Cycling News Today February 21 2006
T-Mobile at Geelong, Soeder Leads. Revolution 12, Cycling in the News, Tour of California in the News, T-Mobile at Tour of California Comments, Team Biovail, Major Motion Jr. Elite Team, Advocacy News: No Bike Paths No Building Permit! Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour in South Africa, Swiss Lab in Torino

Geelong Women's Tour
Christiane Soeder (Univega Pro Cycling Team) Leads
The Geelong Women's Tour started on Monday in Australia with a 8km time trial followed by an 30km afternoon criterium.

T-Mobile's Ina Teutenberg was in great form in the afternoon race, sprinting to second place - though she knew it could have been one better. "I was up there in the sprint," quipped Teutenberg post-race. "I just after one hundred and fifty metres, my legs couldn't do anything more and Rochelle just came flying by."

The picturesque yet demanding course on the Port Arlington waterfront saw competitors embark on thirty laps of the one kilometre street circuit and it was the New Zealanders who set a cracking pace from the outset.

"It was a very hard race," said T-Mobile sporting director Andrzej Bek. "Only 42 riders from 129 finished in the first group. Everything was going according to the plan until the final meters when Gilmore beat Ina by few centimeters. It was so close that the judges needed a few minutes before they could declare a winner."

Arndt tenth in opening time trial
Earlier Austria's Christiane Soeder (Univega Pro Cycling Team) won the 8 km time trial in Port Arlington, with T-Mobile's Judith Arndt placing tenth. After the road stage Soeder held onto the leaders jersey by a narrow three second margin from Oenone Wood (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung).

Ina Teutenberg lies tenth overall, 28 seconds adrift of Soeder, with Judith Arndt a further six seconds back in eleventh place. The season opening event, a crucial lead-up to this weekend's UCI Geelong Women's World Cup has brought together the biggest names in women's cycling, with the largest field yet assembled for the event, of 129 riders from 19 teams.
The tour continues tomorrow with a 76 kilometre road stage beginning at Barwon heads and concludes on Thursday with a 112 kilometre road stage, starting and finishing in the rural hamlet of Lara.

Revolution 12
Season 3 Ends in Style at Revolution 12
Revolution Season 3 ended in style with yet another superb night of racing at Revolution 12 on Saturday night. With more international riders than ever before, a junior sprint competition, the culmination of the Raleigh Future Stars and a farewell presentation for Jimmi Madsen there was more than enough action and entertainment to keep the Manchester Velodrome crowd on the edge of their seat.

The absence of Rob Hayles due to illness meant a reshuffling of the Madison teams with Matt Brammeier coming in to race with Alex Aeschbach which left Chris Newton paired up with Franco Marvulli. Riding for Science in Sport, Newton and Marvulli proved to be the most aggressive and focussed riders on the night taking victory in the 1km Madison Time Trial and the hard fought 20km Madison finale,

“Yeah, it was really tough” commented Marvulli after the Madison victory. “There were four teams at the beginning that took a lap and I told Chris to wait for a little bit and hope the bunch would get them back, but unfortunately they took the lap really quick. So we had to react. It was a really good performance from Chris who put me in some really good positions for the sprints."

The Madison was certainly a highlight going right to the wire where Marvulli knew he had to take the final sprint to ensure victory over Matt Gilmore and lljo Keisse, "I knew Iljo and Matt were really strong as they won last week in the six day Lotto-6-daagse and I knew I had to come from second position. It's really hard on this long track to go from the front so I hoped that Iljo and Matt get a little tired towards the end so I could jump them. It worked but it was really tight all the way!"

Another highlight was the farewell presentation for the retiring six day star Jimmi Madsen who made Revolution 12 his final race. In an emotional ceremony he received flowers, whiskey and a crystal decanter before revealing his retirement plans to commentator Mike Smith, “I've done at least a hundred and twenty six days races, so I will sleep for at least a year. It's strange to say goodbye," he concluded, "it's over and out from me."

In the Raleigh Future Stars Peter Kennaugh took the boys title with Lucy Richards winning the girls competition. Both these riders received a Raleigh team road bike and look set for a bright future ahead as part of British Cycling’s Olympic Development programme.

Raleigh Future Stars Decided at Revolution 12
One of the main reasons the Revolution Series was created at the Manchester Velodrome was to nurture young British cycling talent with the Future Stars competition. The Future Stars provides a competitive framework for our up and coming riders and provides them with the experience of riding in front a capacity crowd in one of the world’s premier Velodrome venues.

For season 3 the Future Stars has been sponsored by Raleigh, one of the UK’s best known cycling names. Raleigh’s involvement has meant that Future Stars competitions have been set up for both girls and boys. With Raleigh team road bikes up for grabs as first prize the competition this season has been intense with the winners being decided at Revolution12 on Saturday night.

In the girl’s competition the Welsh have dominated with Cardiff based rider Lucy Richards leading from the start. Richards took victory in the 5km Scratch Race on Saturday to secure overall victory ahead of Welsh team mates Katie Curtis and Alex Greenfield who finished second and third respectively.

“I’m very happy to have won the first Girls Future Stars” commented Richards. “It has been a fanatastic experience”. With a lot of racing ahead for Richards the future looks bright, “I’m first year junior this year so I will probably be doing the women’s national road series and I will do the women’s national track series again because I really enjoyed doing the track series last year. I will probably do the women’s national track champs again as well as the juniors track champs. I will just have to see how my training goes.”

In the boys competition a star of the future has definitely emerged with Peter Kennaugh providing and awesome display of racing and track skill to take overall victory, “I'm obviously delighted with my performance”, commented Kennaugh. “Riding in front of thousands of people who pack the velodrome once a month for the Revolution series is an amazing experience and to take the Future Stars victory is fantastic.”

Kennaugh won the Devil Endurance and the 5km Scratch Race at Revolution 12 to secure the title ahead of Welsh rider Rhys Lloyd and Scottish born Mark McNally

With Season 3 now over the organisers are looking ahead to season 4 with plans to make Revolution even bigger and better, “Season 3 has been a huge success,” commented James Pope from Face Partnership. “We are already making plans for the next season and hope to mix things up a bit to make the Revolution events even better. Dates will be confirmed very soon.”
Full Results of Revolution 12

The Cycling Revolution
Revolution was created in 2003 by Face Partnership and the Manchester Velodrome to provide a new style of cycling event in the UK, a style that would focus on action and entertainment to provide a unique night at the races.
Through an action packed alternative race programme over three hours spectators will see Olympic heroes such as Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins taking on challenges from some of the best cyclists in the world. The racing is fast and the atmosphere is electrifying with music and lighting effects enhancing the action. With numerous bars, food outlets and attractions around the concourse and in track centre it’s not just about the racing as Revolution provides a superb night of entertainment for all the family.
The Revolution is now in its third season and with more star riders and a unique theme to each event it continues to attract capacity crowds to the Manchester Velodrome.
Revolution is supported by: Manchester Velodrome - Manchester City Council – British Cycling – Manchester Evening News – Cycling Weekly – Raleigh – Science in Sport - Trek
Website – www.cyclingrevolution.com

T-Mobile Comments on Tour of California Stage 1
Kohl in King of Mountains Jersey Ready for Battle Today
Olaf Pollack claimed 2nd place in a thrilling sprint finish in the first ever road race stage of the Amgen Tour of California.
"It's a pity that Olaf couldn't quite edge it. The team did a great job for him and put him in a perfect position," quipped T-Mobile sporting director Brian Holm post-race.

The 131 KM stage began near the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in the town of Sausalito and ended in the scenic town of Santa Rosa, near the famous vineyards of Napa Valley.
The way to San Jose
T-Mobile's Austrian climbing specialist Bernhard Kohl retained the prestigious “King of the Mountains jersey earned in the race prologue on Saturday on the dramatic climb to Coit Tower in San Francisco.
Tuesday's 153 Km stage 2 contains the race’s toughest climb shortly before the stage finish in San Jose, where Kohl can expect hefty challenges for the climbers jersey from some big hitters like Gilberto Simoni, Paolo Salvedelli, Tom Danielson and others in the star-studded field.

The T-Mobile Team is in California with a team rich in young talent that presents American fans an opportunity to see riders who well may shine in the future.
Scott Davis (26/Australia), Bas Giling (23/Netherlands), André Greipel (23), Bernhard Kohl (24/Austria), André Korff (32), Olaf Pollack (32), Frantisek Rabon (22/Czech), Michael Rogers (26/Australia).
Sporting director: Brian Holm.

Team Biovail Starts 2006 on the Podium
Team Biovail’s first race of the season was a success in terms of results, fitness gauging and fun. The team spent a few days prior to the race training together in Phoenix and getting to know each other as we have had a few new riders join us this year. The training week prior to VOS was a roaring success with lots of good, intense rides and team-building work. Each rider brings a unique set of skills and qualities to the team so we were excited to see how the first race would go.

The first stage was a Time Trial, 22km in length and relatively flat on a cool, cloudy day. Team Biovail’s Anne Samplonius in 4th, Stephanie Bourbeau in 30th and Natasha Elliott in 31st after the stage.

The second stage was a road race; also on a relatively flat course but with one decent, 4 km climb. The wind whipped up today, being mostly a cross wind but a head wind going up the climb. Unfortunately, Stephanie was forced to withdraw after the first lap due to injury but Natasha and Anne were keen to make some things happen. Natasha attacked after the first lap, at the bottom half of the course, causing the group to break up. Natasha had an unfortunate crash just before the last lap and couldn’t rejoin the peloton. Anne sprinted for a solid 3rd place on the stage.

The game plan for the Crit on the third and final day of the race was for Anne to take it out fast to break things up and have Natasha attack to allow Anne to sit in for a few laps. With one lap to go, Anne found herself slightly boxed in by the group and searching for a good position. A small group got away off the front which was finally chased down and Anne finished a solid fifth on the day. Natasha finished with the main peloton.

Valley of the Sun 2006 was a satisfying start to the season for Team Biovail and a great starting point for Anne Samplonius who returns to cycling after a year in the Directeur Sportif’s seat. Anne finished on the podium, 3rd overall for Valley of the Sun, 2006. Podium photo

American Classic Sponsors Major Motion
Junior Elite Development Team
American Classic announces the wheel sponsorship of the Major Motion Junior Elite Development. A long time supporter of the team, American Classic provided the up and coming riders with 420 road wheels for the 2006 season.

“This is the perfect partnership for us,” said Bill Shook, American Classic president and engineer. “The Major Motion athletes are the ideal athletes to showcase our technologically innovative road wheels and show our commitment to junior cycling in North America.” The 420 road wheels were chosen for the team for their durability and responsiveness.

“Major Motion is targeting Sea Otter, Junior Nationals, Superweek and the Tour of L’Abitibi in 2006,” says team director Damon Turner, “and American Classic wheels give our riders a competitive edge.”

King’s Bicycle Store in Seal Beach, CA helped with the wheel delivery and bike set up for the team. Randall Araki, King’s general manager, supports Major Motion because “the focus is the kids. The riders are expected to have the same level of discipline in their riding and their education, and education comes first.”

The Major Motion elite team roster for for 17-18 juniors is Jake Chapman, Ricky Cruz, Austin Kirkland, Matt Skarin, Benny Volotsky and Justin Williams and
15-16 juniors is Alex Garcia, Frankie Albanez, Freddy Cruz, Ian Moir, and Juan Saldana.
For more information: Major Motion www.majormotion.org, American Classic www.amclassic.com and King’s Bicycle Store www.kingsbikes.com

Cycling in the News
Amgen Tour of California
KodakGallery.com/Sierra Nevada.
Contar Costa Times
Mercury News
Sharks' Thornton just another fan
Cold Climbin' it Cali' Style
Tour of California Off to Raucous Beginning

South Africa:
Kremetart Race's future not in the balance South Africa
Clown cycling around world to bring smiles to poor and sick

Advocacy News:
New Zealand Bike Wise Week
Children across Manukau City will learn to use their heads to put safety first during Bike Wise Week.
Rolling out this Sunday, the campaign teaches young cyclists the importance of wearing a helmet. “Tragic results occur when children don’t wear a helmet when riding their bike or their bike is unsafe,” says youth and school road safety coordinator Tania Tawhara. “We want to educate children to protect themselves.”

Working with local businesses and government bodies, the Manukau road safety team visits schools imparting bike education. “It’s important we encourage our children to get on their bikes, at the same time ensuring they do so as safely as possible,” says Ms Tawhara. “It’s not just about children, parents have a big role to play educating and encouraging their children.”

Go By Bike Day on March 1 promotes using two wheel vehicles instead of cars as a means of transport.
The Pohutukawa Coast Country Ramble goes into gear on March 2 at 6pm with participants of all skill levels negotiating the 8.4 km course around Umupuia Reserve at Duders Beach.

March Family Fun Day is designed to help build bike confidence at Lloyd Elsmore Park, March 4, 10am to 2pm.  Businesses can get involved in Bike Wise Week by entering teams in a competition to see who can rack up the highest number of biking minutes.
There are spot prizes of bicycles, bike gear and clothing, as well as a grand prize work shout on offer. For details about Bike Wise Week and events visit www.bikewise.co.nz

Edingburgh, Scotland
New Developments with no cycle paths face rough ride
Plans to build new homes, offices and shops face being blocked by planning chiefs unless they link into Edinburgh's off-road cycle network.
The tough new rules are being considered by the city council in a bid to combat the expected explosion in traffic levels in the Capital over the next 20 years.  Under the plans, developers would have to pay to build new cycle paths or provide good access to the Capital's existing off-road cycle paths as part of any new planning application.

The move comes as thousands of new homes, offices and shops are planned to be built across Edinburgh over the next few years, and especially in the waterfront area.
Currently, around five per cent of people use bikes to get to and from work - and the council wants this to rise to ten per cent by the end of the decade.
Cycle lobby groups today backed the proposed new rule, which they said would have helped improve the existing layout in areas such as Ocean Terminal had it been in place earlier.
Ian Maxwell, a member of cycling lobby group Spokes, said: "We have had both housing and commercial developments built very close to the cycle network, but they have not included any new links
Read the complete article.

Cape Argus - Cape Town Pick 'n' Pay Cycle Tour,
35,000 Riders - March 12th
March 12th is the date for Cape Town's annual Pick 'n' Pay Cycle Tour, promising all the spectacular scenery of the South African capital as well as a community of international cyclists.
Sponsored by daily newspaper Cape Argus, there are categories for tandems and unconventional cycles, as well as mountain bikes that mean business, and kids are catered for with the option of using a tricycle.
The 105km competition is open to anyone over the age of 12, and regularly attracts as many as 35,000 hopefuls from a wide range of different countries.
The route itself circles the famous Table Mountain, probably South Africa's most popular tourist attraction, providing extraordinary views of Cape Town, its bays and beaches.

A cable car carries around 600,000 people to the 1,086 flat summit every year, where some species of plants, including the Silver Tree, grow in conditions unmatched anywhere else in the world.
From the top of the mountain the cycling route can be seen in full, skirting the cape from False Bay, past the peninsula's Table Mountain National Park to the Atlantic Ocean side and up to Sea Point.

Riders to promote Cancer Awareness in ride to Capetown
A group of Cyclists cyclists will ride 1.400km from Carletoniville, Johannesburg to Cape Town as part of Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) awareness campaign this weekend.
Christa Roos, the event organizer said there would be health promotion activities to spread the awareness of a healthy lifestyle in reducing the risk of catching the signs and symptoms of cancer along the way.
The cyclists will be accompanied by the CANSA “toktokkie” character who will educate the children about healthy eating and exercising.
Cyclists will depart from Carletonville, Johannesburg on Saturday February 25, they are expected to arrive in Cape Town on March 8.
On arrival, the participants will also take part in the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, which is sponsored by the Anglo Gold Ashanti.
CANSA is celebrating its 75th year anniversary with the theme “75 years of fighting cancer to save lives”. Its two main function areas are cancer prevention programmes and patient care services.
For more information on CANSA, the public can phone toll free number 0800 22 66 22.

Olympic WADA
Swiss scientists are testing blood samples during the Turin Olympics on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
While urine samples are being analysed by Italian experts, scientists at the Lausanne-based doping analysis laboratory are responsible for blood testing on athletes. In total 50 analysts will work night and day on the samples.
The Swiss team, led by Martial Saugy, is based at a Turin hospital centre and is working closely with an Italian laboratory.
At the opening ceremony the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, called on athletes to "compete in a spirit of fair play, mutual understanding and respect, and above all, to compete cleanly by refusing doping".
But just six days after the first Olympic event, the IOC announced the first positive test for a banned substance.
The Russian biathlete Olga Pyleva was stripped of her silver medal and excluded from further competition as stringent anti-doping checks came into effect.

Good reputation
The Swiss laboratory is attached to the Lausanne University institute for forensic medicine.
Saugy said the fact that his team had been asked to analyse tests showed that their reputation in the field had been established.  "It is recognition of the work carried out over a number of years by our laboratory," the biologist told swissinfo.
But Saugy said that while it was the Wada's decision to call in Swiss help, this had to be agreed with the Turin Games organisers, Toroc, and the IOC.
"The decision to send a foreign team to the Olympic venue was not readily accepted by the Italian government and Toroc," he said. "The IOC normally only deals with the one doping body selected by the organisers," Saugy said, adding that his colleagues from the Italian laboratory had been very cooperative and had made sure the Swiss were accepted in Turin.

Samples
Under Italian law, the samples cannot be sent to Switzerland for analysis. The Swiss laboratory was obliged to prove that it would obtain the same results from testing in Turin as it would at home.
Another problem was that the equipment needed for the testing had to brought into Piedmont at the expense of the Lausanne laboratory.Eight Swiss analysts are working on the project, which will earn the Lausanne laboratory around €100,000 (SFr156,000). "We aren't here for the money," concluded Saugy. "Rather we're here for the challenge and the important contacts we can make. What's more, being accredited to the Games is great publicity for us."