News

But it would be Wells from that point on

Alison Dunlap didn't wait for help - she shot off from the gun

Mionske column simply answered a questionEditor:I am a recreational cyclist and a lawyer and I think Bob Mionske's column on helmets did exactly what it was intended to do: present a cogent legal position if someone is faced with recovering damages for an accident in which a cyclist was not wearing a helmet. What the column was not attempting to do was offer an opinion on whether common sense would dictate wearing a helmet. When your spouse, child, friend or even rival is struck and injured by a car, recovery of damages may be crucial to that person's ability to meet medical bills. "No

U.S. Postal’s Dave Zabriskie was in attendance, accompanied by girlfriend Randi Reich

Clif Bar founder Gary Erickson chats with sponsored rider Tyler Hamilton

He’s not romantically linked to a Hollywood actress, nor does he “hang out” with international rock stars and stand-up comics. But American Tyler Hamilton took another step towards celebrity status in his own humble fashion Thursday at a fundraiser hosted at Clif Bar’s headquarters in Berkeley, California. The CSC rider - who in 2003 enjoyed his finest season yet with wins at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Romandie and an impressive 142km solo breakaway during the Tour de France’s stage 16 - was in town to raise funds for his newly created Tyler Hamilton Foundation, a non-profit dedicated

Colorado kids race in state MTB championship SaturdayThe fourth annual Colorado High School/Middle School State Championship mountain bike race will be held Saturday at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs. Riders ages 11-18 will converge from across the state to compete individually and as teams on a challenging short-circuit course. Registration opens at 10 a.m., with racing beginning at noon. Colorado is one of several states that have developed a regular high school state championship race. Others include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Kentucky and Maine. The race is open

How about urging all cyclists to wear helmets?Editor:In a recent column, Bob Mionske wrote: "I would urge cycling advocates to try to add no-blame clauses to their state bicycle helmet laws." How about urging cycling advocates to advocate that all cyclists, regardless of whether there are helmet laws or not, wear a helmet when they ride? It does sometimes happen, that a cyclist crashes and suffers serious injury, or even death, which could have been prevented by helmet use (ever heard of Andrei Kivilev, Bob?), without a car driver to blame it on. Even if there is another vehicle involved

The UCI has hit back at a potentially damning report by independent observers from the World Anti-Doping Agency on the anti-doping practices at this year's centenary Tour de France. WADA made a number of recommendations that would tighten the anti-doping measures already in place on the world's biggest bike race, most of which appeared in a leak to the press a month ago. On Friday, UCI chief Hein Verbruggen hit back at the report, which has appeared in full on WADA's website, saying it lacked objectivity and understanding. "On key elements the report is just not as objective as we would

A press release hit the in-box on Wednesday announcing the merger of Saturn and Prime Alliance athletes and staff to form a new professional team for 2004. According to the release, “Saturn’s decision not to renew their title sponsorship and Prime Alliance’s interest in scaling back its title sponsorship role created a mutually beneficial opportunity for both sports marketing companies. [Tom] Schuler and [Tom] Irvine continue to pursue additional companies that can utilize this partnership through title, co-title, and associate sponsorship roles. The merger of the two companies’ teams doubles

Dear Bob; I know that several states have enacted laws requiring kids to wear helmets when bicycling, but do any states make adult cyclists wear helmets? T.Q.Ariz.Bob;This question came up at our weekly post-ride coffee break. If a car hits me while I'm riding my bike, and I'm not wearing a helmet, can the driver use that to blame me for my own injuries? R.L.New YorkDear T.Q and R.L., According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (

The demon known as Puncturevine

Technical Q&A with Lennard Zinn

Technical Q&A with Lennard Zinn

I spent the road season sending reports across the ocean about a few of us Americans fighting our way through the ranks of the Belgian peloton. I am home now and I can't express how nice that feels. Euro’ road racing has the hype, the excitement and the power to humble the most flippant of riders, but U.S. cycling has its own charms that I truly missed, like racing against riders I grew up with. I didn't have that history in Belgium. It’s good to be back. Sure, like family we may not always get along, but it doesn't mean that it is not enjoyable to see each other again. So, instead of

CSC-turned-Phonak rider and VeloNews columnist Tyler Hamilton hasdonated an autographed team jersey to the Rotary Club in his hometown ofMarblehead Massachusetts. Hamilton, who rode to an impressive fourth-placefinish in this year's Tour de France despite a broken collarbone, has donatedthe jersey to aid the club's annual fundraiser. In order to reach morebidders, the club is now auctioning off the jersey on eBay.com.To bid, just clickhere and help the Marblehead Rotary.

It was close

Wellens had one major obstacle to overcome

Breaking up was hard to do

Gutted TTT is uselessEditor:What on earth were Leblanc and Co. thinking with these new rules for next year's team time trial? No team can lose more than 2:30 on the winning time next year? Can you think of a better way to encourage half the peloton to sandbag? Having a bad day? No problem, just turn it off and coast in! I can't possibly imagine what the organizers were thinking. Were they trying to make an already stodgy format even less interesting to watch? Is this a secret plan to hand French teams that only show up in search of stage wins an extra rest day? I'm all for this

On Thursday, USA Cycling released its first cyclo-cross rankings of 2004, and there were no surprises at the top, with Marc Gullickson topping the elite men’s standings and Alison Dunlap heading up the elite women’s rankings. The rankings are based on results from U.S. UCI-sanctioned races. So far this year Gullickson has posted three UCI wins in the five he has contested, at the Star-Crossed in Redmond, Washington; at the Bay Area Super Prestige Series opener; and at last weekend’s Downeast Cyclo-Cross in New Gloucester, Maine. In the other two races, Gullickson finished second behind Erwin

Dear Bob, This is a strange question. We were riding in the mountains west of Denver, going uphill, when we saw a pickup coming in the opposite direction, swerving back and forth. It passed by us, then we heard the sound of brakes locking up. When I looked back, the truck was coming at us! We bailed off the bikes and up the rock banking beside the road. The truck ran over all the bikes, sideswiped the rocks, and kept going. Nobody was hurt. We called the cops on a cell phone, and gave them the truck’s tag number. The police found the guy only a few minutes later and busted him for DUI, but

World champion Igor Astarloa's doping test from the day before he won the world road race title is negative, an official source from cycling's world ruling body said Friday in Paris. The 27-year-old Spaniard was among four riders who were asked to provide urine samples the day before the men's road race at the recent world championships in Hamilton, Canada. Astarloa, compatriots Manuel Beltran and Aitor Osa, and Belgian Axel Merckx were all asked to provide the samples after having given blood samples the previous day. The Union Cycliste International (UCI) announced Friday: "All the

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced today in Montréal that it has asked all international sports federations and national anti-doping agencies to analyze stored samples for the presence of tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). "A proactive approach in this matter is crucial," said WADA director general David Howman in a letter sent to the organizations. "It not only sends a message to athletes that cheating will not be tolerated, but also reassures the general public that definite steps are being taken to stamp out the scourge of doping in sport." Some groups, including the International

Our crystal ball isn’t broken, just foggyEditor:Is your article about the Tour route a joke? You list two TTs in the final five stages, with one of them on L'Alpe d'Huez? But in your separate predictions of the Tour, you have a totally different route -- with a totally different TT and a stage to Mont Ventoux. What's going on? Dave Bell Washington, D.C. This is why we call these things “predictions,” Dave. – Editor Lance has a 30 percent chance for No. 6Editor:If Lance can get himself back into climbing form, then this Tour should be his. If he is in a form similar to this year, then

Hill stays put.

Jean Marie Leblanc announces the 2004 Tour route under the watchful eye of a very interested party.

Nathan Rennie

Cédric Gracia

Model/racer Niki Gudex was seen shaking hands with Intense's Jeff Steber over an agreement that will have her racing pro cross-country in her native Australia for the 2004 season. Check out her website at www.nikigudex.com

Museeuw in his element - Paris-Roubaix, 2002

These two 'gentlemen' were seen 'patrolling' the Seattle Bike Supply Booth. I wish the shot could show exactly how short their shorts were. Believe me, these are two escorts you would never want to show up to your hotel room...

Defeet was showing this cool 'bib' that provided wind protection over the rider's chest area, but could easily removed mid-ride when it warmed up.

Spanish manufacturer showed off this working prototype of a hydraulic disc brake road bike. Using Formula calipers and a mechanically activated master cylinder, enormous braking power could be generated. Galfer rotors and hydraulic lines also shown.

Here's a closer look at the system. Not the cleanest appearance, but until Shimano develops a hydraulic Dura-Ace caliper and master cylinder, this will have to work. This could very well be the future of road stoppers-that is if the UCI allows it.

Galfer also showed off its massive 255mm downhill/tandem rotor. Next to it is a standard 160mm rotor for comparison. Galfer owns the patent to the wavy rotor design.

Greg Herbold gets 'dolled-up' for a night on the town with the SRAM girls. Another male escort you wouldn't want knocking on your door.

The guys from Independent Fabrication were seen assembling their prototype full suspender only hours before the show door opened.

Even not-so-prototype bikes were seen being built at the very last minute.

The guys at Manitou held an inter-office contest to see who could grow the most embarrassing moustache. This guy won.

We have just posted the on-line version of this year's edition of CiclismoItaliano, a celebration of the rich history of Italian cycling presented by our friends at the Italian Trade Commission.You will need AdobeAcrobat Reader to enjoy the on-line version of "Ciclismo Italiano."

Upon completing a second consecutive season atop the individual NRC standings, American Chris Horner remains unsure just which team he’ll be riding for next year. With Team Sports manager Tom Schuler still searching for a replacement sponsor for Saturn — rumors persist that Schuler’s close to signing a deal — Horner is playing the wait-and-see game into November. “I don’t have anything finalized yet,” Horner said in a phone interview last week. “I’m sure I’ll have a job next year, it’s just a matter of where.” After an awesome display of strength at September’s T-Mobile International,

Ciclismo Italiano is now on line

Phil Zajicek flirts with the devil

Horner's waiting for someone to show him the money

Gord 'Pops' Fraser and son, Angus Ian Fraser

Lance Armstrong completed a weeklong ride across the United States to Washington, D.C., on Saturday to raise awareness about fighting cancer. The 32-year-old American, who overcame testicular cancer to win five consecutive Tours, was part of the Tour of Hope, a 3,200-mile trek from Los Angeles to the nation's capital. The journey by 26 riders was a call to lawmakers to stay committed to supporting research into cancer cures. "The Tour of Hope is about getting the word out that we can beat this disease, but it has to be a team effort," Armstrong said. "My treatments were made possible by

Patrik Sinkewitz attacks

Juan Antonio Flecha

Bellotti was one of the early animators

world champion Igor Astarloa

Gully fights off a tough crowd in Maine

McCormack has been dealing with a cold and his wife's morning sickness

Mary McConneloug has nearly two minutes' worth of cushion at the finish

After Chris Horner’s ride in Hamilton, I don’t think anyone can question whether a U.S. domestic pro can compete with the big boys at world’s. Could you imagine the shockwaves that would have rippled through the pressroom and the crowd if one of his late attacks had stuck? Would have ranked as one of the great upsets ever. It’s a shame Tom Danielson was sidelined with injury for Hamilton. After seeing what Horner did, there’s no doubt Danielson could have been a player in the race as well. And what a perfect symmetry there would have been had he somehow managed to snag the rainbow jersey:

Rebellin, Bartoli and Oscar Camenzind at last year's World Cup finale.

USA Cycling released a statement Wednesday afternoon announcing that Eric Moore, NORBA’s director of field operations, resigned from USA Cycling effective immediately. Moore, who joined NORBA in 1994, spent the majority of his career working on, developing and helping to shape NORBA’s National Championship Series. "I want to thank Eric for his many years of dedication to the sport of cycling, especially in his work on behalf of NORBA and the NCS," said USA Cycling CEO Gerard Bisceglia. "We wish Eric all the best as he moves on to new challenges."

Five components that caught Andrew's attention

Five components that caught Andrew's attention

Five components that caught Andrew's attention

Five components that caught Andrew's attention

Five components that caught Andrew's attention

Kestrel magic with Tiki scheme

Sure it's a recumbent, but it's a carbon recumbent!

The Bianchi Luna - it's just so beautiful

A few components that caught my fancy

A few components that caught my fancy

A few components that caught my fancy

Elvis lives

Tuesday's EuroFile: Sevilla jumps to Phonak; Mergers, trades and an unhappy Bettini

It's pedal powered ...

... but the interior smells like beer.

Tyler Hamilton made his appearance at the Cervello booth, but down the aisle his new Phonak ride was waiting at the DT booth