All Content

Lance Armstrong wasted no time upon his return to Europe on Monday – he’s already been on a scouting mission to L’Alpe d’Huez. The five-time Tour de France winner said the 15km climbing time trial will be a decisive stage in the upcoming Tour, when Armstrong will try to win an historic sixth victory. L’Equipe reported Armstrong rode the legendary climb several times solo on Wednesday before being joined Thursday by teammates Manuel Beltran, Chechu Ruiera and Jose Azevedo. Armstrong will return to racing next week for the Tour du Languedoc-Roussillon (May 19-23) in southern France with

Americans Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (RLX Ralph Lauren) and Alison Dunlap (Luna) took solo cross-country wins at the second round of the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series, held Saturday in Sonoma, California. The cross-country race served as the marquee event for the first of the inaugural two-day California Outdoor Sports Championships at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway, which also hosted a NORBA mountain-cross event, won by Jill Kintner (Yeti) and Wade Bootes (Trek-Volkswagen), and a pro-1-2 road circuit race held on the venue's motorway, won by Kiwi Glen Mitchell (Sierra Nevada) and Lisa Norris

Cunego celebrates his victory

Riders can't get enough of that 'American champagne' after finishing another hard stage at the up-and-down Vuelta a Asturias in northern Spain

Credit Agricole's Mads Kaggested signs an autograph for a young Spanish fan after the stage. Team captain Christophe Moreau abandoned Friday's stage, another DNF for the French rider who pulled out of Four Days of Dunkirk earlier this month

Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) won the opening stage at Asturias and held the lead going into Saturday's climbing stage

Iban Mayo and Haimar Zulbedia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) are all smiles back at the team hotel after another hard day in the challenging Asturias race. Mayo won Tuesday's one-day Subida a Naranco, but lost more than 1 minute in the opening stage

Christian Vande Velde (Liberty Seguros) had to carry his bike across the finish line Friday after smashing his rear wheel on a pothole in the final 500 meters. Vande Velde didn't crash and said he's feeling 'better and better'

David Herrero (Costa Almeria-Paternina) is all smiles as he enjoys some quality podium time. The young Spanish rider won the second stage into Gijon with a well-timed attack and grabbed the points jersey as an added bonus

As the Lion King exits, the big three – Simoni, Garzelli and Cunego – battle it out

Figuera launched attack after attack on the final ascent

But Cunego proved strongest at the end

Horgan-Kobelski grinds out out through the allergenic Sonoma County countryside

Dunlap leads a group of seven riders on the first lap

Bad luck: A disappointed Todd Wells is driven off the race course after dropping out

Others in my generation took drugs and perhaps expanded their consciousness, that was open to question, and I drank and contracted my brain into halts and stutters, a gray fist of bitterness. Jim HarrisonWolf Myles Rockwell may be off on another kind of downhill run altogether, if you believe what you read in the papers. According to The Durango Herald, the 2000 world-champion downhiller was briefly jugged on Tuesday in connection with the discovery of a marijuana farm that the cops said would’ve been good for 200 large on the street, and that ain’t hay, as they mostly don’t say any

Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) overcame rain-soaked roads and a fast downhill finish to win the 164km sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia from Spoleto to Valmontone on Friday. Petacchi beat Olaf Pollack (Gerolsteiner) and Alejandro Borrajo (Ceramiche Panaria) to the line in a bunch sprint for his third stage win of this year's race. Last year's winner, Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) retained the overall race lead after finishing in the same time as Petacchi. Teammate Damiano Cunego is second, 13 seconds behind, and Yaroslav Popovych (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) is third, a further eight seconds

Italian police on Friday arrested four alleged drug dealers suspected of supplying cocaine to Italian cycling great Marco Pantani, who died of an overdose in February. Police sources had said they were pursuing one person they believed supplied the deadly dose to the 1998 Tour de France winner. Pantani was found dead in a hotel room in the coastal resort town of Rimini on February 14. "Searches are still under way," a Rimini police official told Reuters. He added there would be a news conference later in the day. Pantani won the Giro d'Italia in 1998 but was disqualified while leading

The Mail Bag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com, appearing each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Magnus is magnificentEditor:Incredible. Please tell Mr. Backstedt (I believe he’s entitled to be called mister) his entries are riveting. How he competes at this elite level and is able and talented enough to compose such gripping tales could

HAVERHILL, MA - In an effort to highlight the new adidas Cycling website, www.adidascycling.net, Mavic-adidas Cycling is giving away a trip to the US Pro Championships in Philadelphia on June 6. One winner and a guest will jet to Philadelphia courtesy of adidas, for an adidas Cycling Pro weekend. The winner will receive, among other things, the opportunity to go on a training ride with adidas athlete Tim Johnson of the Saunier Duval/Prodir Cycling team, a personally fitted complete adidas cycling kit and VIP treatment at the US Pro Championships on Sunday. The new site offers the entire

MEMPHIS, TN -- True Temper Sports announced today the opening of a new titanium manufacturing facility located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. The major focus of this production operation will be to provide double-butted tubing and components to the bicycle industry. With the addition of super strength titanium, True Temper is now capable of providing OEMs and custom frame builders with a complete array of frame materials including high performance steel and carbon fiber. Commenting on the new product line, Ric Andersen, Vice President and General Manager of True Temper’s Performance Sports

A bit of a crazy day, wasn’t it? With all the rain those last 20km were just absolutely unbelievable. It was amazing how much water was on the road heading into the finish, and that made things incredibly dangerous; but even if it had been dry, that course was right on the limit of what might be considered safe. Wet roads just made it crazy, and that’s where I figure I should start my thoughts here today. It really wasn’t the finishing straight itself, it was the route we covered coming into town. The last 3km were fine. I mean the rain made that dicey, but the closing stretch was just

The first paper O'Grady ever really worked on was in this album

Petacchi notches win No. 3

Fassa Bortolo works the front for their man Petacchi ...

... as Saeco marshals its forces for overall leader Simoni

The boss remains firmly in charge

Giro

Robbie McEwen couldn’t have asked for a better finish than the one that was handed to him at the end of stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia on Thursday. For sure, the 177-kilometer ride from Civitella in Val di Chiana to Spoleto, featured one of the flattest courses of this year's Giro, but the peloton was treated to a challenging finishing circuit that seemed to suit the Lotto-Domo rider’s talents more than anyone else’s in the peloton. By the time riders had completed three trips around the 7.3km loop through Spoleto, the steep 1.4km hill had taken its toll on some of the field’s better

Why can't I climb?Dear Joe,I'm a recreational roadie who spends some time on a mountain bike as well. I've been actively riding for four years. I put in 100-150 miles a week, with mostly mixed rides - by virtue of living in remote Wyoming, I don't get many flat, easy spins! Here is my challenge. I feel fit, but I cannot climb hills. I'm 5'11", approximately 160 pounds, resting HR of 44, no chronic illness, and I can't ride up hills! I do well on the flats between any rises, which means I make my pulls when riding with a group, I can spin around 22-24 mph, and am reasonably comfortable at

Replace those face-plate boltsDear Lennard,I have heard that 3TTT has recalled their Zepp stems. I have an XL version of this stem – how can I find out if it is on the recall list? Can you tell me more about the problems associated with the stems? Should I pull this puppy off the bike?William Dear William,Yes, there has been a recall of those stems. You do not necessarily need to remove it from the bike, but you must replace the face-plate bolts with longer ones.Lennard Wippermann chain with Dura-Ace?Dear Lennard,I’ve got a Shimano 7800 drivetrain on my Seven Elium. In your most recent

(Vicenza) - Campagnolo's Neutron Carbon wheels made their first appearance last year on BMW's F1 road bikes. These bikes - of which only 100 examples were produced - form part of a select and limited bicycle series bearing the official BMW F1 graphics and colours, created by the famous German luxury car manufacturer for its Lifestyle collection. Campagnolo, asked to fit these bicycles with Record groupsets, was also commissioned to create an exclusive wheel product. This collaboration eventually gave birth to Campagnolo's Neutron Carbon: a Neutron rim in aluminium coupled with a Hyperon hub

As luck would have it, a few members of the VeloNews staff and I were able to sneak away two weeks ago to Moab for a little product testing/vacation mountain bike riding. But before we hit hit the legendary slickrock, I wanted to make sure to bring along a fair share of mountain bike product to test in the harsh desert environment. Coincidentally, RockShox is nearing final production of its 2005 Pike and Reba suspension forks, which provided me the perfect opportunity to beg to borrow one for a bit of test riding. A quick call to one of the RockShox product managers resulted in a

MEMPHIS, TN -- True Temper Sports and TREK Bicycle Corporation announced a strategic supplier relationship today linking the world’s premium bicycle manufacturer and the world’s leading bicycle frame tubing manufacturer. The LeMond brand will use True Temper’s proprietary OX Platinum lightweight air hardening steel alloy as the “Spine” material for their multi-material LeMond branded frames. LeMond and True Temper will work together to introduce new models using OX Platinum and other metal alloys currently being engineered by both companies R & D groups. LeMond Product Manager, Aaron

Former world downhill champion Myles Rockwell was arrested on Tuesday in his hometown of Durango, Colorado, on suspicion of having a “very sophisticated” marijuana-growing operation in his home, according to a press release issued by the Southwest Drug Task Force. Rockwell, 31, was booked into the La Plata County jail on a class 4 felony after law enforcement officers seized 52 “high quality” sinsemilla plants from his Durango home. The former downhill pro, who last rode for the Giant team in 2002, was released on $10,000 bail. Rockwell’s arrest occurred following the execution of a search

A few members of the VeloNews staff and I were able to sneak away two weeks ago to Moab for a little mountain-bike product testing that was part work, part vacation. Coincidentally, RockShox is nearing final production of its 2005 Pike and Reba suspension forks. And as luck would have it, a quick call to a RockShox product manager resulted in a freshly-built, long-travel Pike being delivered just in time for our departure. I planned to install the Pike on my 2004 Specialized S-Works in the classy digs of Moab’s Apache Motel, then head for the trails. Silly me – I forgot that Pike is a

Hi, Monique:What is the best strategy for pre-training fueling in regards to timing and low and higher glycemic index foods? Thanks.DV DV,Often pre-training timing is a product of your work or school and training schedule. Depending on the timing of your workouts, you may decide to eat something two to four hours beforehand, or your schedule may even require that you ingest some fuel in the hour before training. Depending on the timing, you can adjust your food choices and portions. You can also decide if the glycemic index of foods is something that you also want to consider when making

Spanish rider David Herrero (Paternina-Costa Almería) won the 153km second stage of the Vuelta a Asturias in northern Spain on Thursday while Luis León Sánchez (Liberty Seguros) retained the overall lead. Herrero attacked with 4km to go coming off the descent on the Puerto de El Infanzón to deliver a big stage-win for the modest Division II team against the larger teams. Miguel Angel Martín Perdiguero (Saunier Duval) and Josep Jufré (Relax-Bodysol) came through second and third, respectively, as the main bunch crossed the line two seconds slower. The race continues Friday with the 166km

It’s been a bit of an eventful day. First off, I really twisted my ankle last night. The thing is, I was just walking down the stairs to dinner. So I had to have that taped up and it’s a bit swollen and a bit sore to walk around on. I spent the early part of the day trying to test that out a bit. In fact, it was my ankle that really made me try a shot at that break today. I really wanted to do the sprint today, but early on I tried a couple of times to do a couple of good accelerations. It hurt my foot a little too much when I really accelerated, so I figured I should try something else… if

Map Stage 1

Profile Stage 1

Stage 2 Profile

Stage 2

Stage 3 Map

Stage 3 Prof

Corno scale - prof

stage 4 map

Stage 4 prof

profile stage 5

five map

In his element. McEwen relishes a big win

The RockShox Pike in its element

Rockwell in the world champion's jersey.

Moment of panic - Cunego's flat came in the closing kilometers

Giro d'Italia: McEwen has a perfect day

The flattest day so far

Three trips through Spoleto gave McEwen ample time to figure out the finish

Cipollini was ready to ride Thursday morning.

Simoni was wear he needed to be all day

Bäckstedt

Profile 6

map 6

St7FinalClimb

St7Map

St7Prof

prof8

map8

prof9

map9

pr10

m10

Luis León Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) surprised the big guns forthe second time in a week after taking victory in the opening stage ofthe 48th Vuelta a Asturias in northern Spain. Less than a week after winning the final time trial of the ClasicaAlcobendas last weekend in Madrid, the 20-year-old shot clear with DavidNavas (Illes Balears) with 3km to go to take the stage between Oviedo andLlanes along Spain's northern coast. Despite the victory, León Sanchez said he's racing to help teamcaptains Isidro Nozal and Roberto Heras in the five-day stage race thatconcludes Sunday. León Sanchez says

What’s the difference between a fall and a crash? Ask Alessandro Petacchi and Mario Cipollini. The former suffered a fall midway through the rainy 184km fourth stage of the 87th Giro d’Italia, but rebounded to win his second stage in four days. The latter crashed 200 meters from the line, landing hard on his left side before getting hit by another rider in the hard-charging bunch. Cipollini finished the stage – 150th at 1:35 back -- and didn’t suffer any broken bones, but the cycling world will have to wait until Thursday to see if Cipollini’s spirit was crushed in the horrific high-speed

Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 12, 2004)--USA Cycling announced today its entry of a junior national road team in three European events throughout May beginning with this weekend’s Le Trophée Centre Morbihan in France. The following week, the team of six will compete at the Internationale Junioren Driedaagse van Axel in the Netherlands May 21-23 and then return to France to close out their European campaign with the Tour de Larriance May 28-31. Riding for the U.S. Junior National Team will be Chad Beyer (Peoria, Ariz.), Mike Chauner (West Chester, Pa.), Taylor Lane (Cloudcroft, N.M.), Chris

Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 11, 2004)--USA Cycling announced today the addition of Bryan Cook as its new Vice President of Marketing. Cook, most recently the Associate Director of Sales and Planning for Kellogg’s Food Away From Home, a consumer products division of Kellogg’s Corporation, brings to USA Cycling over twenty years of sales and marketing experience. As V.P. of Marketing, Cook’s focus will primarily be aimed at expanding brand and property development of USA Cycling and its many assets. Like the United States Olympic Committee and most other National Governing Bodies, USA

Marblehead, MA. (USA) – The Tyler Hamilton Foundation, today announced the Pedal for Progress Cycle Series; three fundraising bike rides to be held in Massachusetts, Colorado and California during the summer and fall months. The first event on June 13 is in Tyler’s home state of Massachusetts; the remaining two will take place in October. Individuals can register online now at www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org. Tyler is scheduled to join the rides in Colorado and California. “The Tyler Hamilton Foundation is very excited to announce the Pedal for Progress Series of fundraising rides,” said

RIDE WITH GREG LEMOND! A once in a lifetime opportunity to ride with a legend brought to you by Bicycle Village. Before there was Lance there was LeMond!!! Greg LeMond, three time Tour de France winner and 2 time world champion, will be leading the Saturday morning ride, then holding an autograph session at the Bike Expo at Bicycle Village in Aurora on Saturday, May 15th. This is an amazing opportunity to meet one of the true legends of cycling. Pre-register to ride with Greg LeMond --online at www.bicyclevillage.com or by calling Bicycle Village-Aurora 303-337-1734 In honor of this

I’m relieved… I think my heart has finally started to beat again. As you might recall, the other day I said that I was not feeling up to contesting the sprint, figuring that it was not my day and I wanted to stay out of it, mostly out of respect for the guys who were in a position to contest it. Well, today I was feeling up for it, got myself into the mix and had a very, very, very close call when Cipo’ went down. I even had his bike clipping my foot as he went down, so I just missed it. I stopped breathing there and my heart is just now starting up again. Some times it is just so, so close

One thing you have to keep in mind about tactics is that they have to change to suit the circumstances. All teams start the day with a general plan, but then everyone has to be ready at a drop of a pedal stroke to change that plan and improvise. This is certainly what happened in today’s stage at the Giro. I can fully imagine the Fassa Bortolo team meeting this morning before the start of the stage. “This should be an easy day. All we have to do is keep the group together and set up Alessandro for the sprint with 10 kilometers to go. Every one knows their job on the lead out, so let’s get

Although the UCI revealed its new 2005 Pro Tour schedule on April 22, very little information has yet to come forth on how this top-down restructuring will affect the burgeoning domestic race scene here in North America. With races like the Dodge Tour de Georgia and the T-Mobile International popping up over the last few years, North America has drawn some heavy hitters, including Lance Armstrong, Jens Voigt, Gilberto Simoni and Mario Cipollini. A look at the UCI’s Web site reveals that the presentation of the “new rules to the management committee” for the continental circuits, of which