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Hushovd

The Liberty Sguros team of defending TDU champion Luis Leon Sanchez Gil

Tour of California route, teams announced

Adelaide, Australia - Tour de France star Robbie McEwen is set to get his rivalry with Norwegian sprinter Thor Hushovd off to an early start this season when the eighth Tour Down Under gets underway in Adelaide Tuesday. Liberty Seguros all rounder Luis Leon Sanchez of Spain, 22, will be defending the general classification title in the five stage race around the southern Australian city and the neighboring wine-growing region. But before then most people are anticipating and hoping that Hushovd and McEwen will provide some of the sparks that have accompanied their now habitual rivalry at

Our latest reader-submitted Photo Gallery is now up for your viewing pleasure. Of course, a new gallery also means the naming of the winner of ourmost recent contest. Take the time to wander through that gallery and see if you agree or disagree with our choice of winner. We especially liked Kenneth Alan’s “Austin Self Portrait,” a beautifully composed shot that appeals to our obvious preference for working bikes. Congratulations Kenneth! Drop us a note at Rosters@InsideInc.com to work out the details and we’ll send you a copy of Graham Watson's "Landscapes of Cycling."Go ahead and

The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Details on Tour of California, pleaseEditor:What’s up with the poor marketing for the Amgen Tour of California? For such a large event I’m surprised there is so little information about this race especially since it’s only a month away. I am more than willing to drive to California,

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has told a South African newspaper that he is in talks on a movie about his life. Armstrong, 34, is due to travel to South Africa on Wednesday, accompanied by fiancée Sheryl Crow, for a first visit that will include a tour of Soweto, the township that was the center of anti-apartheid resistance. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Armstrong said that Matt Damon, an actor he has known for some years, was favored to play him. The American, who survived a bout of testicular cancer, returned to pro cycling and won seven consecutive Tours,

A criminal court in Paris has refused to hear a defamation actions brought by Italian cyclist Filippo Simeoni against Lance Armstrong. Judicial officials said Monday the statute of limitations had expired in the case against the seven-time Tour de France winner. The court said Simeoni's lawyers misinterpreted French law. Armstrong, quoted in an April 2003 report in the online edition of French daily Le Monde, contended that Simeoni had agreed to testify against doctor Michele Ferrari in exchange for a lesser penalty if the Italian rider were accused of doping by the sport's

Boulder, Colorado (January 16, 2006) – Team TIAA-CREF is thrilled toannounce that it will participate in the 2006 Etoile des Bessèges(February 1-5) and GP Marseilles. GP Marseilles (January 31) is the 2006French season opener and will be the first time Team TIAA-CREF hits theroad this year.Among those racing for Team TIAA-CREF are former Espoir Time Trial WorldChampion Danny Pate and current Canadian Professional Road Champion, FrancoisParisien.“Garnering invitations for both of these races is a huge step up forTeam TIAA-CREF and we are looking forward to honoring these events by

Hushovd and McEwen are favorites to take the points competition

VeloNews Photo Contest: A new Gallery

The Katzenjammer kids

World champion Sven Nys (Rabobank) won the ninth round of the UCI cyclo-cross World Cup on Sunday in Liévin, France. The Belgian crossed a few lengths ahead of two French riders, Francis Mourey and John Gadret, to claim his eighth victory in nine starts during the World Cup. It was his 22nd cyclo-cross win this season. Czech Petr Dlask shot away at the start of the race, and was quickly joined by Mourey. The Frenchman then launched an attack of his own with his compatriot Gadret, marked by a Belgian trio composed of Nys, Erwin Vervecken and Bart Wellens. At mid-race, Nys joined the

Grand tours moving forwardOrganizers of cycling’s three big stage races moved forward Friday with their plans to create a rival racing league, officially asking the UCI for authorization to create its “Trophy of the Grand Tours” format. According to reports on the European wires, officials from Unipublic, RCS and ASO – organizers of the Vuelta a España, Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, respectively – have formally made steps to move forward with its own series. Talks between the grand tours and the ProTour broke down acrimoniously last year, prompting the organizers to seek an independent

Jan Ullrich’s curly locks and lack of puppy fat, Michael Rogers’s first appearance in the magenta uniform, and Linus Gerdemann’s infectious smile. Those were some of the talking points at the 15th annual presentation of the T-Mobile (formerly Deutsche Telekom) squad at Cala Serena, Majorca on Saturday afternoon. Equally noteworthy was the absence for the first time in seven years of the high-flying German team’s stalwarts Erik Zabel, Alexander Vinokourov (to Milram and Liberty Seguros, respectively) and Rolf Aldag, who retired. And, for the very first time in the history of pro cycling, a

Belgian Erwin Vervecken (Fidea) won the Grand Prix Lille Métropole cyclo-cross on Saturday, outsprinting Frenchman John Gadret. Netherlander Gerben de Knegt took third spot on the podium, ahead of Czech Radomir Simunek and world champion Sven Nys of Belgium. American Jonathan Page finished sixth at 48 seconds back. Results1. Erwin Vervecken (B), Fidea, 1:02:252. John Gadret (F), at 0:013. Gerben de Knegt (Ned), at 0:254. Radomir Simunek (Cze) same time5. Sven Nys (B), s.t.6. Jonathan Page (USA), at 0:487. David Derepas (F), at 1:268. Marco Bianco (I), at 1:319. Camiel van den Bergh (Ned),

Organizers of Europe's three major Tours (background,L toR) Angelo Zomegnan (Giro), Christian Prudhomme (Tour) and Victore Cordero (Vuelta) pose with Giro deputy administrator Giacomo Catano, ASO's Patrick Clerc and Unipublic's Ignacio Ay

Ullrich's new lean and hungry look

World anti-doping chief Richard Pound has rejected a demand for an apology from an association of professional cyclists that says he has tarred all riders with his characterization of pro racing as a culture fraught with cheating and doping. "The CPA [Cyclistes Professionnels Associés] has misunderstood, misconstrued, misinterpreted and mischaracterized the situation," the Montreal lawyer said yesterday, blasting back at a letter from the pro riders that insisted he publicly retract comments published late last year in the Guardian, a British newspaper. The Switzerland-based group gave

Christian Vande Velde flew Friday to Italy to join his Team CSC teammates for its January camp, but it almost wasn’t meant to be. Vande Velde came close to retiring last year after struggling through injuries in the first half of the 2005 season, but strong support from Team CSC boss Bjarne Riis helped the 29-year-old bounce back during last year’s Vuelta a España. “Last year was really hard on me,” Vande Velde told VeloNews. “I was really close to saying that’s it and going on to other things in life. When you’re racing with one arm tied behind your back, it’s a horrible feeling. If you

The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Sinibaldi was a true champEditor:Twenty-five years ago, when living on the west coast of Florida, I rode with the fledgling Tampa Bay Bicycle Sports club. The Saturday morning rides from Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor were attended by a widely diverse group, including a number of riders I

Kona riders from Oregon fill three of the five slots on the elite men’s team bound for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships January 28-29 in Zeddam, The Netherlands. USA Cycling announced its elite men’s picks on Friday, filling out its 20-rider roster for the world’s. The team includes Kona riders Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks and Erik Tonkin, all of Oregon. Trebon was an automatic selection based on his top-50 slot in the UCI rankings; Wicks won automatic selection as top American in the 2005 Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross series; and Tonkin was a discretionary

Amante Coffee's North Boulder location will host a fund-raising party January 19 for TIAA-CREF-Clif Bar’s world’s-bound cyclo-crossers, Alex Howes, Danny Summerhill, Troy Wells and Brady Kappius. The party begins at 7 p.m. at 4580 Broadway, Suite E, at the southeast corner of Yarmouth and Broadway. Cost is $10 per person. Drinks will be discounted, a silent auction will be held, and VeloNews.com diarist Brandon Dwight will display photos from his "Chocolate, Waffles and 'Cross" trip to Europe on the shop's flat-screen TV. All funds raised will go directly to the riders’ travel

Brochard's new look

Bouygues Telecom for 2006

Tom Boonen just wants to have some peace and quiet. These days, for the reigning world champion, that will come once the racing season begins. The dynamic 25-year-old is the biggest story in cycling crazy Belgium, which hasn’t seen a rider with as much charisma and winning attitude in a generation. To feed the journalistic combine, Boonen gave more than 300 interviews since winning the world title last September. With so much media attention, Boonen can’t wait for the relative tranquility of bumping shoulders at 40mph down the finishing straight. “People say the busiest time of the year is

Former world mountain bike champ Alison Dunlap will speak in Aurora, Colorado, on January 28 as part of a fund-raiser for the band at her old high school. Dunlap, who played flute in the Smoky Hill High School Band, will speak at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at the school, 16100 E. Smoky Hill Road. "She is really excited about coming back to her old school to help us out and is willing to stay and sign autographs, take pictures, etc., following her speech," said Lisa Mills, co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee of the Smoky Hill High School Band Parents Association. Dunlap’s talk will cover

Boonen wants to race

The full squad

Dear Monique,I have heard from several people over the years that you should not eat after a certain time before going to sleep, and I am wondering, what if any truth there is to this assertion. In other words, is eating before bed more likely to cause those calories to go “unburned?” Conversely, is exercising after eating more likely to result in calorie burning?Thanks,Steven Dear StevenTo keep it simple, if the calories that you consume at night after dinner are in excess of your energy needs for the day, then yes, those calories are likely to be stored as fat. These are calories that

Alessandro Petacchi was the star attraction of Tuesday’s team presentation for new Italian-German squad, Milram. In a flash program, the Italian sprinter was the top name among a 30-strong lineup that also includes German ace Erik Zabel and Italian attacker Mirko Celestino. Petacchi left the door open to make a run at starting all three grand tours for the 2006 season, something he skipped last year in his ill-fated run at the world title which stalled on the streets of Madrid last September. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve started all three grand tours,” said Petacchi, who won stages

The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.John ‘The Legend’ Sinibaldi passes onEditor:John "The Legend" Sinibaldi, passed away in his sleep January 10 at 10:40 am. He was 92 years old, and had a short battle with lung cancer. Luckily he was not in any pain, and died peacefully with his family by his side. John's legacy as a

An organization representing professional riders has blasted doping watchdog Dick Pound for alleged defamatory comments about widespread cheating in cycling, threatening to take further action if he does not publicly retract his allegations. The Switzerland-based group, known by its French name, Cyclistes Professionnels Associes (CPA), has given the Montreal lawyer until January 20 to apologize for the comments, published last year in the Britain's Guardian newspaper, in which he accused riders, teams, organizers and officials of supporting a culture of "deliberate cheating" in the

Four-time Vuelta a España winner Roberto Heras will go before the Spanish cycling federation on Friday to proclaim his innocence despite tests that showed he used the banned blood booster EPO. Heras, who was confirmed as having used EPO on the final time trial of last September's race, faces a two-year ban from the sport. His Liberty Seguros team sacked Heras after the test results were made public. Federation secretary general Eugenio Bermudez said that no decision would be taken immediately after Friday's hearing. "It's a normal stage in the process during which the

Americans Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde will be racing on native soil next month as Team CSC contests the inaugural Tour of California February 19-26. Prior to the tour, the full squad of 30 riders will participate in a training camp in Solvang, California — the first time Team CSC has held one of its important early season preparation events outside Europe. "With CSC, our title sponsor, headquartered in California and so many of our other important sponsors like Cervelo based in North America, I’m pleased to see a race like the Tour of California come about," said Bjarne Riis,

Petacchi and Zabel will be a formidable pair

The full squad

Wednesday's EuroFile: Milram aims high; Beltrán looks to Giro

John Sinibaldi

The limits of that braze-onDear Lennard,I just purchased a new compact Campy Centaur crank and front derailleur.I had a local bike shop install these on my steel frame bike and with thederailleur lowered all the way to the bottom of the braze-on we still havea gap of more than 8mm between the outer cage and the large chainring.It seems to shift okay but is there any spacer or part made that willlower this down to the 2mm spec called for by Campy or will it be finethe way it is? I tried the old derailleur and it installed with the suggested2mm of spacing. So I assume there is something in the

Three-time world champion Oscar Freire isn’t boasting of winning another rainbow jersey or sweeping the spring classics. Instead, the oft-injured Spanish sprinter is simply hoping to enjoy an injury-free season in 2006. Dogged by pain and complications since a June surgery that forced him to miss the road world’s on his home roads of Madrid last September, Freire is optimistic he can leave behind what was a black season and trade it for one rich with victories. “2005 was a very difficult year for me,” Freire told reporters at last week’s team presentation. “I won’t be able to say how I am

German cyclist Danilo Hondo has been barred from the sport for two years for doping. The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday upheld an appeal by the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency against Hondo's original ban, which the organizations said was too light. Swiss Olympic, Switzerland's sports disciplinary body, banned Hondo for two years in June for twice testing positive for the stimulant carphedon during the Tour of Murcia in March 2005, during which he won two stages. But that ban would have allowed Hondo to start racing again in 2006 on probation. Now, he will remain

The 2006 CapTech Classic will continue a tradition of twilight racing June 1 in downtown Richmond, Virginia. The Thursday-evening race, part of USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar, will use the same spectator-friendly course as last year, with 125 feet of climbing and eight turns per 1.2-mile lap. "The move to a Thursday night worked quite well for the event last year," said event director Tim Miller. "We attracted far more spectators in 2005 than in previous years, and successfully created an after-work party in the heart of downtown Richmond." CapTech, the Richmond-based technology

Sports publisher seeks dynamic, experienced Interactive Editor for VeloNews. Successful candidate will be responsible for managing news content for VeloNews.com, including working directly with VeloNews editors and freelance contributors, media producers, and designers to coordinate news and story ideas into compelling content. Must have strong writing, editing, copyediting, proofing, management and communications skills. 3-4 years experience as editor/managing editor in magazine or online publishing. Sports writing, competitive road and mountain bike racing knowledge, and experience working

Olympic champion cyclist Tyler Hamilton appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday in hopes of having his blood-doping suspension lifted. Hamilton and his lawyer, Howard Jacobs, argued their case at the Brown Palace hotel in downtown Denver in their final appearance before the panel, which will decide his fate within the next few weeks. The hearing before the Swiss-based CAS, the highest court for sports cases in the world, was expected to last into the evening. Hamilton declined to comment during a lunch break, other than to once again assert his innocence. Once

Freire enjoying one of the few wins he had last season, this one at last February's Mallorca's Challenge.

M-SR in 2004 was one of Freire's most memorable wins... and one Zabel would rather forget.

Davide Rebellin hopes to turn back the tide in 2006, put his largely forgettable 2005 campaign behind him and return to his winning ways of 2004. The 34-year-old believes it’s possible to return to form that saw him win the Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallone and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in one fabulous run nearly two years ago. “I will start racing in February in Portugal at the Tour of Algarve to arrive in good condition for Milan-San Remo,” Rebellin told TuttoBici. “I’ll try to do something to prevent it from coming down to a bunch sprint.” The Italian veteran, who won just one race in 2005,

Tyler Hamilton, still trying to clear his name after receiving a two-year suspension for blood-doping, has a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing in Denver on Tuesday. After closing submissions are made in Hamilton's appeal of a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) ruling, the panel will begin final deliberations and render a decision, a process that could last a few weeks. Hamilton tested positive for illicit blood transfusions during the Vuelta a España in September of 2004, just weeks after winning Olympic gold. Last April, USADA imposed a two-year suspension. Hamilton wants CAS

The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Millar’s welcome; what about Hamilton?Editor:I'm excited about David Millar's return to cycling. His honesty was impressive and he's earned this opportunity to ride again. I'm curious about Tyler Hamilton. Were he to admit at this point that he did indeed dope, what would

Herbalife has signed on as a founding partner and official nutrition company of the inaugural Amgen Tour of California, according to race organizer AEG. The race from San Francisco to Redondo Beach is scheduled February 19-26. Herbalife also will serve as the exclusive presenting sponsor of the race’s final stage in Redondo Beach and of Autograph Alley, where the riders will sign in at the start of each stage. The company also supports cycling events held at the ADT Event Center, an indoor velodrome located at The Home Depot Center. "The Tour of California is another of our initiatives to

Rebellin at last year's Amstel Gold Race, in which he finished third.

Sven Nys (Rabobank) defended his Belgian national cyclo-cross title on Sunday in Tervuren. The reigning world champion collected his fourth Belgian crown ahead of Erwin Vervecken and Bart Wellens. It was his second consecutive triumph. In other racing over the weekend: Netherlands — Gerben de Knegt outsprinted Richard Groenendaal to take the Dutch ‘cross crown Sunday in Huijbergen. It is the second title for Knegt, who first won in 2002. Wilant Van Gils was third at three seconds back. In the women’s race, Daphny van den Brand handily defeated Marianne Vos and Reza Hormes, who finished at

A month ago in Paris, the organizers of the three grand tours made a very public statement by holding a press conference in which they said they were going to extract the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España and their eight ancillary races from the UCI ProTour system. In a direct challenge to the Union Cycliste Internationale, the organizers [ASO in France, RCS in Italy and Unipublic in Spain] said they would create their own Grand Tour Trophy competition and offer the 20 ProTour teams a package of prizes and bonuses that would total almost $5million. “I find it hard to imagine

Luis León Sanchez, the surprise winner of last year’s Tour Down Under, will defend his title later this month as the third-year pro kick-starts the season for Liberty Seguros. The tall and lean León Sanchez - whose physique reminds many observers of five-time Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain - said he had planned to start his season at the Tour of Malaysia, but the team decided it was better to return to Australia after León Sanchez lost his brother in a tragic "quad" accident last year. "Manolo Saiz and I thought it would be better to start my season as soon as possible," he said.

Patrice Clerc

Refusing to throw in the towel after failing to win selection to the2005 Tour de France, Agritubel decided to keep slugging away in the professional peloton until the end of the 2007 season. And this year, the Continental team’s main goal remains unchanged: racing the Tour. "It is now or never," said Agritubel president Jose Fornes during the team’s presentation Friday in Poitiers, France. "If we are not invited this summer, it is clear that the future of the team would be seriously compromised." A promising indicator is an invitation from Amaury Sport Organization(ASO) to race Paris-Nice

The first American to ride in the Tour de France is seeking early release from probation after pleading guilty to molesting an 11-year-old girl in 2002. Jonathan Boyer, a U.S. Cycling Hall of Famer who competed in the Tour de France in 1981, appeared in court Thursday in Salinas, California, to ask a judge to lift the last two years of his probation. His lawyer said Boyer was a model inmate and has successfully completed therapy. The 51-year-old Boyer now runs a cycling shop. "He's done everything and his probation officer thinks it's probably time to terminate probation," lawyer

Now or never, says Agritubel president Jose Fornes

Boyer, upon his arrest in 2002

The 2006 Rabobank team met the press on Thursday in Rotterdam, its framework primarily Dutch and young, but bolstered by some old hands. Dutch veterans Erik Dekker, 35, and Michael Boogerd, 33, are the elder statesmen of the team, which boasts several promising young riders, among them Thomas Dekker, 21; and Pieter Weening, Joost Posthuma and Theo Eltink, all 24. Back for 2006 are Oscar Freire, the former world champion who suffered a disappointing 2005 season with injuries to the back and recurring saddle sores. "I really hope that all these problems are now behind me," said Freire, 30.

I want to begin by wishing everyone a somewhat belated holiday season. I hope you all had as great a season as I did. That’s right, I was lucky enough to spend Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Saturnalia, New Year's and, of course, Festivus clad in shorts pushing the pedals in unseasonably, pleasantly awesome weather. While the past two weeks saw frigid temperatures on the East Coast and Northern California drowned under feet of water, Colorado was not only spared, but gifted with enough fresh powder in the mountains to keep the local bro-bra snowboarder community feeling

The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Bare-legs ban seems a little strictEditor:In Wednesday's online installment of "Ask the Doctor," Dr. Richardson stated: "I was a junior back when disco was king and all we had to go by was the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) cycling manual. The good book strictly forbade riding in

Rabobank meets the press in Rotterdam

Friday's EuroFile: Rabobank '06 unveiled; Saunier Duval for California, wind tunnel

Jealous?

MHP had a lot to smile about in '05.

Gettin' dirty with Canada's best

Lookin' for work in '06.

Every picture tells a story

Ivan Basso might be pegged as the man to replace Lance Armstrong in the peloton’s power structure, but it appears the Italian won't be taking a page out of the Texan’s playbook this year. Armstrong was known for his methodical, precise preparation for the Tour de France, with training camps that kept him away from the racing scene during a good part of the season. Armstrong typically would arrive to the Tour with only about 20-25 days of racing in his legs. It appears Basso likes bumping shoulders in the peloton just as much as intense training. According to Tutto Bici, Basso will be

The founder of the 7200-mile, 100-day Tour d’Afrique, has added another adventure race to his quiver — the Temple to Temple, a seven-day, 450-mile jaunt across Belize. Michael de Jong’s newest race, slated for January 29 through February 4, is billed as Central Americas longest adventure bike race, crossing jungle, mountains and the ruins of Lubaantun and Caracol. The field will be limited to 100 riders. Registration is $1495 and covers meals, services and pre- and post-race stays at the Placencia Hotel in Placencia. Support vehicles will ferry medical personnel, hospitality staff and

Basso has a full schedule for '06

Is it the model year?Dear Lennard,I have a 1999 Cannondale CAAD 5 equipped with Campy Record 9-speed.It has never shifted to my liking. I just read on Campagnolo's web sitethat there is a difference between 1999/2000 Record shifters and post-20009-speed record shifters and derailleurs. This has me totally confused.They say there is a way to tell the difference but I am not sure how todo it.What I do know is that last year out of total frustration I purchaseda new 9-speed shifter, cable set, 9-speed chain and new Record rear cassette(12-23). It now shifts better but still not

The doctor gives advice on getting ink for endurance athletes

The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Biting the hand that feeds youEditor:I seldom feel compelled to write letters to the editor any more. I guess over the years I’ve become a little jaded by all of the cynicism and sanctimonious posturing among my brother roadies, but I have finally reached the point where I feel like I

Alejandro Valverde, the rising star who’s pumping excitement back into Spanish racing, admits he dreams of winning the Tour de France. The Illes Balears captain said winning a stage at Courchevel ahead of Lance Armstrong last July was a "dream come true," but said his ultimate goal is to win the Tour outright. "I’m only 25 years old and I have a lot of time to try to win, but I don’t pretend to try to break Armstrong’s record, but to win one Tour," Valverde said in an interview with Marca. "If I can win two, even better." Valverde’s Tour debut last July was cut short with a knee injury,

Ask the Doctor: Tattoos and beauty are skin deep