All Content

Check out CyclingTips's author page.

Several show-goers were surprised to see a De Rosa booth at NAHBS, placed within sight of trendy urban single-speeds and wild one-off full suspension mountain bikes. The De Rosa bikes on display cut a uniquely classic image compared to some of the exotic and experimental show bikes. Here’s a look at both ends of the spectrum: the handcrafted De Rosas, backed by years of history and family tradition; and some one-off show bikes not found anywhere else.

The Tour of Missouri on Thursday released a short list of teams confirmed for the 2009 event, which will be held September 7-13. Garmin-Slipstream, Columbia-High Road, Liquigas and Cervelo TestTeam are confirmed for the race. Team rosters will be announced in August. While Garmin, Liquigas and Columbia have competed at the race prior years, this would be the first appearance by Cervelo.

World champion Alessandro Ballan said he would be focusing on the Milan-San Remo and northern classics in the early part of this season. The Italian also said he was looking forward to competing in May's Giro d'Italia wearing the rainbow jersey. The 29-year-old Lampre rider has never won the prestigious Milan-San Remo race but came eighth in 2006. "I feel good, it's been a tough winter but I've worked hard with my team," he said.

The Cyclist's Training Bible Includes the Latest Advances in Training

Though he still might carry the nickname "The Cuban Missile," Ivan Dominguez is now a U.S. citizen. As of February 26th, Dominguez no longer needs to worry about a green card or complicated travel with his old Cuban passport. It's been a happening year for the 32-year old from Cuba. With his former team, Toyota-United, permanently closing its curtains, and an uncertain relationship with Rock Racing, Dominguez finally found his way onto the new Fuji-Servetto ProTour team.

Check out CyclingTips's author page.

Rock Racing's David Vitoria won the Vuelta Mexico Telmex's fourth stage in a solo breakaway, while Italian Gilberto Simoni retains the overall lead in the race. Vitoria, a fourth-year Swiss pro, escaped from three others — Arquimedes Lam (Tecos), Francesco Rivera (Amica Chips-Knauf) and Andrew Pinfold (OUCH-Maxxis) — on a steep climb in the closing miles to beat Lam by 20 seconds. Pinfold was third, 1:53 behind.

Ivan Basso returned to racing in Wednesday’s Giro del Friuli following a knee injury that sent him packing early from the Tour of California. The Italian rider, who is back after serving a suspension for his links to the Operación Puerto doping scandal, said he was encouraged that he’s riding again without pain. “It was a hard race but it gave me some encouragement because I didn’t feel any pain in the knee,” Basso told Italian reporters after the race. “The cold didn’t help resolve my problem but things are improving and I continue to make progress.”

Ted King’s debut with his Cervélo TestTeam didn’t quite go according to plan, but he’s already recovering from a crash that short-circuited his season debut at the Amgen Tour of California. His teammate Thor Hushovd won stage 3, but King was forced out of the race earlier in the stage after a freak spill left him with a busted up arm. Luckily, surgery wasn’t necessary and the 6-foot-3 King is anticipating a fairly quick return to the peloton.

Check out CyclingTips's author page.

Two new events mark the Series’ 6th season (Minneapolis, March 4, 2009) Organizers of the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series have announced the 2009 schedule, the 6th season for this women-only calendar. New to the Series in 2009 are the Joe Martin Stage Race and the Cascade Cycling Classic. March 26-29 - Redlands Bicycle Classic May 7-10 – Joe Martin Stage Race June 10-14 - Nature Valley Grand Prix July 22-26 – Cascade Cycling Classic

Price: $1.70 each Weight: 30 grams per packet Flavors: Wild Berries Web site: www.carbboom.com Carb Boom now offers all natural wild berry Energy Chews. These nutrient-rich snacks are perfect for times when an energy gel is not enough and an energy bar is too hard to chew.

Salt Lake City Police officials have released the name and a description of a suspect in the burglary of David Zabriskie’s home. Thieves struck the home of the Garmin-Slipstream rider approximately two weeks ago, while he was competing at the Amgen Tour of California. The home was cleared of nearly everything as thieves took bicycles, personal mementos and even automobiles.

Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) won the GP Samyn ahead of compatriot Bjorn Leukemans (Vacansoleil) out of a successful breakaway in the 191km race in western Belgium. Weylandt was part of a six-man move that stayed clear late in the race. Joining him and Leukemans were Belgians Geert Omloop, Roy Sentjens and Jan Bakelants, with French rider Rèmi Cusin (Agritubel) coming across the line third. It was the first win of the season for the 24-year-old Weylandt and the eighth for Quick Step.

Graeme Brown (Rabobank) took vengeance on Greg Henderson (Columbia-Highroad) on Wednesday by winning the opening stage of the Vuelta a Murcia in Spain.