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World Cup XC, four-cross head to Houffalize
The UCI mountain bike World Cup heads to the Ardennes region of Belgium this weekend as the town of Houffalize adds four-cross to its popular off-road menu. Houffalize’s history in the World Cup dates back to 1992, and the venue has become a favorite among riders and spectators. Each year tens of thousands of fans fill the small town, which sits in a deep valley 25 miles northeast of Bastogne, to drink beer, ride bikes and cheer for their favorite pros.
Tech Updates: Sampson Stratics SL cranks; Wilier Triestina Cento1 goes electric; Everti Eagle at 11.4 pounds
Sampson releases Stratics SL cranks, Race cassette
Eric Sampson keeps his component group moving forward with the release of several new parts. The Sampson Stratics SL cranks are said to weigh 645 grams, including bottom bracket (in 172.5mm length with 50-34 tooth chainrings). The crank is built on an aluminum spine wrapped in carbon fiber, and the BB spindle is 6/4 titanium.Casinos betting on Philly International
Two casino companies hoping to become players in Philadelphia have taken a hand in underwriting the financially strapped TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship. SugarHouse and Foxwoods Development have committed $100,000 each as part of a one-year agreement, according to Pro Cycling Tour CEO David Chauner.
Leipheimer, Kristin Armstrong win Gila time trials
Levi Leipheimer continued to stamp his authority on the SRAM Tour of the Gila, winning the 16-mile stage-3 time trial in a record time of 32:59. Bissell's Tom Zirbel placed second at 33:52 with Leipheimer's Mellow Johnny's teammate Lance Armstrong rounding out the podium. In the women's race, Kristin Armstrong (Cervélo TestTeam) also broke a course record — Jeannie Longo's — winning her second stage in 37:36 and maintaining her overall lead. Alison Powers (Team Type 1) finished second, with Anne Samplonius (Lip Smacker) third.
Columbia’s Rabon regains lead at Romandie
Columbia-Highroad won the stage-3 team time trial at the Tour de Romandie on Friday, slotting Czech Frantisek Rabon back into the leader’s jersey he first claimed in the prologue. Caisse d'Epargne finished second at 10 seconds back with Saxo Bank third a further six seconds in arrears.
Wegmann wins Eschborn-Frankfurt
Milram put two riders on the podium in the Eschborn-Frankfurt City Loop on Friday, with Fabian Wegmann outsprinting Karsten Kroon (Saxo Bank) for the win and teammate Christian Knees taking third at 19 seconds back. The 48th edition of the race, formerly called the Rund um den Henninger Turn, covers a series of loops around Frankfurt in southwestern Germany.
Saxo Bank will race 2009 Tour of Missouri
Saxo Bank will line up at September's Tour of Missouri, adding some more star power to an already packed roster. The race announced Thursday that the Danish-based team would join Quick Step, Garmin-Slipstream, Columbia-Highroad, Cervelo TestTeam, Astana, Liquigas, Jelly Belly and BMC Racing. Team rosters for the Sept. 7-13 race will be announced in August. The race will host a total of 15 teams.
Colavita’s Haedo wins Gila field sprint, as Leipheimer retains lead.
Colavita's Lucas Sebastian Haedo won a field sprint to end Thursday's second stage of the SRAM Tour of the Gila in New Mexico, as Levi Leipheimer finished in the lead pack to retain his overall lead heading into Friday's time trial stage. Leipheimer's teammates on the Mellow Johnny's team, Lance Armstrong and Chris Horner, slaved at the front of the pack for much of the day, keeping in check a four-man breakaway containing Floyd Landis (OUCH-Maxxis).