Italian sprinting star Alessandro Petacchi continued his 2008 winning ways in the Tour of Turkey (UCI 2.1/April 14-20). He won the first stage from Izmir to Kuþadasý in a photo finish, for his seventh win of the season. Second, by a hair, was the Argentinian Ruben Guillermo Bongiorno (CSF Group-Navigare), and third was Spaniard Javier Benitez Pomares (Benfica). The stage win also gave Petacchi the overall lead.
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Alexi making his move in 1984
A national organization representing law enforcement officers is scheduled to undertake its annual memorial ride to honor police killed in the line of duty next month. The 2008 Police Unity Tour is to begin May 9 in Jersey City, New Jersey, and end on May 12 at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the latest edition of The Prologue, VeloNews.com's weekly summary of news from the world of competitive cycling.
The season is in full swing this week with racing underway both here in the U.S. and in Europe.
The UCI is allowing British track cyclist Rob Hayles to return to competition, two weeks after he was disqualified from the world track championships for having a high hematocrit level, the British cycling federation says. "British Cycling is very pleased that Rob has regained his license from the UCI and will be able to continue his racing program. We can now continue to concentrate on preparation for the Olympics in Beijing," British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford said in a statement released Friday.
On paper the Liquigas Team is one of the favorite teams, but general manager Roberto Amadio knows that to win the Paris-Roubaix the good leg is not enough.