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The 'mini Tour' kicks off

If it's spring, that must be Chris Horner off the front

Saturn kept tabs on Vaughters (in red)

Wohlberg led the Saturn charge

Van Gilder

Saturn in charge

Bessette and Bruckner will do battle on Sunday

German sprint ace Erik Zabel added one more to his palmares in the rain in Spain on Friday while Dario Frigo wrapped up the overall title at the Setmana Catalana. Zabel’s faced criticism all spring that he’s lost his touch. His first win didn’t come until Tour of Murcia, then he finished sixth at Milan-San Remo before losing his top-spot in the world rankings. Zabel, however, stayed quiet and simply let his legs – and his professionalism - do the talking. On Friday, he took his second win of the week by charging to an easy victory in the 176km fifth and final stage of Catalana week. Rain

For a story on the Health Net team in the upcoming issue of VeloNews I had the pleasure of speaking to Mike Sayers this week for the first time this season. Long the unsung worker on the Mercury team, Sayers has taken his act to the new Health Net squad after the dissolution of Mercury. But it almost didn’t happen, Sayers said. “Basically, I told [Health Net] I was retired in December,” Sayers said. In a winter that he called “poor and frustrating,” Sayers got tired of hearing the same things from prospective teams. “I talked to every team,” he said. “It was always the same story: Take it

Well he went down down downand the devil said where you beenhe went down down downhe screamin' down around the bend.-Tom Waits, "Down Down Down" I would make a poor match for Lucifer, though judging from the mailbag lately a number of readers would be delighted to see me "hurl'd headlong flaming from th' ethereal sky/With hideous ruin and combustion down" to race that fallen angel around the Lake of Fire. Alas, the best I could expect from any head-to-horns competition with the Prince of Darkness - a descender of legendary ability who became directeur sportif down below after

Editor:Your photo of the '04 Dura-Ace rear derailleur, (not that you evenhave such a photo yet, nor would publish it) was intriguing.Without a cable attached, it was in what would normally be the extremeposition. So, either someone had been majorly jacking with the set-limitscrews... or it is Rapid Rise? Can you comment? I happen to like RapidRise on the dirt, but I'm not sure I'd like the idea on the road.Steen RoseA conspiracy theorist speculatesEditor:Just when I was starting to think, “What devious upgrade will Shimanocome up with to compel people to buy the new Dura-Ace?"

On a road so steep that many found it easier to walk their bikes over the final kilometer, T-Mobile's Kim Bruckner and Prime Alliance's Jonathan Vaughters took top honors on what has to be one of the toughest hill climbs in North America, the second stage at this year's Solano Bicycle Classic. Bruckner maintained her overall lead in the Solano Classic, winning the Stage 2 hill climb up Mix Canyon under warm, but windy skies. Saturn’s Manon Jutras and Lyne Bessette bucked and swayed up the 22-percent grade locals like to call the "death zone" behind her to finish more than a minute and a half

Mike Sayers

Goin' down, down, down....

Don't write him off yet

Cipo' has a new outfit he wants to bring to the Tour

Bruckner on her own

Bessette

Gaggioli

Vaughters managed to hold off Horner, but by only a small margin

Jonas Carney may be happier on Saturday

Room — and bathroom — for rentAs I recently searched the Web for upcoming local races, I came across a helpful Boulder-area Web site, cyclingevents.com, that, among race listings also features a headline offering a room for rent in North Central Boulder, available January 2003, complete with photos of the room and bathroom. That’s fabulous! Very thorough. No word yet if it’s still available. Undercover BrotherWhile working on a review of Jamie Paolinetti’s new feature-length domestic road racing documentary “The Hard Road,” I was surprised to discover that the film’s oh-so-sophisticated

Dario Frigo chugged away from Lance Armstrong and other top favorites to win the fourth stage of Setmana Catalana and take control of the race with just one stage remaining. The four-time Tour de France champion stayed with the lead group of riders up the long, difficult 19.5km Category 1 climb to the finish at the ski village of Pal, high in the Spanish Pyrénées, until the attacks by Juan Miguel Mercado fractured the lead group with 2km to go. Armstrong, racing in his second race of the season as he prepares for the Tour de France in July, came across 24th at 1:11 back. Frigo, however, is

Dear Bob Mionske;While riding a local canyon here in Salt Lake City, we were stopped by a police officer in a car who told us (two of us riding side by side) it is not legal to do so. I ask him why? Just because it is unsafe for us. We could be a hazard. I also ask why then if we have the same right to the road as any motor vehicle can we not ride as our local police do on the motorcycles. Thank you,Kenny GSalt Lake City, UT Dear K.G. To quote my old coach Eddie Borysewicz, you and your friend were riding “side by each.” Before I answer your question, let me start with the general state

First off, a little trivia. Take a good look at this recent cover of Time Magazine and tell me how it relates to our little world of mountain bike racing. Here’s a hint: NORBA pack fodder. Look for the answer at the end of this column. Now, on to more serious topics: Several weeks ago, the folks at Trilife Sports International, who run the 24 Hours of Adrenalin series, e-mailed out a press release announcing that they had decided to end their six-year relationship with NORBA. That in turn meant that there was now no federation sanctioned 24-hour national championships race on the 2003 race

Chris Horner and Kim Bruckner won Thursday’s windy opening stage of the Solano Bicycle Classic, both beating a field of strong climbers on the day's final ascent to the finish at the Lake Berryessa recreation area. Horner, who has won the Solano Classic twice before, charged off the front soon after a serious mid-race breakaway had been reeled in... and he was certain that his teammate Will Frischkorn had not gone up the road solo. “I didn’t want to pull other guys up with me if Will was up there. He’s the National Road Champion, so he’s totally capable of controlling the break,” said

Calling all bike racers...

Keith David (right) explains the ins and outs of pro cycling to a stunned Ice Cube

Stage 2: Mix Canyon Hill Climb 'Don't be proud - Consider a triple!'

Stage 3: Panorama Point Road Race

It's spring... no need to hurry

The escapees

Frigo and Piepoli

The man in charge

MTB News and Notes: The great 24-hour debate

Are 24-hour racers running away from NORBA?

MTB News and Notes: The great 24-hour debate

Horner makes his move

The green hills of spring.

Editor;In response to Mr. Tew's letter (see "Absolutely the last helmet letter we'll publish ... until the next one" - below) I would like to point out the following facts: 1. This was a staged photo shoot, where I was riding about 5 mph past the camera, trying to look like I was riding fast. 2. Our new helmet sponsor, Rudy Project, had not been able to deliver my new team helmet at the early date of this photo shoot, and so being the reckless fellow I am, I chose to wear no helmet at all, rather than the Credit Agricole-splattered helmet of another brand that I had with me. 3. I

Rabobank’s Beat Zberg sneaked into the overall lead of the 40th Setmana Catalana after finishing third in Wednesday’s third stage. Italian Marco Zanotti (Fassa Bortolo) delivered another loss to Erik Zabel in the bunch sprint into Parets del Valles while Gonzalo Bayarri (Phonak) finished behind Zberg to forfeit the leader’s jersey. Thursday’s 144km “queen’s stage” from Parets to Alto de Pal will be the decisive stage. U.S. Postal’s Lance Armstrong could jump into contention for final victory if he continues to demonstrate the strong form he’s shown so far in his “home race.” “Lance wants to

First off, wanted to drop a big thanks to all those who sent kind wordsof encouragement to all of us here at the magazine as we fought to bravethrough the, "Blizzard of '03." It wasn't easy, but with a snow shovelfull of perseverance and moral encouragement from all our fans (all threeof you) I'm happy to announce that VeloNews is back up to full productionsteam. [Note: everything I just wrote is a gross exaggeration:the whole event was blown way out of proportion, and really, what itall boiled-down to was an unexpected day off of work and a losing snowballfight to my six year old

Dear Monique;Just recently I've been told (tested) that I have high cholesterol (279), HDL's are good, LDL's and triglycerides are bad and all liver and kidney functions are normal. I am 30 years old and weigh 154 at 5'6". In the last year I've changed my diet significantly (cut out the probably around 90 percent of my meat intake, except for fish which has increased) increased the fibers and veggies and have also upped the miles and training. Physically I am feeling the best I've felt this early in a season in years. My cholesterol since my last test (267) has gone up given the above

Dear Dr. Dawn;I am a Type 1 diabetic cyclist and I use an insulin pump to control my blood sugars. I keep reading about Marco Pantani being suspended for having insulin in his possession. How is insulin used as a performance enhancer? When I’m riding my pump is delivering little to no insulin to keep my sugars from going too low (bonk). I thought I knew how it worked – what’s up? -- Chris Erickson Dear Chris;Before I get into specifics of the role of insulin in doping, let me first take a position on doping in general as a physician. When I graduated from medical school I took the

Tech report: A product extravaganza!

Tech report: A product extravaganza!

Tech report: A product extravaganza!

Tech report: A product extravaganza!

Armstrong

Zberg

Americans Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods are among the nominees for World Sportsman of the Year as part of the 2003 Laureus World Sports Awards.Their rivals for the honor include last year's winner, Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher; Brazilian soccer World Cup hero Ronaldo; and Olympic gold-winning biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen of Norway.Other cyclists nominated for awards include Germany’s Michael Teuber (World Sportsperson of the Year With a Disability) and Anne-Caroline Chausson of France (World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year).The nominees come from a selection

Swiss rider Beat Zberg (Rabobank) easily zipped past Spain’s Juan Antonio Flecha (iBanesto.com) to win Tuesday’s 158km second stage of Setmana Catalana. Phonak’s Gonzalo Bayarri came across third, but took the overall lead from Erik Zabel (Telekom) after strong placings in the opening two sprints. Zabel lost contact with the leaders of the Category 1 Alt de San Pere de Rodes, a stunning climb high above Spain’s rugged Costa Brava. Two riders – Relax’ Oscar Laguna and Paternina’s Xavier Tondo -- were off the front about 2 minutes at the base of the long, grinding climb, but the lead bunch

Dear Lennard Zinn;I have an Ultegra-equipped bike but would like to replace the shifter/ brake piece with Veloce Ergopower shifter. Will this set up work? --AlbertDear Albert,No, it will not work. The cable-pull per shift is different. However,you might find some words of wisdom (and hope) among the responses belowregarding converting old seven-speed systems to ErgoPower. --LennardHow long is the chain?Dear Lennard,Can you please confirm or comment on the relative lengths of Campyand Shimano chains? I have a Park chain length tool that shows expectedchain length on my Shimano chain but a much

An old wound?

Lance coming on form

Rabobank at work

It’s a busy week in Europe with stage races in Spain, Italy and France, the third stop of the women’s World Cup slated for this weekend in Spain and the kickoff of the northern classics season in Belgium. Here’s a look at the highlights. Armstrong headlines strong Catalana fieldLance Armstrong starts his second race of the season Monday with the 40th Setmana Catalana as the four-time Tour de France champion continues his preparation for his assault on the 2003 Tour. The five-day race is Armstrong’s “hometown” race as the course plies the roads of Spain’s Cataluyna region near Armstrong’s

Since I got here last year I have always been curious about the level of women’s racing in Belgium. This year, I actually have a friend racing the women’s races here in Belgium, so I had a chance to go and see her race, and experience another part of cycling in Belgium. I am here to report that women’s racing in Belgium is every bit as tough and brutal as the men’s races. I got the chance to check out a Kermis, or kermesse, last Saturday (March 29) near Aalst, and the previous weekend near De Panne. Both races were fierce battles from the start: fast, aggressive, and plenty of gutter riding

There was no mistaking Erik Zabel was first across the line in Monday’s opening stage of the 40th Setmana Catalana. Zabel easily won his second race of the 2003 season just two days after finishing sixth in Saturday’s Milan-San Remo, where the confused Telekom captain thought he had finished third. At Milan-San Remo, Zabel admitted he didn’t realize eventual winner Paolo Bettini and two others were ahead on the lead bunch. When he came across sixth, he made his way for the podium thinking he had finished third. There was no confusion in Monday’s 147km stage into Lloret de Mar along Spain’s

The women's field hits the pave'

Nathalie Visser

No contest: This one was easy for Zabel

With temperatures pushing well into the mid 80s, and almost nowhere to hide from the blistering sun, riders battled through a hot final day at the Nova Desert Classic outside Phoenix on Sunday. When racing was done, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Mary Grigson emerged as overall winners in the three-stage event that served as the kick-off race for the 2003 pro mountain biking season. Horgan-Kobelski earned his victory by facing down reigning world champion Roland Green in a one-on-one battle over the last half of the fifth and final lap around the six-mile course. After spending much of the day

The lead men wind their way through the Arizona desert.

Green took the stage, but the overall belonged to Horgan-Kobelski.

Grigson erased her deficit and won the final stage and the overall.

One of the saddest tasks for a journalist is writing obituaries, particularly in the case of young athletes at the height of their careers. A few weeks ago in this column, I wrote about Italian racer Denis Zanette, who died of heart failure at age 32. Who knows how much the harsh life of a professional cyclist contributed to his untimely death? This past week another member of the cycling family left this world prematurely. His name was Andreï Kivilev, a 29-year-old from Kazakhstan who raced for the French team Cofidis. In both cases, the tragedy was heightened by their being recent fathers:

Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) won Saturday's World Cup opener, the 297km classic, Milan San-Remo. Stay tuned for a complete race wrap-up from Andrew Hood, more photos from Graham Watson and complete results. Meanwhile, to see how today's race unfolded just clickhere, to pull up our Live Update window. The defending World Cup champion of the Quick.Step-Davitamon team won an exciting sprint finish ahead of Mirko Celestino and Luca Paolini.

Quick Step’s Paolo Bettini delivered a thrilling victory in Saturday’s Milan-San Remo, denying world champion Mario Cipollini his hoped-for big gift on his 36th birthday. Indeed, Bettini did what no one has done since 1995, successfully attacking on the final climb, the famed Poggio that tops out just 5.7km from the finish, to stymie the sprinters in the World Cup opener that’s finished in a mass gallop five out of the past six years. “With two kilometers to go, I said to Luca (Paolini), 'Come on, we can do it,'” said an emotional Bettini. “I wasn’t sure we were going to make it. I thought

Dear Editor;I don't expect cycling commentary from the Economist, nor do I want it. Why then does Patrick O'Grady think anyone cares about his personal views on the liberation of Iraq. Long Live Long Rides Kevin FarrellMission Viejo CA We've alway's kinda liked the Economist's Tour coverage, though.-- Editor Can you install a filter on PO'G?Editor;I am an avid reader of VeloNews as I consider it to be the bestsource of "cycling" news out there, so obviously I was shocked to see thebelow personal political message inserted into Patrick O'Grady's articleof

It’s too early to declare a full-scale power shift, but the second day of the Nova Desert Classic did serve as introduction to some new faces that could give last year’s established stars a run for their money. In the men’s short track race held Saturday at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park outside Phoenix, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (RLX Ralph Lauren) was the winner. And while Horgan-Kobelski isn’t a new name (he’s the reigning U.S. national champion), beating the likes of world champion Roland Green with a last-lap attack was something he hadn’t done before. “He tried to go first, but we

The World Cup winner picked up where he left off

The defending World Cup winner picked up where he left off

Sure, Cipo' won the sprint, but this time it took place 11 seconds too late.