Cycling News Roundup 2 March 2006
Catching up after the Tour of California, Cunegos Bike, Scott Bleifer Scholarship Fund, LAF LIVESTRONG Challenge, Advocacy News, Regional News, Braveheart Cycling Fund, Sponsorship Announcements, Bike Biz News...

Catching up after the Tour of California:
Recent Race Reports and Interviews around the world, while our attention was on the Tour of California for the last 10 days:
GP Chiasso (1.1)
GP Lugano (1.1) Updated with photos
61st Omloop Het Volk (1.HC)
59th Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2006 (1.1)
Memorial Samyn at Fayt le Franc
26th Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia - Stage 1
32nd Volta ao Algarve - Stage 5
32rd Volta ao Algarve - Stages 3 and 4
32nd Volta ao Algarve - Stage 2
Classico Haribo 2006
Vuelta a Cuba XXXI Final
52nd Ruta del Sol / Tour of Andalusia Stage 5 Updated
43rd Trofeo Laiguelia
Caisse d' Epargne/Illes Balears Team Ride 2006
Amgen Tour of California Official Result G.C.

Interviews, Humor & Arts:
Tyler Hamilton Interview Part 1
Interview with Viatislav Ekimov
Interview with Bobby Julich
Henderson and Roulston: Double Your Kiwi Fun
Michael Barry of Discovery Channel Team Interview
Eric Dekker (Rabobank) Interview
David Richter - Bear Claws & Burritos
The Tour, Tour de France Novel - Author Interview
The Tour: A Book Review by Marty Jemison
The Tour Chapter 1 of the Sequel to the Novel The Race

A Hundred “Clones” of Cunego’s bike
Wilier Triestina has produced a hundred test bikes for those who want to try for free a Le Roi just like the one of the Italian champion
Since March 2006 at the European retailers of Wilier Triestina anyone can try a Le Roi just like the one of Damiano Cunego. For this new promotion the Venetian bicycle brand has produced a hundred monocoque test bikes with the Team Lampre Fondital colours and all the technical solutions required by the winner of Giro d’Italia 2004.

In Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux if you want to try the emotion of riding a Le Roi for free you just have to ask a Wilier Triestina dealer and jump on the test bike available for this purpose.

“Le Roi is both stiff and very light – said Damiano Cunego during Lampre Fondital’s training camp in Montecatini -. These features make of this model the ideal bike for hard races like the classics of the North”.
Although this item will be of little use to those of us not in Europe, our European readers might like to test Cunego's ride.

Bennati wins Volta a la Comminitat Valenciana
It’s Lampre-Fondital’s day the last day of Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, thanks to Daniele Bennati, who won the last stage (Valencia-Valencia di 176 km). The Italian cyclists reached the finish line with 4” on his teammate Danilo Napolitano.

The strong wind influenced the race. The peloton broke into several groups: three Lampre-Fondital’s racers (Bennati, Napolitano and Vila) succeeded in remaining in the first group with other 11 cyclists (also Petacchi); caught Merckx at 1 kms from the finish line, Bennati sprang forward and reached the finish line alone.
The sprint of the followers was won by Danilo Napolitano, who obtain the second place for the third time in this Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. Completed Lampre-Fondital’s beautiful day the 5th place in overall ranking of Patxi Vila (the Spanish Colom is the winner).

“Bennati and Napolitano raced a very good race," explained a satisfied Guido Bontempi,  "They were able to remain in the first group and there were few kilometers left they talked to each other and decided for Daniele’s attack. All went right, but it was also ready Danilo’s sprint”.
Good news also from Switzerland, where Matteo Carrara obtained a good 4th place: Lampre-Fondital’s cyclist reached the finish line with other 15 athletes, with 30” gap from the winner Wielinga and with 7” from his followers Rebellin and Bertagnolli.
“I saw a brilliant team," commented the sport director Maurizio Piovani. "We worked well all day long and Carrara’s result satisfied us. We’ll try to do our best also tomorrow in Gp Lugano."

German women's cycling champion Ina Teutenberg will be looking to continue her good start to the World Cup, as the series heads to Wellington this week for the second leg.

Teutenberg took out the first leg in Geelong yesterday (Sunday), in a sprint finish from Japan's Miho Oki and Australian Kate Bates.
Tamara Boyd was the best of the New Zealand riders, finishing 9th, while Joanne Kiesanowski, riding for her European professional team, finished 10th, Catherine Sell was 20th, Susie Wood 29th, Toni Bradshaw 46th and Sarah Ulmer 48th.

World number one, Australian Oenone Wood , who took out the preceding three-day Geelong tour, finished back in 41st place.
The riders arrive in Wellington Monday and Tuesday will ride in a parade through the central city, starting from Parliament at 12:30pm, followed by a Mayoral Reception at Civic Square.
All 124 riders will compete in the three-day Trust House Cycle Tour, starting with a criterium around the Lower Hutt CBD on Wednesday evening. On Thursday stage two takes the riders from Martinborough to Masterton and in the evening they ride the third stage, a criterium around the Masterton CBD. The tour heads to Wellington on Friday for the fourth stage time trial around the Miramar Peninsula.
The riders have a day off on Saturday and on Sunday ride in the second leg of the World Cup, around a circuit in central Wellington, starting and finishing in the grounds of Parliament.
For further information please contact:
Race Director: Jorge Sandoval 0274 464 300 / 563 8904
Event Director: Eddie Bright 04 460 9692 / 021 891 006

Union Bank Foundation Donates $25,000 for Scott Bleifer Scholarship Fund
Check Presented to President of Velo Club LaGrange and Family of Local Cyclist and Santa Monica Resident Killed on Pacific Coast Highway Last September
A check for $25,000 from the Union Bank of California Foundation was presented to the President of Velo Club LaGrange and the family of Scott Bleifer to establish a scholarship program in honor of the well-known cyclist and former Union Bank employee who was killed last September while training for a bike race on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Bleifer had been training for the Arthritis Foundation's Amgen California Coast Classic, an eight-day, 500-mile charity ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that was just 14 days after he was struck by a catering truck. The collision also killed another avid cyclist Stanislav Ionov, 46, of Calabasas. More than 400 local riders gathered for a 40 mile ride last October to honor the memories of these two fallen riders.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide scholarships to deserving students. Scott had a tremendous passion for his work and for cycling and this is something that the Union Bank of California Foundation can do to keep Scott's wonderful spirit alive," said John Stephan, a senior vice president with Union Bank.

"This generous scholarship is a solid example of the community support for Scott and his life, his legacy and his love of cycling and to honor those who continue to demonstrate a commitment to furthering the cause of cyclist and road safety in Southern California, said LaGrange board member Dan Weinberg. "Union Bank has done a truly wonderful thing by supporting future generations of cyclists. In the face of this tragedy, all kinds of people are pulling together to change dangerous road conditions that put cyclists and drivers in harm's way."

Bleifer, 41, was a resident of Santa Monica and an active member of the Velo Club LaGrange. He had worked as a vice president at Union Bank since l992, handling real estate transactions in the special assets division. He was a graduate of Beverly Hills High School and received his undergraduate degree from University of California at San Diego and a master's degree in real estate development from USC.

About Union Bank of California: Based in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation (NYSE:UB) is a bank holding company with assets of $49.4 billion at December 31, 2005. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank of California, N.A., had 315 banking offices in California, three in Washington, and one in Oregon at December 31, 2005. The company's Web site is located at www.uboc.com.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Introduces LIVESTRONG® Challenge
Cycling Series Adds Walk, Run and Nike 10//2 Training
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) today introduced the 2006 LIVESTRONG Challenge presented by Nike, a series of fundraising events in five cities across the country supporting the LAF's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
While the LIVESTRONG Challenge maintains the LAF's previously scheduled signature LIVESTRONG cycling event, the addition of a 10K run and a 5K run/walk will allow people of all ages and physical abilities to participate and raise funds for cancer survivors.

The 2006 LIVESTRONG Challenge will take place in Orange County, Calif. (June 25); Portland, Ore. (July 30); Denver, Colo. (Aug. 20); Philadelphia, Pa. (Sept. 10); and Austin, Texas (Oct. 8). The LAF encourages individuals and teams to register online at www.livestrongchallenge.org, raise funds in their local communities and participate in one of the regional Challenge events to support the LAF's advocacy, public health and research programs.

"When Lance was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer, he was presented with the greatest challenge of his life. He faced that challenge and won," said Mitch Stoller, LAF president and chief executive officer. "Now Lance has accepted a new challenge to make cancer a national priority and he needs all people -- walkers, runners, riders, volunteers, donors -- to rise to the challenge and join in this fight."

Registration for the walk, run or ride is $50, which now includes Nike 10//2 training -- 10 weeks of training held twice a week in each Challenge city, prior to the event. Additionally, each participant will receive personal fundraising coaching, Web site tools and an individual Web page to track fundraising progress.

In addition to the one-time registration fee, walkers and runners are required to raise a minimum of $50, and riders must raise at least $500. Any participant raising a minimum of $15,000 will receive an invitation to the Ride for the Roses Weekend, an exclusive event for the LAF's most enthusiastic supporters, scheduled for Oct. 13-15, 2006, in Austin, Texas.

Funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Challenge will enable the LAF to continue helping cancer survivors in Challenge host cities and across the nation with the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the LAF has invested nearly $6.3 million in cancer survivorship programs and research in California, Oregon, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Texas.

"Approximately 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The LIVESTRONG Challenge allows people to do something bold in the face of this disease," Stoller said. "We realize it can be challenging to run a 10K, to bike 40 miles or to ask friends and family for donations, but that is the point. We want participants to challenge themselves and their friends and families to make a difference for cancer survivors. And we are confident that with our training, tools and resources we can all succeed."
To register or to learn more about the LIVESTRONG Challenge, call 888.4.CHALLENGE [888.424.2553] or visit www.livestrongchallenge.org.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation: The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. We help people with cancer focus on living; we believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.livestrongchallenge.org.

Advocacy News:
Georgia Cycles to the Capitol
Tuesday March 7th
Mayors and cyclists ride in support of a bicycle friendly state.
Several hundred cyclists including Roswell Mayor Jere Wood and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin will be taking to the streets and riding to the State Capitol in support of improved conditions for bicycling in Georgia.

This recreational bike ride, called Georgia Rides To The Capitol, will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2006 beginning at 10 a.m. The cyclists will leave Roswell City Hall, traveling 21 miles down Roswell Road and Peachtree Street, before stopping at the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta.

The cyclists will have a police motorcycle escorts and are expected to reach the Capitol between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Mayor Wood will ride from Roswell and Mayor Franklin will join riders in Atlanta.
Once they arrive, registered riders will be treated to a lunch with select legislators and Governor Sonny Perdue (expected).
Georgia Rides To The Capitol is sponsored by the City of Roswell, Bike Roswell!, Georgia Bikes!, Willy’s Mexicana Grill, Roswell Bicycles, and CycleWorks. For more information, please visit the www.RoswellGov.com, www.BikeRoswell.com, www.GeorgiaBikes.org.

Sponsorships and Rider Signings:
USA CYCLING RENEWS SPONSORSHIPS
 USA Cycling is proud to announce the renewal of sponsorships for 2006 with Specialized, Shimano, SRM, Continental Tire, Clif Bar, Training Peaks, Defeet, Excel Sports, Park Tools Co. and Pedro’s.
Specialized returns as the official bicycle, helmet, optical, shoe and apparel sponsor of all of USA Cycling’s Under-23 programs. The company’s agreement with USA Cycling also provides generous financial support for these teams through the 2008 Beijing Olympic Summer Games.
For more than 15 years, Shimano has provided bicycle components to the U.S. National Team, the USAC Under-23 program, the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series and National Championship events. In 2006, Shimano will financially support the NORBA Series, as well as provides neutral support at select events.
“Rider development is a key component of Shimano’s efforts in sponsorship,” said Shimano consumer marketing manager Jasen Thorpe. “We believe it is our responsibility to help create the next generation of athletes and heroes, and it is essential that we support the infrastructure of the sport as well, ensuring quality competition. Competition, after all, is the ultimate proving ground for both riders and equipment.”
The mechanics that support all of the USA Cycling teams also continue to receive strong support from Pedro’s, Excel Sports and Park Tools.
Pedro’s is in its fourth year of sponsorship with USA Cycling. The company supplies lubricants to the U.S. National Team.
Excel Sports Boulder will make 2006 its tenth year of sponsorship. As one of the largest bicycle mail order catalog and internet companies in the nation, Excel specializes in hard to find items from around the world. As part of their sponsorship agreement, Excel will provide mail order products for USA Cycling teams.
Park Tools, the world’s largest bicycle tool manufacturer, will supply USA Cycling teams and mechanics with bicycle tools and stands. Park Tool has been the leading manufacturer of bicycle tools since 1963, and USA Cycling has enjoyed the company’s products since the early 1990’s when they began supplying to USAC teams and mechanics.
Cycling Peaks and Training Peaks join USA Cycling as software sponsors for a third year in a row. Cycling Peaks provides software for power analysis of cycling athletes, whereas Training Peaks provides a Web-based platform for coaches to write training programs for their athlete
Clif Bar has extended its previous sponsorship of the women’s program to include the provision of products for the track and Under-23 programs.
Defeet has arranged to provide socks and undershirts for the Under-23 programs.
Continental Tire, a long-time supporter of USA Cycling programs, will provide tires for the track program.
SRM has agreed to continue providing power meters for USA Cycling teams.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of our longtime sponsors, “said USA Cycling chief executive office Gerard Bisceglia.” The level of both loyalty and support they have shown over the years has been tremendous and are important to the continued growth and success of American cycling.”
About USA Cycling: Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 54,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information visit www.usacycling.org or contact, USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.

Muffin Signs With Cannondale
George Ryan Rolls with a New Crew
After a breakthrough season, dropping the jaws of the freeride world at the end of “Counterparts” DVD, George Ryan joins Aaron Chase, Mick Hannah, Chris Van Dine, Carlo Deickman and Wayne Goss on board Cannondale.
“Cut off denim jackets, Rodney James Dio, combined with nose-dive 360s and sick flairs—the guy just rides loud and people notice. He’s the east coast’s biggest secret” says Cannondale veteran Aaron Chase. “George will put himself on the map in one lump sum, his vision is like no other. Keep your eyes on this kid, he is ready to rock n’ roll.”

“My first real mountain bike was a Cannondale back in the day.  I had a Super V and have owned two others since,” Says Ryan. “I’ve always respected the Cannondale brand and what they have done for the riders that have been part of the Cannondale family over the years.”

True to the 26, 100% mountain bike rider, never ridden BMX or moto. A Long Island native, everything George knows comes from mountain biking. And, while his focus is on freeride, he’s also got some skills on the downhill bike with 2 New York State DH Championship titles in his portfolio.

Starting this season, Ryan will be rolling on a new Cannondale Judge DH, with 220mm of staged travel and big-hit construction, along with a Prophet MX and Chase—all built to his spec.
“I’d also like to give a quick shout out to: DIABLO FREERIDE PARK, DH-Productions, Manitou, Utopia Optics, SIC, E13, Industry Nine, LD Designs, and Maxxis,” Says Ryan. “It feels like I’ve finally made the cut.”

Regional News:
Jack Frost Time Trial
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Vancouver, Washington: 12.4-mile course
Results
Men Category Pro/1/2
1 Morgan, Justin -Broadmark Capital 25:30.92
2 Hosmer, Seth -CMG Racing 25:39.37
3 Archibald, Derik -Valley Athletic Club 26:07.98
4 Elken, Evan -Jittery Joe's 26:34.16
5 Freyensee, James -Easton/Specialized 26:34.68
6 Bodony-Johnson, Devin -Broadmark Capitol/Hagens Berman 26:44.75
7 Ollerenshaw, Doug -Health Net/Maxxis 27:16.79
8 buchhlz, brant -Therapeutic Associates 27:22.63
9 Miller, Derl -bicycleattorney.com 27:26.61
10 Drake, Peter -Fred Meyer 27:27.16

Women Category 1/2/3
1 Duff, Miranda CPT-Colnago Pro 29:47.97
2 Fisk, Andrea CMG Racing 30:40.15
3 Troxell, Megan Unattached 31:33.50
4 Walsh, Martha First Rate Mortgage 31:45.84
5 Van Valkenburg, Heather Team Rubicon 31:48.74
6 Ashlock, Susan Byrne Specialty Gases 31:53.63
7 Ford, Erin Disco Velo 32:35.58
8 Scott, Jennifer Disco Velo 33:09.43

Scotland: Braveheart Cycling Fund
Don Smith Memorial Ride - Sunday 5th March 2006
Organised by Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club on behalf of the Braveheart Cycling Fund to raise funds for the Braveheart Fund and Accord Hospice, the Don Smith Memorial Ride is a cycling event open to cyclists of all levels of capability.
Sunday 5th March 2006,
Erskine Sports Centre, Bridgewater Centre, Erskine, Scotland PA8 7AA
Event registration from 08:30 on the day.
Early registration will ensure your place. Route maps will be available on the day, full use of sports centre facilities: changing rooms, lockers, showers, on-site car parking.
Food and drinks available at the sports centre following the rides.
On the day, the Ride HQ can be contacted on cellphone 07887 596 638
What does it cost to take part?
The entry fee is £7.50. All profits and any donations to the charities below.
Three rides
Start Distance Format Route
09:30 70 miles Quick Red Smiddy, Bishopton, Greenock, West Kilbride, etc.
10:00 50 miles Moderate Red Smiddy, Bridge of Weir, Lochwinnoch, Kilbirnie, Largs, Wemyss Bay, Cloch, West Ferry, Bishopton, Erskine.
10:30 30 miles Sociable Red Smiddy, Bishopton, Clune, Bridge of Weir, Erskine.
Register here.
Event Safety
The Don Smith Memorial Ride is not a race; there are no prizes for the fastest!
While out on the course, riders should travel in groups of no more than 30 and follow the Highway Code at all times. Each group will have an appointed leader who will ensure that groups do not come together into one large bunch.There will be vehicle backup for each ride in case of mechanical failures etc. Although the use of a safety helmet is not compulsory, we strongly recommend that you wear one at all times throughout the event. Each participant is responsible for the maintenance of their bike and we would recommend that you carry a spare tube or puncture repair kit.
Cyclists below the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult..
Braveheart Cycling Fund http://www.braveheartfund.com

Cycling Biz News:
“Raleigh America Realigns and Bolsters its Product Team
Builds on current momentum and strengthen its brands through product.”
Chris Speyer: New Director of Group Product Development
Raleigh America, Inc. made a series of announcements today as part of realignment and strengthening of their Product Team. Raleigh America’s President Steve Meineke announced that Chris Speyer has joined the company as Director of Group Product Development, and the relocation of company and industry veteran Brad Hughes to Taiwan in a new role called RAD (Raleigh Asian Development). In his new role Speyer will report directly to Meineke, and will be leading the Raleigh America Product Team at the upcoming Taipei Cycle Show.

In making today’s announcements Meineke said, "With Chris joining the company and having Brad working for us in Asia, we are positioned to take a major step toward fulfilling the company’s tremendous potential, and building on the success of the 2005 and 2006 product lines. We are taking our capabilities in product development and sourcing to a new level and believe these changes will result in Raleigh America providing even more value, quality, and innovation to our dealers and consumers.”

Speyer has most recently been Director of Product and Planning for World Wide Cycle of Islandia, NY. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, his background includes retail experience in the bicycle and sporting goods channels, and product development and sourcing in Asia. An avid cyclist, 24-hour endurance racer, and adventure race participant, Speyer said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team at Raleigh America. The Raleigh and Diamondback brands are synonymous with innovation, quality, and value. Steve Meineke has assembled a great team to lead the company into the future, and I’m really proud to be a part of it.” Speyer will soon relocate to the Seattle area, “My family and I believe that the Pacific Northwest is a great place to live, and it fits perfectly with our outdoor lifestyle,” he added.

About Mr. Speyer joining the company Meineke said, “Dealers have recently recognized Raleigh America for providing great competitive value and dealer margins and now we are looking to Chris to provide the expertise and leadership to improve and expand our product development capabilities in order to provide our dealers more exciting and innovative products."

Raleigh America’s Product Team includes a bike group and a parts and accessories group, both of which will report to Chris. The bike group includes Kyle Casteel, Raleigh Product Manager, Mike Brown, Diamondback Product Manager, Mike Hammond, Youth Segment Product Manager (Diamondback), and Toby Webster, Raleigh Product Coordinator. Webster who came from Quality Bicycle Parts will join the company March 1st. The parts and accessories group includes Dan Nall, Sr. P&A Product Manager, and Tim Rutledge, P&A Product Manager.

To support and assist Chris and the Product Team members based in Kent, Brad Hughes in his new RAD role will partner with Raleigh America’s trading company, DTC, to focus on key projects, quality control and expansion of the reach and scope of the Product Team’s efforts in the region. Hughes, who will be based in Taichung, Taiwan, was until recently the Director of Group Product Development at Raleigh America and led the product development team for the last 4 years. “I look forward to the challenges of this new opportunity, and I am pleased to be able to represent Raleigh America in Asia,” said Hughes. Hughes will also report to Chris.

“We are very pleased and excited about these moves,” said Bill Austin, Chairman of Raleigh America. “As we continue to develop new bicycle and accessory products, designed to sell at higher price points and appeal to more discerning consumers, it is critical to have a leader like Chris heading our Product Team and to expand our capabilities in Asia by having someone like Brad on the ground there looking after our interests.”

“Raleigh America has enjoyed tremendous success over the past several years and we are just at the beginning of a new phase of the company. We have focused on strengthening our leadership team, and I am confident that Chris will be a great addition to the extraordinary team of people we have here at Raleigh America. It is truly an exciting time here at Raleigh America,” concluded Meineke.

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”.