Caisse d' Epargne/Illes Balears Team Ride 2006
New Pinarello Paris Carbon & Dogma FP
The new team ride from Pinarello for Valverde and company. The Team will ride the new Pinarello Paris Carbon and Magnesium Dogma FP... Photos of the bikes with a list of the gruppos and accessories that Miguel Echavarri's lads will take to the road.

Pinarello has decided to return to the sponsoring of the team of their old friend Josè Miguel Echavarri, with whom they won five consecutive Tours De France as bicycle sponsor for Miguel Indurain, leader of the legendary Banesto team.

After four years riding Pinarello's Opera brand, for the 2006 season, the Franco-Spanish team Caisse d’Epargne-Illes Balears will return to Cicli Pinarello.

Valverde with his new ride

The powerful team, headed by Spanish sensation Alejandro Valverde (winner of the 10th stage of the '05 Tour de France at Courchevel & silver medal in the '05 World Road Championships in Madrid) will ride Pinarello Paris Carbon FP & Pinarello Dogma FP models in 2006.

The Paris Carbon FP has a 46 HM 3K high modulus monocoque unidirectional carbon fibre frame, while the Pinarello Dogma FP has a AK61 magnesium alloy frame. Both models have the MO.s.t. 55mm oversize BB and Pinarello Onda carbon fibre fork and rear triangle. With Caisse d’Epargne as new title sponsor, there are all new colors for the team and for the team bikes, with an attractive and distinctive new red, white and black paint scheme that will stand out in any crowd.

Team photo with the Dogma

Other key members of the Caisse d’Epargne-Illes Balears are Russian rider Vladimir Karpets (7th at '05 Giro d’Italia)

Spanish talents Oscar Pereiro (winner of Stage 6th at '05 Tour de France ) and

TT sensation Ivan Gutierrez (Spanish TT champion silver medal in the '05 World TT Championships in Madrid) as well as talented 28 year old Italian climber Marco Fertonani.

Oscar Pereiro photo c Karen Lambrecht & www.dailypelton.com

Already this season, Caisse d’Epargne-Illes Balears has won races on their new Pinarello bicycles at the Trofeo Majorca and Tour Of the Mediterranean (Gutierrez). First big test of the year for Valverde will be on Saturday March 18th at Milano-Sanremo, where the Spaniard will be one of the favorites for victory.

Pinarello Paris Carbon FP Caisse d' Espargne/Illes Balears Team Bike

Technical Details:
Paris Carbon FP: 46HM 3K high modulus monocoque unidirectional carbon fibre frame with MO.s.t. 55mm oversize BB and Pinarello Onda carbon fibre fork and rear triangle.

Pinarello Dogma photo c Karen Lambrecht & www.dailypelton.com

Pinarello Dogma FP: AK61 magnesium alloy frame with MO.s.t. 55mm oversize BB and Pinarello Onda carbon fibre fork and rear triangle

Gruppo: Campagnolo Record 10 v
Wheels: Campagnolo Bora Ultra
Saddle: Selle Italia
Handlebars & Stem: Dedaelementi
Bottle Cage: Elite
Pedals: Look
Seatpost: Pinarello Carbon Top
Tubular Tyres: Deda Tre

The Tour - Tour de France Novel Meet the Author
Meet Dave Shields author of the award winning "The Race" and the new no holds barred sequel "The Tour" that confronts the issue of sports doping. Saturday in  the Daily Peloton Chat Room... Special Guest!! Tour de France veteran Marty Jemison will be joining us in the chat.

Meet Dave Shields the Author
Where:  Daily Peloton Chat Room
When:  Saturday February 18th on the eve of the Tour of California
11am Pacific Time USA, 12 noon Mountain time, 10 am Eastern. 20:00 Central European time.