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This is the first in what will become a regular column on VeloNews.com from attorney Bob Mionske, who handles sports-related legal issues. Mionske is inviting readers to submit legal questions faced by cyclists and other endurance athletes to info@bicyclelaw.com. He will answer a cross-section of questions each Thursday here on VeloNews.com.The information provided in this column is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice (see notice below).K-9 encounterHello Mr. Mionske;My wife and I were on an a group ride on a quiet country road in NorthCarolina

After two years of running a split venue — once for the 2001 World Cup, once for last year’s NORBA race — organizers in Durango, Colorado, will be putting on their entire 2003 NORBA event at Durango Mountain Resort. “The split venue didn’t fail, but it didn’t work either,” said NORBA’s Eric Moore, of a set-up where the downhill was contested at the ski area, while the cross-country, short track and mountain cross where all held down near town. “Having everything in one place [for this year’s NORBA finals] will just be easier on everyone involved.” Well, everyone except the cross-country

Lithuanian cyclist Raimondas Rumsas, whose wife was jailed in France after being caught with large quantities of banned substances, will stay with Lampre next season, the Italian team said Thursday. Rumsas, third in this year's Tour de France behind American winner Lance Armstrong and Spaniard Joseba Beloki, signed an extension to his contract at the team's headquarters just outside Milan in the presence of team manager Giuseppe Saronni and team boss Emanuele Galbusera. Rumsas will share the role of team leader with Italian Francesco Casagrande, who recently joined from the Fassa

Organizers of this weekend's national cyclo-cross championship havescheduled a special fundraiser for the American Cyclocross Foundation onSaturday at Downtown Joe’s in Napa, California.Funds raised will directly benefit U.S. athletes selected to race theWorld Championships in Monopoli, Italy in February.“By simply getting a great meal and a few beers, you’re supporting theU.S. team,” said Rick Sutton, president of GaleForce Sports Marketing,which is promoting the event. “We’ve gotten great support from DowntownJoe’s, which has pledged to donate a portion of every beer poured and

Legally Speaking - with Bob Mionske

Rumsas will stay with Lampre

Edita Rumsas upon her release from a French prison.

Andreu at Paris-Nice in 2000

Frankie Andreu, the American director sportif of the U.S. Postal squad, said Wednesday that he has been released from his job and will be leaving the team at the end of the year. Andreu said the Postal decision came as a surprise and represents "a sad ending to a wonderful job." Andreu had a long career as a professional, competing in nine consecutive Tours de France between 1991 and 2000. He raced for Postal for the final three years of his career before retiring two years ago at the age of 34. He assumed the U.S. director's position at Postal at the beginning of the 2001 season.

There are famous examples of shims being used with great success.

D'Aluisio

Hall celebrated her series win

Ofoto-Lombardi Sports 2003 team announcement The Ofoto–Lombardi Sports Cycling Team on Friday announced the riders and sponsors for its 2003 squad. New to the team for the 2003 racing season will be: Switzerland’s Roman Peter (ex-Saint-Quentin Oktos), a former world junior cyclo-cross champion; Andy Bajadali, who had a breakout year as an amateur in 2002; Jon Erdelyi, silver medalist at the 2002 U.S. Under-23 Road Championships; and Saul Raisin, a talented young member of the US U-23 national team. The strength of the Team returns for 2003, led by Ireland’s David O’loughlin and America’s

Spurred on by Lance Armstrong, a partial U.S. Postal Service squad competed in Sunday's Dirty Duathlon, an off-road run-bike-run race in Smithville, Texas, near Austin. The multi-sport adventure capped the Postie’s first training camp in Austin. Improving on last year's second place finish, Postal’s top man bested Austin based mountain bike pro Jason Sager (Team Diabetic) to win the overall title in the event. The challenging course featured 12 miles of mountain bike trail sandwiched between hilly three- mile runs. Trailing competitor Kevin Stankiewicz after the first run

Lance Armstrong has been named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. The magazine credited the four-time Tour de France winner with “more than a bicyclist… more than an athlete,” as he continues to inspire the public by his performance after a nearly fatal battle with cancer. “About 300 pieces of mail find their way to him each week,” wrote SI’s Rick Riley. "They come from people who are suddenly pale-yellow versions of themselves, half gone from chemo, scared to die. They read his book, plug into his story, let him block the wind. They see a man who once sat around the same chemo

If you have made it this far then you already know: There is no better wayto see the world than from the seat of a bicycle. While others roll by encasedin cars, the bicycle rider is unencumbered, free to take in the sights, sounds,smells, people and places that make our planet so amazing. Whether it’s thesplendor of the Canadian Rockies, the majesty of the Alps, the quiet solitudeof the Irish coast, or the grandeur of the Tour de France, the bicycle issimply the best way to go. It’s with that in mind that VeloNews has brought together 10 of theworld’s most renowned cycling vacation tour

We recognize the face and the uniform, but...

Armstrong named SI Sportsman of the Year

Grand ToursCycling vactions around the world

Grand ToursCycling vactions around the world

Grand ToursCycling vactions around the world

Ask anyone who knows about professional cycling in Ireland and it doesn’ttake long before the name McQuaid comes up. For three generations now theMcQuaids have been at the top of the Irish cycling scene, sending at leastone family member to seven of the last nine Olympics since Jim McQuaid madethe trip to Mexico City in 1968. Since then Jim’s seven sons and many grandchildren have continued the family’sbike racing tradition, making the McQuaids Ireland’s undisputed first familyof cycling. But it was touring, not racing, that first introduced the McQuaidsto the bicycle. From an early age, all

La Cima ToursAn American company with Italian roots

La Cima ToursAn American company with Italian roots

La Cima ToursAn American company with Italian roots

La Cima ToursAn American company with Italian roots

Orchid Isle BicyclingExploring Hawaii’s Tropical Treasures

Orchid Isle BicyclingExploring Hawaii’s Tropical Treasures

Orchid Isle BicyclingExploring Hawaii’s Tropical Treasures

Orchid Isle BicyclingExploring Hawaii’s Tropical Treasures

Stephen Roche CyclingLegendary riding with a legend

Stephen Roche CyclingLegendary riding with a legend

Stephen Roche CyclingLegendary riding with a legend

Stephen Roche CyclingLegendary riding with a legend

As a young child growing up in the 1960s, Monica Pappas received the kindof education no school can provide. Though born in the United States, Pappasspent her summers in a small village in the Gruppa di Brenta Mountains ofnorthern Italy where she was immersed in the country’s culture and language.Later Monica attended school in Florence, furthering her knowledge aboutone of the world’s most renowned cycling destinations. Since then Monica and her husband Rick have spent almost 20 years ridingthe valleys, villages and mountain passes of Northern Italy, Switzerlandand Austria. And today as the

Celtic TrailsA family affair

Oliver Kiel has spent nearly a lifetime in the bicycle business. Originallyfrom Germany, Oliver spent more than 10 years guiding tours all over Europe.But after a decade he decided it was time for a change. The weather in Europewas too unpredictable and Oliver wanted to try something new. That led him to Hawaii, where along with his wife Julia, he now operatesOrchid Isle Bicycling, the island chain’s leading provider of deluxe “worryfree” cycling vacations. “Our philosophy is that we are committed to ensuring our clients experiencea memorable ‘worry free’ adventure as they explore our

Celtic TrailsA family affair

When you think of the island of Mallorca the first thing that comes to mindis the combination of sun, sea and sand. This Mediterranean treasure perched off Spain’s eastern coast has a world-renowned reputation for beautiful beaches and 24-hour nightlife. But Mallorca attracts more than just party animals and beach bunnies. For years now, professional cycling teams from across Europe have used this 1420-square mile island as a training-camp site. With a perfect variety of roads — hilly, flat and everything in between —and near perpetual sunshine, Mallorca provides a perfect destination

Celtic TrailsA family affair

RandonnéeThe freedom of travel at your own pace

RandonnéeThe freedom of travel at your own pace

RandonnéeThe freedom of travel at your own pace

VéloSport VacationsThe best of the sport

VéloSport VacationsThe best of the sport

VéloSport VacationsThe best of the sport

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

“Every cyclist has a dream in their heart,” says Velo Echappé presidentBrian Rounds. “It may be experiencing the Tour de France, riding with theirfavorite professional cyclist, or simply escaping the stress and strain oflife for a destination that combines their passion for cycling with culture.It’s been our goal to put it together and make it a reality.” And make it a reality they have! Established in 1996, Velo Echappé(French for “Bicycle Escape”) has been making dreams come true for cyclistsof all levels with their original, fully supported cycling vacations. Velo Echappé’s vacations

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

Imagine a warm sunny day, green hills sheltering a field brilliant with poppies.Smell the fresh alpine air, with cowbells chiming across the valley. Pauseto chat with the local shepherd, sample a famous vintage or select freshpâté to spread on oven-hot walnut bread. These are just someof the amazing experiences that await you on a cycling adventure with Randonnée, North America’s leading specialist in self-guided touring in Europe and Canada. At Randonnée, they know what you want and make sure you get it. Theirpremium Randonnée Plus tours are meticulously designed and superblyoperated. Inns

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

The warm cycling culture of France highlights all VéloSport Vacationsprograms. The Bloomington, Indiana-based company has been hosting enthusiastsfor more than 12 years in select regions: the Alps, Pyrénées,Provence, and the French Caribbean. These destinations feature some of thebest scenic roads in the world, active local clubs, and a long and enthusiasticassociation with the velo. All programs are designed around greatriding, superior support and service, and unique ties to the world of professional racing. VéloSport Vacations has divided its trips into two distinct types:tours and resort

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

After 26 years of building bicycles and using them to race and travel allover the globe, the folks at Trek Bicycles have learned a few things abouttwo-wheeled transportation. The most important lesson: The best way to see the world is from the seatof a bicycle. It is with that philosophy in mind that the Waterloo, Wisconsin-based company has launched the newest member of its family, Trek Travel, a luxury cycling tour operation that offers 19 different trips in North America and Europe. Each destination has been carefully researched to ensure the most luxuriousaccommodations, gourmet cuisine

CycleItaliaRide hard, eat well

“I wish I’d done this years ago!” CycleItalia hears that a lot. Regular clientsdescribe their time in Italy riding and eating with CycleItalia as the bestpart of their year, every year. After all, Ciclismo is at home inItaly. It’s more than mere sport. It’s a tradition, lifestyle and passion. You’re climbing some endless pass in the north of Italy. You pedal througha tiny village, narrow main street, tiny shops, one cafe. A black shawledold woman cheers as you ride by. “FORZA!” she says. Strength. As you ride, you see names and words paintedon the pavement. You realize you’ve read about

CycleItaliaRide hard, eat well

Velo EchappéTime to live the dream

CycleItaliaRide hard, eat well

Velo EchappéTime to live the dream

Velo EchappéTime to live the dream

RandonnéeThe freedom of travel at your own pace

“The theory is there; the proof I’m still looking for.” – Dr. Sangili Chandran, a sports-medicine specialist, quoted in an Associated Press story about yet another study linking biking and infertility “Men who are dedicated mountain bikers may be risking their fertility if they fail to equip the bikes with protective gear, researchers report,” said the story in the December 3 New York Times.“Johnny, quit picking on your little sister, and tell the twins to set the table for seven - your big brother’s coming home from college for the weekend,” said thousands of mountain bikers nationwide,

Mongoose teammates Todd Wells and Marc Gullickson have dominated America's UCIcyclo-crosses this fall, scoring 12 wins between them - five for Wells, andseven for Gullickson. But with just two weeks remaining in the domestic season,only Wells has been re-signed for 2003, leaving "Gully" out in the cold as heprepares to wrap up a win in the eight-race Verge series this weekend, thentake a crack at the national title on December 15. We had a chance to speak with Gullickson at his home in Boulder, Colorado, where he lives with his wife, Margy, and their 2-year-old son Finn. VeloNews: This

Friday's foaming rant:Nuts to you, Doc

Friday's foaming rant:Nuts to you, Doc

A new thrill sport for Nico?

Dear VeloNews;While I think it is great that Georgia has it's own world-class stagerace (see "Tourde Georgia signs title sponsor"), I was a bit bummed to learn thismorning that Athens has been removed from the list of host cities.The Tour de Georgia has the same weekend that the now-famous Twilight Criterium has always had, and the Twilight was working with Tour de Georgia to become a stage of the race. Tour de Georgia told everyone that Athens was oneof the host cities(in fact, the route map on www.tourdegeorgia.org still has Athens as a host city).As of yesterday, they have replaced

Mountain biking’s silly season rolled on this week with the biggest news coming from the Giant camp, which announced its revamped 2003 roster. Joining on with the team’s lone holdover from last year, Canadian downhiller Dustin Adams, and previous signee Adam Craig, will be gated-specialist Tara Llanes and young Australian downhiller Jared Rando. But maybe more importantly, Giant announced that it would be partnering with Colorado-based cycling apparel maker Pearl Izumi. Both Llanes and Pearl Izumi were part of Yeti’s racing team last year, but after Pearl opted to not renew with Yeti, it

Gilberto Simoni, who says he is already focused on the 2003 Giro d’Italia,started his long build up to race by reconnoitering the Giro’s most difficultascent, the road to Monte Zoncolan, a brutal climb that caps off stage12 on May 22.Simoni was ejected from the 2002 Giro for a positive drug test but wascleared of charges by a review panel this fall. After missing a large portionof the 2002 season as a result of the scandal, Simoni came back to contestthe Vuelta a España and then turned his focus to the 2003 season.After this past weekend’s announcement of the ’03 Giro route, Simoni visitedthe

Llanes

The feed zone - Nutrition Q&A with Monique RyanWhat to eat before that early morning ride

Technical Q&A with Lennard Zinn - Carbon Forks

Gully strikes again.

After weeks of negotiations, popular Belgian rookie Tom Boonen has earned his release from the U.S. Postal team, opening the door to his plans to join the new Quick Step squad. Boonen’s agent, Paul De Geyter confirmed that the 22-year-old was released from the final year of his contract by Postal manager Mark Gorski this weekend. The young Belgian, who finished third in Paris-Roubaix this year, has become something of a national hero and has been seeking the opportunity to join a Belgian team and has been heavily recruited by the Quick Step squad and its director Patrick Lefevere. “This