Cycling News Today 20 February 2006
Perez Leads UCI America Tour, Toyota/United Pro Team Comments on ToCA Prologue, Governor presents Jerseys, Apple ipods nano? Colavita-Spokepost.com Team announcement, ToCA photos, Vuelta Independencia, Aussie Jr. Track Worlds Selection.

Pedro Pablo Perez takes lead of the UCI Continental America Tour.

With his 4th victory in the Vuelta a Cuba, Pedro Perez takes the leaders jersey for the UCI Continental America Tour.

Shown here in the leaders jersey of the Vuelta a Cuba in a photo by Angel Yu.

AY-Pedro-Pablo-Perez lider del america Tour foto: Angel Yu
hasta la proxima Jose Manuel Zabala Cardenas www.zciclismo.blog.com

Amgen Tour of CA & Apple iPods nano
Tour riders each received a new Apple iPod nano. The riders warming up, were all smiling and appearing to enjoy their new toys.

Fabian Cancellara wired up and warming up
photo c. Mark Adkison and www.dailypeloton.com

CSC's Jens, Fabian, Karsten Kroon with their nano's
photo c. Mark Adkison and www.dailypeloton.com

Phonak with their nano's photo c. Mark Adkison and www.dailypeloton.com

The Governor  and Leipheimer photo c. Mark Adkison and www.dailypeloton.com

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Presents the First Tour of California Jerseys
Governor Schwarzenegger discussed the positive impact of the race on statewide tourism and its charity partners, Best Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of intellectually disabled individuals, and The Wellness Community, an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education and hope for all people affected by cancer.

“This race not only brings world-class cycling competition to our great state, but it showcases some of the most beautiful places to visit in California, from the pristine coast to modern, urban landscapes,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “In addition to displaying the diversity of California’s landscape, this event benefits two incredible organizations. Best Buddies and The Wellness Community work daily to better the lives of others and are an example to us all of what it truly means to give back to our communities.”
In a podium presentation featuring California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leipheimer was presented with the first Amgen Leader Jersey.
Julich wears the Clif Bar Sprint Jersey for tomorrow's start in Sausalito. 
Bernhard Kohl (AUT) of T-Mobile Team earned the California Travel and Tourism King of the Mountain Jersey by posting the fastest split from the turn onto Lombard Street to the finish line. 
Colavita Oliva/Sutter Home's Zachary Grabowski (USA) earned the Union Bank Best Young Rider Jersey, designated for the best-placed rider under the age of 23.

Toyota/United Pro Cycling Team off to a Strong Start
Heath Blackgrove Kiwi TT Champ takes 14th for top finish for Continental Domestic Pro Teams
Chris Baldwin Finishes 23rd to Anchor "America's Team"
First Race Day Results For The Tour of California
Heath Blackgrove of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team, sped to a strong finish today, placing 14th in the 1.9 mile opening stage of the Tour of California.
The Prologue included an unprecedented field of riders from more than 25 countries, the strongest field ever assembled on American soil. Blackgrove's win was the highest placed finish of all continental domestic pro cycling teams.

Heath Blackgrove warming up...photo c. Toyota/United Pro

Blackgrove, the two-time New Zealand National Road and Time Trial Champion, completed the hilly San Francisco ride in 5'07" – 14 seconds behind the pace set by top stage winner Levi Leipheimer, who led the way with a 4’53” finish.
“It was a good course, it was tough,” said Blackgrove. “Normally a prologue is flat, no hills. Today there was a hill but the course was still very short – so I tried to go full out the whole way. I may have lost a bit of time on the hill but I’m feeling good about the results. I hope to build on this as the Tour goes on.”

The Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team also got a boost from current U.S. National Time Trial Champion Chris Baldwin who finished 23rd amid the pack of elite riders with a 5’10” time to help anchor the new team.
“I was happy with my effort,” said Baldwin. “I was a little behind where I wanted to be. But, this is like the kick off at a football game; I think the whole team will improve as the race goes on. Heath had a really strong ride and there’s a lot of potential for Toyota-United as we head to Santa Rosa.”

Chris Baldwin photo c. Toyota/United Pro

Team Directors Frankie Andreu and Harm Jansen were also satisfied with the day’s results.
“Considering the fact that we are a first year team, and this is our very first race of the season, Heath and Chris did well,” said Team Director Harm Jansen. “This is a very promising start, the guys will only get better.”
Added Andreu, “We expected good results from Heath coming off his summer season in New Zealand. He didn’t disappoint us.”

The Tour of California marks Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team’s first public appearance since the team’s official launch on Feb. 7. The team’s presence at the Tour of California includes a giant expo tent that will capture thousands of cycling fans’ interest featuring a look at the new 2006 Toyota RAV4, the team’s limited edition team issue bicycle by United Bicycles, a team video, a life-size standup of the team (a crowd favorite), a retail store including apparel and team merchandise, and membership kiosks allowing fans to become a part of the Toyota-United team.

The Toyota-United cyclists at the Stage One starting line will include: Baldwin, Blackgrove; former U.S. Olympian Tony Cruz; Pan Am Games Champion Ivan Dominguez; top U.S. mountain climber Justin England; former Multi-US National Champion and three-time World Champion medalist Mariano Friedick; former Mexican National Champion Jose Manuel (Chepe) Garcia and four-time Argentinean National Champion Juan Jose Haedo.

Ivan Dominguez c photo Mark Adkison/ www.dailypeloton.com

Following are today’s Prologue results for the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team:
14th BLACKGROVE Heath 05'07"
23rd BALDWIN Christopher 05'10"
64th ENGLAND Justin 05'21"
71st GARCIA José-Manuel 05'24"
91st CRUZ Antonio 05'29"
98th HAEDO Juan José 05'33"
112th FRIEDICK Mariano 05'44"
120th DOMINGUEZ Ivan 05'52"

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.: Toyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates ten manufacturing plants including one under construction. There are more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the U.S. which sell more than 2 million vehicles a year. Toyota directly employs over 32,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $13 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.
About United Pro Cycling Team, LLC: Based in Newport Beach, California, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Cycling, L.L.C, United Pro Cycling Team is owned and operated by Sean Tucker. Comprised of some of the top cycling talent in the country, it is positioned to be the premier cycling team in America. In addition to its racing team, United Cycling, L.L.C, wholly
owns and operates United Bicycles, L.L.C. and United Cycling Foundation, Inc. a charitable
foundation established to raise awareness and funds for American causes including homelessness and the environment.

27th Vuelta Independencia of the Dominican Republic
February 25 to March 5 1092 km
The Venezuelan Federation of Cycling (FVC) continues its preparation for the Central American Games XX and of the Caribbean of Colombia 2006 after the success of the Venezuelan team at the Tour of Cuba.
The Venezuelan team is firm in its commitment to do contest the Vuelta Independencia organized by the  Dominican Federation of Cycling (FEDOCI)
The Vuelta runs from February 25 until March 05, covering nine stages in  1092 km  around the Dominican Republic island nation with two days of double stages with ITT and road races on the same day.

XXVII Vuelta Independencia Nacional de Republica Dominicana
Caracas (zciclismo) La Federación Venezolana de Ciclismo (FVC) continúa su  preparación para los XX Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe de Colombia 2006 luego de la excelente participación del combinado nacional el recién finalizada XXXI Vuelta Ciclista a Cuba, el ciclismo nacional sigue en el caribe concretamente en Republica Dominicana para correr la Vuelta Independencia Nacional organizada por la Federación Dominicana de Ciclismo (FEDOCI)
La vigésima séptima Vuelta Independencia Nacional evento que se disputara  del 25 de febrero al 05 de marzo, que recorrerá la isla en 1092 Km. en nueve vibrantes etapas con dos divididas en dos sectores entre ellas una
contrarreloj individual.

Venezuelan National Team:
Riders, Corredores:
Franklin Molina (Bar.),
Frederick Segura (Car.)
Richard Ochoa (Car.),
Víctor Moreno (Coj)
Daniel García (Tru)
Artur García (Tac)
D.S., Asistencia Técnica: Director Deportivo: Antonio Ríos,
Mechanic, Mecánico: Freddy Vargas
Masseur, Masajista: Porfirio Ortega.
Teams:
Además de la selección Venezuela participarían seleccionados de las Federaciones de:
Cuba, El Salvador, Ecuador, Kazajstán, Islas Vírgenes, Puerto Rico, los comité regionales (regional teams from) de Guadalupe y Martinica, y lo clubes
International Teams (internacionales): San German-Cycling de Puerto Rico, California Team y AEG-Toshiba-Jet Newoord Pro Cycling de Estados Unidos (USA), los cuales se sumara a los nacionales: Aro y Pedal, Fénix, Mauricio Báez, Areperos, Arco Iris, Santiago, La Vega , San Cristóbal, La Romana , Moca y San Juan en pos del titulo.

FEDERACIÓN DOMINICANA DE CICLISMO
XXVII VUELTA INDEPENDENCIA NACIONAL 2006
Etapa feb/mar Actividades - Itinerario Km.
Congresillo 24 Velódromo Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte en Santo Domingo
I 25 Santo Domingo – La Romana 114
II 26 San Pedro de Macorís – Santo Domingo 135
III 27 San Cristóbal – Barahona 161
IV 28 Barahona – Bani 121
V-A 01 Santo Domingo – Bonao 80
V-B 01 Bonao – San Francisco de Macorís  90
VI 02 Moca – Mao 161
VII-A 03 Santiago de Los Caballeros (C.R.I.) 20
VII-B 03 Santiago de Los Caballeros – Jaraboca  90
VIII 04 La Vega – Santo Domingo 121
IX 05 Santo Domingo circuito Quinto Centenário 120
Hasta la proxima: Jose Manuel Zabala Cardenas www.zciclismo.blog.com

New New York Regional Team Announced
Colavita-Spokepost.com
SYRACUSE, NY -- The newly formed amateur cycling team, Colavita-SpokePost.com CNY Region bike racing team, has announced it's roster for the 2006 racing season. The team consists of riders from a variety of categories whom are based throughout the Central New York Region near Syracuse, NY.

"We would like to build a solid support structure in the Syracuse, NY area to help grow grassroots amateur cycling in a similar manner to what we've seen happen in the Rochester and Buffalo New York regions over the past few years. Racing is really thriving, in Rochester especially, thanks to the efforts of GVCC and people like Todd Scheske who are putting together fantastic racing programs. Essentially, I feel like we're the beginnings of a support system for the greater Syracuse area. We hope our excitement of having our new sponsor, Colavita, can translate into a successful road and cyclocross season.", said team member Matt Howey.

The 2006 Colavita-SpokePost.com CNY Region
Cycling Team Roster
CATEGORY 2 ROSTER
Jeremy Burton
Scott Hannan
Andy Melnychenko
Peter Ozolins

CATEGORY 3 ROSTER
Geoffrey Bergmark
David Faso
Brendan Flannigan
Scott Grimshaw
Brian Hahn
Rob Hanlon
Matt Howey
William Nicholson
Seth Torrice
Robert Walters
Ray Woodford

CATEGORY 4/5 ROSTER
Tim Bingham
Noel Bonk
John Compton
Jason Haight
Greg Low
Bryan Morgan
Marcello Pratico
Andrew Ross
Eric Schepis
Jeremy Wickham