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Murcia ended up being quite successful for the team: we accomplished morethan we had set out to with two stage wins and a solid team effort. U.S.Postal currently has the most victories of any team in the professionalpeloton which isn’t bad considering we were the last to start racing. Friday’s stage at Murcia was a little harder than the profile had suggestedand some serpentine undulating roads took most of the peloton by surprise,split things up and zapped a good amount of energy out of everybody’s legsand spirits. It ended up being good for us as the challenge of the course made therace

U.S. Postal leader Lance Armstrong has decided to ride in this year's Dauphine Libere as part of his preparation for a record sixth Tour de France title in July. "I've changed my mind," said 32-year-old Armstrong, who was not expected to race in the event from June 6-13 in southeast France which he has won for the past two years. But Armstrong, who has hinted that he could quit at the end of the season, changed his mind because this year's race includes a time-trial up Mont Ventoux, which will aid his preparation for Alpe d'Huez time-trail which is seen as a key to this year's Tour de

Over the past two weeks, organizers of last year’s Grand Prix FemininInternational du Canada, and the Canadian Cycling Association have sent out conflicting press releases regarding the future of this year’s race. Organizers of the 2003 event, from the Lac St Jean-Saguenay region in eastern Quebec, released a statement saying that they would not be presenting the event in 2004 – slated for August 4 to 8 – because of its potential scheduling conflict with the Athens Olympics. While the promoters said that there would be an expected lack of interest from European teams in 2004, the race would

One man's waste is another creature's buffetEditors;There was a letter on the webpage recently, asking Bob Mionske if throwingbanana peels or other organic trash on the roadsides is considered littering(see "LegallySpeaking - with Bob Mionske: Is that a banana in your jersey pocket?").He replies that the law does in fact consider it littering, but I wouldlike to point out another good reason not to do it. Organic wasteattracts small scavengers such as insects and rodents and possums.These critters in turn attract larger predators, such as owls and hawks,and when they become road kill, crows

Brian Lopes had been at his buddy’s house all of 20 minutes when the accident happened. The former world four-cross champion was on the last leg of a fun/work trip that had taken him from Michigan to Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, when he jumped aboard a four-wheel ATV, just to have a little fun. “My friend’s house had this big grassy area and I was doing some donuts,” Lopes explained. “Then I don’t know, the thing must have gotten caught up in some dry stuff. I was probably only going five miles per hour at that point, but when it started to tip I went to step out [and] the roll cage just

Jaksche: Still the man to beat

CSC timed its move to perfection

Before the storm

A three-judge Colorado appeals court panel has unanimously overturned a lower court decision and ruled in favor of a lawsuit filed by former U.S. Cycling Federation trustee Les Earnest challenging a series of changes to the by-laws of USA Cycling, passed under emergency provisions in February of 1999. In an opinion drafted by Colorado appeals court Judge Leonard P. Plank, the court ruled that the procedures used in enacting a 24-page set of changes to the organization's bylaws and articles of incorporation were in violation of USA Cycling's own rules. Furthermore, the court ruled

When Jorg Jaksche raced with Telekom and ONCE early in his career, he didn’t get much of a chance to ride for himself. Most of his efforts were supporting proven leaders Jan Ullrich or Joseba Beloki. Now that he’s been giving the leadership mantle since joining Team CSC over the off-season, the 27-year-old German is taking full advantage of the opportunity. Jaksche won the Tour Mediterranean in February and added an even more important victory Sunday in the 13.2km opening time trial of the 62rd Paris-Nice. “When I rode at the other teams I was always a worker for others, which was fine

Rona’s Emilie Roy and Michael Jones (Health Net/Maxxis) took the overall titles as the 19th Annual Tucson Bicycle Classic wrapped up with a tough circuit race on Sunday The women’s race didn’t have a surprise finish as much as it did a surprise start – or rather lack of start -- on Sunday morning. Team Rona sensation Geneviève Jeanson had already won the opening two stages of the race, had more than a ten-minute lead on G.C. and was poised to win her third successive Tucson Classic when an awkward dismount from her pedal inflamed a knee injury and the young Canadian was unable to start on

Jaksche in yellow

Hamilton is here for Zülle

Roy and the Rona team kept the overall in the family

Sayers and Jones made sure that this break would stick

Italy's Danilo Di Luca (Saeco) won the 169km fourth stage of the Tour of Murcia in Collado Bermejo on Saturday. The stage finished with a climb up the Marco Pantani Hill, named in honor of the Italian cyclist who died last month, and as Di Luca crossed the line he pointed his finger towards the sky in memory of his compatriot to claim the stage in 4:25:34. Di Luca overtook Alejandro Valverde (Kelme), Australia's Cadel Evans (T-Mobile) and compatriot Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) to win the stage; for his part, Valverde stripped the leader's jersey from compatriot Ivan Gutierrez (Illes

The men’s race at the Tucson Bicycle Classic may have boiled down to a sprint after more than three hours of racing on Saturday, but Geneviève Jeanson wasn’t about to wait around for such nonsense. As she did on this stage in 2002, the Rona rider soloed away from the women’s field to win the Gates Pass Garrett Lemire Memorial Road Race by more than nine minutes. Jeanson, who also took Friday’s individual time trial, finished her 63-mile workout on the 21-mile circuit in 2:42:26. The runner-up, her teammate Emilie Roy, wouldn’t turn up until nine minutes and two seconds later. Third went to

Di Luca salutes Pantani

Di Luca and Valverde

Evans guts it out

Max Van Heeswijk scored his second victory in three days after taking Friday’s sprint in the third stage of the Tour of Murcia. The U.S. Postal Service rider has hit a purple patch that includes four wins in three weeks of racing in Spain. This time, Van Heeswijk slipped ahead of Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) to take the honors. José Ivan Gutierrez (Illes Balears) finished safely in the main bunch to retain the overall lead he earned following Thursday’s time trial victory. Lance Armstrong (USPS) also avoided trouble to remain second overall and even played a hand to help spring Van Heeswijk to

The law is an assVeloNews:When I read the "Legally Speaking" column lumping banana peels and used oil filters together, I had to step back and remind myself the column is "legally" correct and therefore has no connection to common sense. Let's take this slowly: Banana peels thrown in the grass are fertilizer; one-gallon jugs filled with urine are litter; banana peels biodegrade in a week; a used diaper is going to take a lot longer. Of course my mental picture is of riding down a country road, polishing off nature's perfect food and trying to clear the barbed-wire fence with the slinky

Earlier this week, McDonald’s announced that it would be phasing out “Supersizing” by the end of this year. What’s the world coming to? Since when do the wheels of progress move backwards? In one of the great innovations in capitalism, Mickey D’s found a way to take a penny’s worth of soda syrup and a nickel’s worth of French fries and tack on 39 cents to millions of orders. And now, they’re doing away with it? What, in the name of public relations? Just because they helped spawn a nationwide epidemic of obesity and health problems is no reason to do away with an institution. It’s just

Geneviève Jeanson (Rona) and Ryan Blickem (Aida’s Bail Bonds) were the fastest on the day as the 19th annual Tucson Bicycle Classic got under way on Friday. The 3-mile Old Tucson McCain Loop time trial on McCain Loop Road in Tucson Mountain Park began with a mile of fast rollers before serving up two miles of 4 to 6 percent climbing to the finish. Blickem covered the course in 7:22, 8 seconds ahead of Michael Jones (Health Net-Maxxis) and a further second up on Scott Blanchard (Eclipse). Jeanson won in a more convincing fashion, finishing in 8:20, 14 seconds ahead of Jeannie Longo and 26

'Mad Max' does it again

Gutierrez holds onto the overall

Lance Armstrong (USPS) won the battle against Tour de France rival Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) but it was Spanish rider José Ivan Gutierrez who won the war in Thursday’s 21.8km time trial. Armstrong settled for fifth at 29 seconds slower while Ullrich finished 31st at 1:35 back, more than a minute slower than his Tour rival. While the hyped Armstrong-Ullrich showdown somewhat fizzled, Gutierrez chugged to an impressive victory against a quality field in the second stage of the five-day Tour of Murcia in Spain. “I needed a win like this,” said Gutierrez, a former national road and time trial

Dear Bob,It always bugs me when I see a rider on a group ride toss a bananapeel on the road. I know he's littering if he discards the empty gel pack,but does a banana peel constitute litter?Rich W.Illinois Dear Rich,I bugs me too. Maybe that’s why they are called litterbugs?Generally speaking I am not the guy who feels it is his responsibility,or even his right, to “police” scofflaws. However, when a person littersin public, he is polluting the environment, which, of course, belongs tothe multi-national corporations… oops... sorry, I mean all of us. Ruminating on this subject I am loath to

It's not about the licenseDear VeloNews,Call it bureaucracy, call it fair, unfair or simply logical (see"Jeansongets U.S. license"). As a competitor myself, and without goinginto the issue of one's getting a license from Canada versus from USA Cycling, I just want to know if Ms. Jeanson is going to give her fellow competitors a reason why she tested with a high hematocrit before world's last year. Like a few years ago, Paola Pezzo never bothered to explain to any of us competing against her as professional mountain bikers how she tested positive for Nandrolone. That same year, as she won

The race is off to a good start for the team with another victory for Max and USPS/Berry Floor. Our directors have a bit of a competition running, as there are currently two Postal race programs, one for the classics and one for the smaller tours and Ardennes classics. I think Johan is now up on victories, 4 to 2 against Dirk. The past few weeks in Europe have been frigid with snow in Majorca, Barcelona and throughout much of the rest of Europe. Races have been cancelled and training sessions have been indoors. It was a relief when we arrived in Almeria in the south of Spain on the

Legally Speaking - with Bob Mionske: Is that a banana in your jersey pocket?

Gutierrez

Dear Monique,In a previous article you discussed hypoglycemia symptoms follow apre-exercise meal of carbohydrates. I have experienced this on random periods-usually after my morning coffee and bagel, and then setting out on a run.Generally this happens a mile out, and may last for the next two milesbefore passing. During the reaction period I slow down and just try tomaintain activity. What should one really do when this happens?Thanks,K.Dear Monique,I train before work and get up, get dressed, and am immediately onthe bike, usually for 1-1.5 hours. So, should I slam down an orange juiceand

The hyped first confrontation of the season between Lance Armstrong (U.S.Postal Service) and Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) didn’t last long. The pair was all smiles as they posed with race favorite Alejandro Valverde(CV-Kelme) before the start of Wednesday’s opening stage of the Tour ofMurcia in Spain. But strong crosswinds forced a split in the peloton and Ullrich rolledacross the finish line with 42 other riders more than seven minutes behindArmstrong. José Antonio López (Illes Balears) was the day’s main protagonist, going on a solo move that held out until 30km to go despite the strong winds

It was only logicalHi,As a competitive cyclist in Canada, I am in awe of GenevièveJeanson's talent (see "Jeansongets U.S. license"). The level of racing in Canada can't compareto U.S. or international racing. Yet Geneviève Jeanson is at thevery top of the sport at the international level. Clearly she has the talentas well as the necessary ambition and support to compete at that level.Over the past several seasons she has provided inspiration to aspiringyoung cyclists in Canada. It is rare for such a talent to emerge from the Canadian scene, andbecause of this I am quite unhappy

It seems as though the off-season may be the most dangerous part of the year for the world’s top gravity racers. First Chris Kovarik broke his ankle in September, then Brian Lopes snapped his leg in late February. Now comes word that British downhill star Tracy Moseley has broken her wrist. According to a report issued by Moseley’s Kona-Les Gets trade team, she was riding back home in England when she came up short on a set of double jumps and landed badly. The result was a “clean break of her radius.” At the time Moseley was with friend and fellow pro Scott Beaumont, who looked after her

Sorta like the swallows returning to Capistrano, one of my regular annual duties is to bundle-up and head out to Bloomington, Minnesota, for Quality Bicycle Products' annual open house. One of the largest bicycle distributors in the United States, QBP opens its door every February to interested shop owners who are keen on getting a glimpse at some of this year's latest technology. Representatives from many of QBP’s clients make the trip out, set up a booth and profess the merits of their products. In short, it’s a really mini-Interbike without the cigarette smoke, slot machines or

Image files

Salanson died from heart failure at the age of 23

The wind was a factor on Wednesday

Ullrich's doing this early race at his own pace

MTB News: Moseley breaks wrist

Cane Creek's Peter Gilbert shows off the improved $50 Ergo Control II bar end that cleverly integrates with an ODI-style locking grip ($27)

Just who is that sporting the highly sought-after VeloNews messenger bag? Why, it's none other than Shimano's Chris DiStefano with hints of '05 technology. Much improved Ultegra anyone?

Deda Elementi's frontman Fulvio Acquati came up with this clever campaign to garner interest in passerby. The Italian manufacturer's new modular TT bar is less expensive than the popular Aero Black and offers increased ease of adjustability

ITM's Eric Sakalowski shows off the beautiful carbon $599 Sword bar/stem combo.

Nokian's Steve Ritchey shows off the NBX Lite which utilizes the company's legendary car snow tire rubber compound for increased traction and durability

These clipless XPedo pedals weigh just a scant 220 grams and cost a hearty $249

Thomson's new Masterpiece road seatposts are a thing of beauty at 193 grams and $139 (27.2, 330mm)

Vetta's Brian McGorrahan shows off the clever $25 Tube tool which incorperates 18 tools, 180 degree pivoting ratcheting driver and LED lights

Park Tool's John Krawczyk shows off the company's latest high-end workstand, the $250 PRS-15

The beautiful Salsa Las Cruces 'cross bike gets even better in '04 with the addition of a carbon disc-ready fork

PN2004imagefiles

Map Tof Flanders

PN2004imagefiles

Former world Madison champion Robert Sassone, who is being investigated after drugs were found at his home, tested positive for a steroid derivative last year, officials announced Tuesday. Traces of betamethasone, a glucocorticosteroid, were found in Sassone's urine sample after the Six Days of Noumea race, which was held in the French Pacific territory from November 28 to December 3. The use of glucocorticosteroids, which are used to treat asthma, is strictly limited under the rules of cycling. In January, a French judge took the first step towards formal charges against the 25-year-old

Dear readers,I don’t know about all of you, but I’m getting tired of talking aboutchains, even though the mail keeps pouring in about them. I do want toadd, though, that Shimano's Wayne Stetina just told me that he would neveradvise flipping over a 10-speed chain, so this method is only for 9-speedand lower.Leaving chains, here are a couple of related questions to which a singleanswer might suffice.LennardFreeing up my freehubDear Lennard,I have your "Zinn& The Art of Road Bike Maintenance" book but would like to knowwhere I can find or purchase specific instructions on how to remove theMavic

Don't hold backVeloNews,Regarding Bradley McGee's comments in Monday's EuroFile (see "McGeelashes out"), Now, c'mon Brad, tell us what you really think...Darryl HuculakVictoria, British Columbia, Canada Take down the wall of silenceDear editors,I read with interest the statement of Brad McGee as reported on yourweb site concerning his defense of the reputation of cyclists in the peloton. On a human level, I can well understand Brad McGee's feelings, assumingof course that he is clean. Sadly, this is the point: I think most cyclingfans, indeed the wider public, cannot be certain as to

CLIF BAR & VeloNews are excited to present: An evening all about bike racing, highlighting the '04 Colavita Olive Oil Pro Cycling Team as well as USPRO Champ Mark McCormack's impressive '03 season. First we'll tap a few kegs and fire up the pizza oven, then we'll sit back for an evening all about bike racing, highlighting the '04 Colavita Olive Oil Pro Cycling Team as well as USPRO Champ Mark McCormack's impressive '03 season. Please join us!Hang out with fellow cycling fans, chat it up with the folks from CLIF BAR, and meet the Colavita Olive Oil Pro Cycling Team riders - all while

News ReleaseFor Immediate ReleaseDahon and S.D.G. Join Forces On Saddle ProjectNew I-Beam Model to Incorporate Flex Feature Duarte, California, February 16, 2004 -- Dahon California, Inc.,the world leader in folding bicycles, and California-based bicycle seatdesigners S.D.G. (Speed Defies Gravity), have collaborated to make Dahon’s2004 premier bike models lighter and more versatile than ever. S.D.G.’sunique I-Beam system, which employs a single composite “rail” molded intothe base of the saddle, versus dual metal rails, saves significant weightand roughly triples the fore-aft adjustability

Former world four-cross champion Brian Lopes suffered a compound fracture of his left leg Sunday while riding a four-wheel ATV vehicle in Savannah, Georgia. According to a report on the Web site www.stiksandstones.com, the vehicle lost traction and rolled over, catching Lopes’s left leg between the vehicle’s roll cage and the ground, breaking his left tibia. Lopes is currently undergoing surgery at a Savannah hospital. Doctors expect him back on his feet in three months, the report added. This incident continues a brutal run of bad luck for Lopes, who missed most of the 2003 season after

After Canadian refused a race license in Quebec, Jeanson gets a USA Cycling license.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFEBRUARY 19, 2004Rock Out with Andy Hampsten and A President of the United Statesof America at the Seattle International Bicycle Expo 2004Seattle - To kick off the 2004 cycling season, Hampsten Cycles celebrates the introduction of their new time trial bike, the Vetriolo, with an appearance by Andy Hampsten at the Seattle International Bicycle Expo. In addition, the enigmatic and idiosyncratic Hampsten brothers have enlisted Seattle-based rock musician, Dave Dederer, singer/guitarist for The Presidents of the United States of America, to assist in the Hampstenbooth.Steve

Tuesday's mail bag: Right on Brad, shut up David, quit repeating yourself VN

Sassone at world's in 2001

Jeanson meets the press in 2003

A vehicle similar to this was involved in the accident.

Unipublic, the organizer of the Vuelta a España, on Monday releasedthe list of teams participating in this year’s event. The race is slated to start in Leon on September 4 and finish on September 26 in Madrid. Teams selected by world ranking1. Fassa Bortolo (I)2. Quick Step (B)3. T-Mobile (G)4. Saeco (I)5. Iles Balears-Banesto (Sp)6. Cofidis (F)7. Rabobank (Nl)8. Liberty Seguros (Sp)9. U.S. Postal Service (USA)10. CSC (Dk)11. Alessio-Bianchi (I)12. Euskaltel-Euskadi (Sp)13. AG2R Prevoyance (F)14. Phonak (Swi)Invited15. Brioches La Boulangere (F)16. Cafe Baque (Sp)17. Colchon (Sp)18. Kelme

While most of us are busy trying to catch-up with what’s going on with2004 suspension, most manufacturers have long been working on their 2005product lines. Fact is, says Manitou’s Joel Smith, that company is “pushinghard to put the finishing touches on 2005 and move ahead with our 2006product line.” How’s that for looking ahead? Manitou invited VeloNews to Phoenix, Arizona, last month to spenda weekend riding its new 2005 fork line. While the California-based suspensionmanufacturer will unveil new improvements throughout the full range ofits 2005 line (later this summer) Smith figured it

Dear Joe and Dirk,I am planning to work full time at a bicycle shop starting in Marchand am also working on upgrading to Category 2. Finding time to ride willnot be too much of an issue, but I am concerned about being on my feetfor seven to eight hours a day, four or five days a week. How much willthis affect my recovery and racing? Will it have a noticeable effect onmy peak fitness? Should I do harder workouts in the morning or after I have been standingall day? I look forward to hearing your input.CoreyNew Hampshire. Dear CoreyHaving a job in which you stand a great deal can be tough when

Seattle, WA. –  Component manufacturer Full Speed Ahead will increaseits presence in the European professional peleton by supporting no fewerthan 16 Division One and Two road teams during the 2004 season.In addition to supplying its new wheelsets, handlebars, stems, seatposts,headsets, bottom brackets and carbon cranksets, more top teams will nowuse the super aerodynamic VisionTech aerobars and brake levers.New teams added for the 2004 season include UCI #2 ranked Quickstepled by UCI #1 rider Paolo Bettini. Quickstep will use Full Speed Aheadcranksets and bottom brackets. Also added for 2004

Vicenza, February, 2004 – A few years ago, the Metal Series linewas the trailblazer for Campagnolo sportswear. We wanted the sportswearto be instilled with the same Campagnolo spirit as the components and thiswe achieved. Technology, attention to detail, elegance and class are thespecial features of this sportswear line. Clothes for people who like to dress elegantly every day and expectthe same quality and style when they engage in their favorite hobby: cycling. The Metal Full Zip jersey is in an extremely soft, light, tough HydroFit® fabric that breathes. The special treatment of the

Subaru of America, Inc. recently renewed its support of the acclaimed Subaru/IMBATrail Care Crew through 2006. Launched in 1997, the Subaru/IMBA Trail CareCrew program has led more than 1,000 trail projects, trained more than35,000 people in sustainable trailbuilding techniques and logged half amillion miles of coast-to-coast travel in its official Subaru vehicles.The award-winning program includes two full-time, professional teamsof trail experts who travel North America year-round, leading IMBA TrailbuildingSchools, meeting with government officials and land managers, and workingwith

CLIF BAR & VeloNews are excited to present: An evening all about bike racing, highlighting the '04 Colavita Olive Oil Pro Cycling Team as well as USPRO Champ Mark McCormack's impressive '03 season. First we'll tap a few kegs and fire up the pizza oven, then we'll sit back for an evening all about bike racing, highlighting the '04 Colavita Olive Oil Pro Cycling Team as well as USPRO Champ Mark McCormack's impressive '03 season. Please join us!Hang out with fellow cycling fans, chat it up with the folks from CLIF BAR, and meet the Colavita Olive Oil Pro Cycling Team riders - all while

If last weekend’s results from Cyprus are any indication, give Jeremiah Bishop and Mary McConneloug the early nod as favorites in the chase for spots on the U.S. Olympic mountain-bike team. Each grabbed victories at the Voroklini International, a UCI E1-rated race on the island nation that sits off Turkey’s south coast in the eastern Mediterranean. The win was McConneloug’s fourth straight. She also took victories in the final three races of the four-race E2 Cyprus Winter Cup series contested in February. According to the official event report, the men’s race saw a group of four riders —

John Tomac knows how to take full advantage of new technology