Cycling News Roundup - 3 August 2008
Evans to Olympics, Team Transfers and Re-signs, New Scott/American Beef Jersey, Photos and more...

UCI grants wildcard to Australia for road time trial
Evans and Bannan to make decision Monday.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has officially confirmed Australia has been awarded a second starting place in the men's road time trial for the Olympic Games. Cycling Australia was notified earlier this week of the offer and after discussions with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has officially accepted the position.

Australia had qualified only one place in the event with Cadel Evans originally listed as the rider to contest it. But on Tuesday Evans, considering the best interests of the team, withdrew from the time trial due to a knee injury and was replaced by three time World Champion, Michael Rogers.

"For the time trial there's no hiding and every day that I miss training is seconds and therefore places in the result," said Evans. "I wouldn't want to deprive Mick (Rogers) of an opportunity to do what is our our best chance to get a result for the team."

But on Wednesday Evans received the call from Bannan advising him the UCI was offering a 'wildcard' to Australia. "Shayne Bannan called me with the news and I was on the table getting treatment with my knee all bandaged up in ice and an electro-stimulator attached and he said we've got that second place," said Evans recognising the irony of his situation. "I looked at my swollen knee and thought 'oh good for you',

"(But) let's see how it goes and first concentrate on getting my knee better and see if I'm worthy of going for the road race and seeing if I can be good enough for the road race," explained Evans. "Then beyond that - for me to go and start the time trial I'd have to have a pretty stellar ride in the road race.

"Every day I'm doing the physio and treatment on my knee and every day getting better but we'll decide on Monday morning whether I go or Adam Hansen goes in my place," said Evans who last represented Australia at an Olympic Games in 2000 when he was riding a mountain bike. "I don't want to go unless I can do a good result for myself and the team or contribute to a good result for the team so if I don't recover from my injury and am not close to my best I don't mind staying at home."

Bannan says a series of tests run on Evans today indicate his knee is improving. "Treatment on Cadel's knee has been going well and we're hopeful that on Monday he'll get the all clear to fly to Beijing," said National Performance Director, Shayne Bannan. "Considering the progress of his recovery we're optimistic that he can back up after the road race and give the time trial a decent go."

New Scott/American Beef kit made its debut in the San Sebastian race.
Photo © 2008 Fotoreporter Sirotti

CSC Saxo Bank
Matti Breschel Signs for Two More Years
One of the brightest young talents on both the Danish and international cycling scene has extended his contract with Team CSC Saxo Bank for two more years. 23 year old Matti Breschel is currently leading Tour of Denmark and has four victories so far in this season.

Alessandro Petacchi in his new LPR Brakes jersey at the Brixia Tour.
Photo © 2008 Karen Lambrecht

Silence-Lotto
Jonas Ljungblad and Tom Stubbe Contracts
Swede Jonas Ljungblad has made an oral agreement to join Silence/Lotto for a period of 2 years: 2009-2010. Jonas was born in 1979 - age 29 and has his residence in Luxemborug. Jonas transfers from P3 Transfer/Batavus.

Tom Stubbe has signed with the team for a period of 2 years. Tom was born in 1981 and is 27 years of Age. Former team: 2008, La Française des Jeux.

Friends and Rivals, Davide Rebellin and Paolo Bettini chat before the start of the Clasica San Sebastian. Photo © 2008 Fotoreporter Sirotti

Jakob Fuglsang Signs with Team CSC Saxo Bank
The Danish U23 Mountain Bike World Champ, who is having his big break through in road racing at the moment in Tour of Denmark, will be joining Team CSC Saxo Bank for the next two seasons. The 23-year-old rider took the Yellow Jersey after yesterday's time trial, but Team CSC Saxo Bank's sports directors have had their eye on him long before that.

”I first noticed him last year where he did well in Tour of Denmark and I definitely think he's confirmed his potential this year, especially right now. He's definitely got major potential and appears to be an all-round rider with lots of different qualities. I think he's got a great future ahead of him and it'll be exciting to se him evolve with our team,” says Bjarne Riis about the contract with Fuglsang, which was signed yesterday.

”I'm really looking forward to a new challenge and I'm happy this contract with Team CSC Saxo Bank has fallen into place. There have been several potential teams, but this was my first choice. I still have lots to learn and I think this is the right place to do it. I already know a lot of the riders on the team and have seen how they take care of each individual rider and that's what nailed it for me in the end. I feel quite humble about joining such a big team and I don't' think it would be right for me to announce all sorts of big ambitions at this stage. First of all I'm just looking forward to racing for the best cycling team in the world,” announces Fuglsang, who is with Team Designa Køkken at the moment and will be representing Denmark at the Olympics in mountain bike. 

The new Scott/American Beef car in the San Sebastian race.
Photo © 2008 Fotoreporter Sirotti

Team CSC Saxo Bank
Juan José Haedo's Contract Extended for Three More Years
Team CSC Saxo Bank has extended the contract with Argentinean sprinter Juan José Haedo for another three years through till the 2011 season.

"JJ has become one of the fastest sprinters in the peloton and he's already won a whole bunch of victories for us. In my opinion, when he hits the right sprint, there aren't many who're able to beat him and he also has the potential to win stages in the big Tours. I'm happy that we'll get to see more of him during the next few seasons and it'll be interesting to se how he does. In JJ we have a true super sprinter as well as a rider, who's very popular among his team mates," says Bjarne Riis.

Haedo is one of the most winning riders in the peloton with seven victories this season after winning six already in his first season in Europe. But it is also worth noting that the 27-year-old Argentinean is not scared of pulling on his work clothes and making a big effort for his team mates at the front of the peloton, which we have seen this year in Tour of Denmark and other races as well.

"I'm happy to have this contract signed and sealed and Team CSC Saxo Bank is without question the very best place for me to be. I've already learnt so much over the last two seasons with the team, and I'm convinced that this is where the best opportunities lie for me to learn even more. The team spirit is unique here and even though I'd heard a lot of great things about the team beforehand I'm still surprised in a positive way," said Haedo before getting ready for the final stage of Tour of Denmark.

Haedo Celebrates 3 Year Contract Extension With a Victory
 Juan José Haedo celebrated his three-year extension today by winning the final stage in Tour of Denmark ahead of teammate Matti Breschel.

The peloton reached the end of the 165-kilometer route from Slagelse to Frederiksberg together and after Haedo had helped Breschel a couple of times earlier in the race it was the other way round this time and the Argentinean took a very convincing eight victory this season. Only six riders, one of them teammate Fabian Cancellara - have more UCI-victories in 2008!

"The advantage of having two sprinters like Haedo and Matti are that you can plan as you go along, who's strongest and today the right man for the job turned out to be JJ. It's a great example of our team spirit," said sports director Lars Michaelsen after the stage.

However in the general classification there was no hope for Team CSC Saxo Bank even though Lars Bak tried his best in a break with three others. It lasted until the very last lap in Frederiksberg, but during the final 20-30 kilometers it became clear that the four-some did not pose a threat to leader Jakob Fuglsang (Designa Køkken), who also ended up celebrating his brand new contract with Team CSC Saxo Bank with a victory in one of the biggest Danish sporting events of the year.

"Lars and the other three in the break actually managed to both split the riders from Designa Køkken and wear them out as well. He knew it was close to mission impossible but still he almost made it. Unfortunately Skil-Shimano and Glud & Marstrand Horsens also had an interest in catching the break so he had to give in at the end – but I gotta say he went down fighting," were the praising words for Bak from Michaelsen.

Gustav Larsson, Matti Breschel, Michael Blaudzun and Jason McCartney all finished in the top-eight overall. "Of course we would've preferred to win this one but we can't be disappointed after four stage wins, a victory in the Point's Competition for Matti as well as four guys in the top-eight," concluded Lars Michaelsen.

Paolo Bettini current Olympic and World Champ. Bettini rode an aggressive race in Spain this weekend looking in fine form... can he win the Olympic road race again later this week? Photo © 2008 Bart Hazen

Franco Pellizotti on Beijing Olympics
"I prepared myself in the best way and I like the route: I’ll be at disposal of the group. It’s a big honour be in the Azzurri’s team and the esteem of Ballerini is an incentive to do my best".

Quick Step
Wilfried Cretskens Leaves for La Francaise Des Jeux
Team Quick Step announces that after six years with the team, Wilfried Cretskens will be leaving. “The decision came around in these last days - explains Cretskens - It was a painful decision. Quick Step is like a family to me. In this group I’ve grown professionally and I’ve spent the better part of my career side by side with extraordinary champions with whom I’ve shared victories that I will always carry in my heart.”

Cretskens then further explained the latest developments that led to his decision. “A few days ago Philippe Gilbert called me and told me that there would be a possibility to race together next year. I’m 32 years old and this could be my last chance to try a new challenge, a new professional adventure. That's why I've chosen it. I’d like to thank all the guys from Team Quick Step, the sponsors and staff that are always there for all our needs.”

“We’re sorry to be losing Wilfried - emphasized Patrick Lefevere - “He’s been racing with me since 2001 and he’s always shown himself to be a great team player. But, I respect his will too. I wish Wilfried all the best and hope he can still enjoy a lot of personal success. Maybe this is just a “see you later” and not a good bye.”

Team CSC Saxo Bank
Three-Year Extension with Fabian Cancellara
This Friday the double time trial World Champ Fabian Cancellara has extended his contract with the Danish cycling team, Team CSC Saxo Bank for another three seasons until 2011.

"It means a lot to me that my future is secure with Team CSC Saxo Bank. This is where I belong and where I can reach my potential in the best possible way. When I reflect on the way I've evolved since joining the team and the things I've been through and everything the team and Bjarne have done for me, I'm totally convinced that I can be even better yet. Now I have the perfect horizon in relation to my career and I look forward to the next three years with my teammates and the results we're going to achieve together," says Fabian Cancellara.

"I'm incredibly happy and proud that we're extending with one of our absolute biggest profiles. Fabian is without question one of the best riders in the entire world and has been a part of some of the greatest results in the history of this team. What Fabian has achieved since he joined us is very unique and we're extremely lucky to have someone like him, who can win the great Spring Classics, is the best time trial rider in the world and at the same time both can and is willing to make an effort for the team – like here in the Tour. Apart from being an exceptional rider Fabian also has a fantastic personality and is great to work with. He's very popular amongst his teammates and he's presence is vital to the team in a social sense as well. With this extension we've take a crucial step towards the future for our team," says a happy Bjarne Riis.

The 27-year-old Swiss rider has no less than 46 victories under his belt -  nine of them in 2008 alone with Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo as the most prestigious. Other big victories are Paris-Roubaix 2006, the 2006 and 2007 World Championships in the time trial discipline, Monte Paschi Eroica 2008, Tour of Denmark 2006 as well as three stage wins in Tour de France, where he's also worn the Yellow Jersey for nine days.

• Discuss this race and the sport with other cycling fans from around the world on the Daily Peloton.com Forums and Chat Room.
• Sponsor the daily peloton & advertise your product - contact us.
• Do you have a passion for cycling and a yen to write? Join the Daily Peloton writers co-op.