kirk Leidy, Principal, National Events Management Organization,
Inc., (814)329-3099, email:
kleidy@atlanticbbn.net
Bike Biz News
Raleigh America appoints industry veteran Rickey Strawn as Director of Sales.”
Raleigh America, Inc. announced the appointment of industry
veteran Rickey Strawn to the position of Director of Sales, reporting to Raleigh
America’s President and COO Steve Meineke. Strawn’s responsibilities will
include leading Raleigh America’s sales team and working with and supporting
Raleigh America’s dealers.
Before joining Raleigh America, Strawn was National Sales Manager for Bikes
at Fox Racing, a leading supplier of clothing and gear for Motocross, BMX,
Mountain Biking, and other action sports. Prior to Fox Racing, he worked for
Bell Sports as Director of New Business Development. In addition, Strawn held
positions at Specialized Bicycles as Western Regional Sales Manager and Director
of U.S.A. Sales.
“We are very pleased to welcome Ricky Strawn, an experienced leader and
industry veteran, to the Raleigh America team. Rickey has earned respect and
trust from his customers and throughout the industry with his passion and hard
work,” said Steve Meineke. “Rickey has strong relationships with many of our
dealers and his experience and knowledge of the industry will be of immediate
value to both our sales team and our dealers. Rickey will be in our booth at
Interbike and will be traveling extensively over the next few months to visit
key dealers and markets,” continued Meineke. Strawn holds a B.A. degree from the
University of Wisconsin, Madison. Strawn will relocate to the Seattle area.
Raleigh America, Inc., based in Kent, Wash., is one of the world’s leading
suppliers of road, mountain, comfort, BMX, and recreational bicycles, parts and
accessories under the Raleigh, Diamondback, Avenir and CyclePro brands. For more
information call toll-free 800-222-5527 or visit
www.raleighamerica.com “Enjoy the
Ride”.
In Memoriam
John Peckham
Webcor/Alto Velo rider killed
Webcor/Alto Velo member and Category II racer, John Peckham, was
killed on Friday 9/8 when a drunk driver crossed into his lane and collided with
him head-on not far from the campus of Stanford University. The driver is
currently in jail facing four felony accounts related to the death of John
Peckham.
John Peckham, a 31year old bio-medical engineer, started racing in 2005 and
utilized natural riding ability and an explosive sprint to move up to Webcor/Alto
Velo's Elite Pro 1/2 squad. Know for his criterium skills John surprised many
when he placed 13th at the Valley of the Sun Stage race last February as a Cat
III and second in his first Cat II race, the Menlo Park Grand Prix. Teammates,
friends and family recall an intense, caring and supportive man who was
passionate about cycling and racing.
Peckham will be honored with a memorial ride on Sunday September 24th.
Details will be announced on Webcor/Alto Velo's website:
www.altovelo.org
Ted Burns
Jon Dechau
Cyclist Killed Near Rochester, NY
ROCHESTER, NY -- Every cyclist's worst fear was realized for Jon
Dechau on the evening of September 13. Dechau, 33, died after being struck from
behind by a motorist. The accident occurred two miles from Dechau's home in
Lima, New York, about 20 miles south of Rochester.
The Livingston County sheriff’s office said that Dechau was riding westbound
on the shoulder of route 20 approximately two feet to the right of the white
line. A sheriff’s spokesman said a westbound vehicle driven by Sharon Cameron,
61, crossed the white line and struck Dechau from behind at approximately 45-50
mph. Dechau died at the scene.
Cameron could not provide an explanation to police as to why her vehicle
drifted from the travel lane to the shoulder. She freely submitted to a blood
test as part of the accident investigation, and police do not believe she was
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Results of investigation will determine
if charges will be filed against Cameron.
Dechau was a champion cyclist who began racing with the Genesee Valley
Cycling Club in 1989. His cycling accomplishments included winning numerous
medals at the Empire State Games and State Championships, competing in the 1996
Olympic trials, and two top-20 finishes in the US National Time Trial
Championships. In late 2000 signed to ride as pro for the ill-fated Noblehouse
team, before turning his attention to family and work in more recent years. A
man of deep Christian faith, he leaves a wife, toddler-age son, and new born
baby. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
by Alan Cote, courtesy of www.spokepost.com
Condolences from the daily peloton readers and staff to the families and
friends of our lost companions on the road.
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