Reigning Olympic champion Samuel Sánchez says he doesn’t expect to, but still believes he can win the Vuelta a España. That’s how Sánchez assesses things after nearly a week of racing in the Vuelta, sitting 65th at 1:09 back. “Right now I don’t see myself winning, but I know that I am capable of doing it,” Sánchez said. “It’s the same thing as trying to finish in the top 10 at the Tour; it’s one thing to think but it’s altogether something else to actually do it.”
André Greipel (Columbia-HTC) made it look easy in Thursday’s 174km fifth stage at the Vuelta a España, winning his second consecutive stage and bouncing into the race leader’s golden jersey thanks to finish-line bonuses. Wearing the green points jersey, “André the Giant” came off Tom Boonen’s wheel with 100 meters to go at the end of frenetic final 10km to catapult into the double, with the stage win and leader’s jersey to assure plenty of podium time.
In terms of roadside spectators, the opening four stages of the 64th Vuelta a España through The Netherlands and Belgium were a huge success.. “Just like the Tour de France,” some of the riders said. But the interest in North America has been minimal, at best, even though the top U.S teams Columbia-HTC and Garmin-Slipstream are taking part.
Eurobike 2009 is as big as ever. Occupying more than ten huge halls, the show dwarfs almost anything in the industry for size, scope and attendance.
Many European brands produce goods not even distributed in the United States, so for now we’ll focus on what looks good, what’s new, and what could be hot for 2010.
Assos
Swiss clothing company Assos is well known for high quality, form fit, and function. With a new product range called Mille, Assos aims to fill a niche in its line for riders who want the function with a more forgiving fit. [nid:97355]
Alberto Contador has pulled out of the upcoming world championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland, because he does not feel he can do justice to his place in the team. Contador was crowned the yellow jersey champion in Paris on July 26 after beating a host of big rivals during the three-week cycling epic, including Luxembourg's runner-up Andy Schleck and American seven-time champion Lance Armstrong. But Contador, who pulled decided to skip the Vuelta a España as well, has now decided he is not 100 percent race fit.
VeloNews is available by subscription or at hundreds of locations in North America. Putting together an issue in the days following the Tour de France, the question put before the VeloNews editorial staff wasn’t which rider or event would grace the cover of our October issue, but rather which Tour image it might be.
Three Sisters mountains, which are some of Oregon's highest peaks, are just some of the eye-candy when riding around Bend.
Find out if you can dial in delayed broadcasts of the UCI Mountain World Championships from Canberra, Australia.
Two-time national champion Adam Craig is in Australia prepping for the Worlds and looking to "finish the season off right."
The Explainer's great Uncle Max saw Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 1943, but we really doubt that he was invited out for Trappist Ale and pomme frites in that get-up.
Dear Explainer, It occurs to me that the Tour de France (and likely the other major races) could very easily have died during, or after, the major European conflicts of the past century. Luckily for us all, they didn't- but this had to be the work of a few stalwart diehards. I would be fascinated to know more about who brought the Tour de France back after WWI and WW II, and what sort of challenges they met. Do you have any thoughts or suggested readings? Thanks for your articles. I greatly enjoy them. Best in all, Rob Simpson Athens, Georgia Dear Rob,
Retail price: $3995.00 frameset. Complete bikes available with Campagnolo Super Record or Record, SRAM Red, or Shimano Dura Ace. Web site: pantanibikes.it Sales of Pantani bikes benefit the ONLUS foundation, formed by the family of the late Marco Pantani to promote his legacy and support sports programs for troubled youth.
Can I rebuild SRAM Red shifters?
As reported on VeloNews.com on August 14, Levi Leipheimer has inked a two-year deal with Lance Armstrong's new RadioShack team, the U.S. cyclist confirmed Tuesday. "There were other possibilities, but I've signed with the best team in the world, an American team that's going to sign more American riders," Leipheimer said. Leipheimer said he plans to race the Tour of California, the Dauphiné Libéré and the Tour de France in 2010. "Those are my three favorite races and top my objectives for next year," he said.
Cannondale builds on feedback for its 2010 marathon-trail bike.
Chris Horner was among the major victims of a horrible high-speed crash Tuesday as scores of riders crashed near the end of the rainy fourth stage at the Vuelta a España. The Astana captain hit the deck with dozens of riders in a pile-up caused by a narrow run through a rain-slickened traffic circle within the 3km-to-go banner. The team later announced that Horner had broken his left hand and would leave the Vuelta.
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