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It looks like winter has been playing hooky around these parts, which is just fine with me. I have actually had a chance to do some real mountain biking for the past two 55-degree, sunshine-filled days. You’ll get no complaints from me about there not being enough snow here in Colorado. I say let’s keep the riding season rollin’. Don’t get me wrong – not all of our recent riding has been in the relatively toasty 50-degree range. There have been a few days in the mid-30s, and light-snow days in the teens, too. These chilly days have given me the chance to break out a few samples of the latest

The U.S. Postal team has confirmed that Vuelta a España champion Roberto Heras is set to leave the squad to join up with Manolo Saiz’s Liberty Seguros team. Heras played a key role in Lance Armstrong's last two successfulattempts at winning the Tour de France and his departure couldbe a blow to the American’s bid to earn another Tour win in 2004. The Postal team confirmed that the 29-year-old Heras reportedly will sign with former ONCE team manager Saiz, who has recently taken over the newly-formed Liberty Seguros squad. Saiz has been aggressively recruiting in recent weeks and has failed

The changes just keep coming for the 2004 NORBA National Series. This timeit’s the pro and semi-pro downhill format for the third stop in Big BearLake, California. Instead of a traditional time-trial format, race organizershave decided to bring back downhill mania where four racers will take onthe track at the same time. "The course will be wider so there’s more passing potential and shorterthan a traditional downhill,” explained Team Big Bear’s Tom Spiegel. “We’llstart with a qualifying run, then put everyone in brackets.” And yes, points awarded for the downhill mania race will countin

Good for those rides that dips into the teens...

Powerful wind stoppers and affordable too

Answer fianlly got it right with the 2004 version of its XC-1

MTB News and Notes: More changes in NORBA series; Jimena vows to be in Athens

MTB News and Notes: More changes in NORBA series; Jimena vows to be in Athens

More compact issuesDear Lennard;In response to your Q&Aabout compact cranks - I know that Stronglight makes chainrings ina 130mm bolt pattern that will fit Shimano cranks in sizes down to 38T.Do you know of any companies that make rings in the 34-36T range in a 130mmsize? As much as I would like to save money and just buy new rings, swappingout my inner ring from a 39 to a 38 isn't enough to justify a change. IfI want an inner ring smaller than 38, is my only option to change the wholecrankset? I'm already at 12-27 in the back.BarryDear Barry;You cannot fit any smaller than a 38T on a

Tyler Hamilton will formally launch the charitable foundation bearing hisname at a kick-off event in Colorado this month.With the goal of providing support to multiple sclerosis patients aswell as aspiring young cyclists, the new Tyler Hamilton Foundation willhost fundraiser at the Arvada Center in Arvada, Colorado. The event willbe co-hosted by Wheat Ridge Cyclery, a bicycle shop owned by the familyof former pro Ron Kiefel.“The Tyler Hamilton Foundation will champion the two causes closestto my heart – competitive cycling and the fight against Multiple Sclerosis,”said Hamilton. “As a young

British cyclist Charles Wegelius, who failed a blood test during the Tour of Lombardy last October, has been cleared of doping by the UCI, his De Nardi team announced Tuesday. The 25-year-old rider, ranked 857th in the world, was excluded from the final leg of the 10-race World Cup, after a pre-race blood test showed his hematocrit level to be above the permitted threshold of 50 percent. A subsequent urine sample, which tested negative for the banned blood-boosting drug EPO (Erythropoietin), cleared the Finnish-born rider of doping. "The security commission and sporting conditions of the

Dear Doc;Mine isn't the usual write-the-doc-for-advice question. I am mostlyjust curious as to how dehydration affects one's hematocrit. Do red cellsalso lose fluid such that the net impact on hematocrit is minimal?This question is prompted by LanceArmstrong's severe dehydration in the first individual time trial ofthis year's Tour de France. Given the potential reduction in serum volumeassociated with such severe dehydration (6.5 kg), would Lance's hematocrithave exceeded the allowed limit in a post-race test, assuming a normalhematocrit with proper hydration? Was Lance subjected to a

The 2003 Vergegear.com Mid-Atlantic Cyclo-Cross Championship Serieswrapped up with racing action at Blue Diamond Park 'Cross in New Castle,Delaware. This first time venue scored a big thumbs -up from both Mid-Atlantic'crossers and spectators as it was one of the most interesting and diversecourses this season. The host team, First State Velo Sport, made greatuse of the BMX-moto-cross Park terrain while still keeping the course "cross-friendly". That said, good technical skills were still a must for the day. With the sound of moto-cross bikes in the background, the elite womencharged off the

After the all-star fields at the past two stops in the Verge New EnglandCyclo-cross series, Sunday’s round four race in Farmington, Connecticut,seemed downright subdued. Right until the starter’s gun sounded. Despite smaller than normal fieldsand with none of the West Coast crowd in town, the cream rose to the topin Farmington and that cream had a distinctly New Englandy flavor. Saturn’sMark McCormack, the region’s undisputed bike racing hero, stomped awayin the elite men’s event, while Anna Milkowski, riding for the Maine-basedGearworks-Spin Arts squad, won the elite women’s affair. For

He sure isn't the "Lion King." Unlike the case in road racing, it appears as though there is no “curse of the rainbow” in cyclo-cross, as Bart Wellens continues to excel, even while toting the world champion’s jersey this year. Wellens took first in Sunday’s Superprestige in Gieten, in northern Holland. Wellens was the only rider able to stay with an early attack from fellow Belgian Tom Vannoppen. Vannoppen charged off the front in the opening lap, dropping most of the field. Once Wellens connected with the day’s early leader, the two stayed together for only a single lap as Wells took

Once in the lead, Wellens remained in charge

Reconnoitering the sandy stretch before the start.

Wellens supporters

Sven Nijs

Erwin Vervecken

Richard Groenendaal

Ben Berden

Jonathan Page

Brother Gert Wellens celebrates his 25th birthday in style

Gerben de Knegt

Please, sir, may I have some more?Editor:Regarding O'Grady: More, please, more! Patrick Craft Abingdon, VAJeez, Patrick, we need a forklift to heft the hate-mail bag as it is. But if you insist on more of the grumbling Gael, you can always visit www.maddogmedia.com. – Editor And now, the counterpointEditor:I'm appalled by your ridiculous, left-wing bias. Tell that sack of swill Patrick O'Grady that Clinton didn't win any awards for smoking pot in Canada during the Vietnam War. Oh, and another thing, It was the Democrats who cut funding and got my friend honorably discharged from the

The smart money was on Bart Wellens or Sven Nijs in Saturday's Bollekescross in Hamme-Zogge, Belgium – but it was Mario De Clerq who pulled off a surprise win, ahead of Ben Berden and Tom Vannoppen. Reigning world champ Wellens finished fifth, while Belgian champ Nijs had to settle for ninth after a last-lap spill with Richard Groenendaal. But regardless of finishing order, it was another banner day for the hometown crowd, with Italy's Enrico Franzoi the only non-Belgian to crack the top 10. American champion Jonathan Page finished 15th on the day, but said he wasn't feeling well and is

Mario De Clercq showed them how on Saturday in Belgium

World champ Bart Wellens had to settle for fifth

Sven Nijs crossed ninth after a final-lap mishap

Richard Groenendaal was shut out of the top 10

Indeed, Enrico Franzoi of Italy was the only non-Belgian to crack the too 10

Jonathan Page crossed 15th and hopes for a better result on Sunday

Bob;I work as a bicycle messenger in Chicago. When we are on the job, thecompany insures us against physical injury and property damage from crashes.Last week, at the end of the day, the dispatcher gave me an envelope todeliver. Because it was after five and the delivery address was near myapartment, the dispatcher told me to drop it off in the morning on my wayto work. As I was riding home, I was smacked by a hit-and-run driver (Idon’t own a car and therefore don’t have coverage for this kind of hit-and-runaccident). I lost a couple days of work and the bike was trashed. Shouldthe messenger

In Issue 20 of VeloNews we provided information regarding thenutritional concerns of Master athletes. Both male and female enduranceathletes should take the proper steps in preventing osteoporosis, includingobtaining adequate calcium and vitamin D in their diet. An adequate intakeof these nutrients combined with weight bearing exercise is essential inthe prevention of osteoporosis. It is important that your calcium needsare met on a regular basis. From ages 30 to 50, men should obtain 800 to1000mg if calcium from their diet, or supplement as necessary. Calciumneeds increase with age, to 1200

Do what you know; know what you doDear VeloNews;I read your magazine and web page because I love cycling and am anavid, yet middle-of-the-pack sport class mountain-bike racer. I also happento be politically conservative.I was disturbed to read "The2003 O'Grady Awards." The way you bashed and insulted anyone who isnot a liberal was surprising and out of place. Stick with what you know...cycling,and let the Bush administration to do what they do better then any left-wingpresident (see record of Slick Willy Clinton) would or could do...protectour country and it's citizens from terrorists.Stick

Doesn't like our choiceEditors;All the facts and figures I would cite have already been stated inother letters, but it wasn't enough. The collar bone, the 140K break away,Liège, Romandie, and the fact that he's starting a cycling foundationin addition to working with the MS rides should have led you guys to switchyour awards.If it were me, I’d have voted for Tyler as the International Cyclistof the Year and named Lance Armstrong as the North American Male Cyclistof the Year. You gave a detailed account of Lance's achievements as justification (see "InternationalCyclist of the Year: Lance

The O'Grady Awards are back for a fifth consecutive season, ensuring that generations of libel lawyers will continue to disperse their flatulence through silk. Named for the notorious right-wing political commentator Patrick O'Grady - who was compelled to dictate this year's list while strait-jacketed and strapped to a bed in the Raimondas Rumsas Wing of the William J. Bennett Recovery Center Casino & Pharmacy - the awards rear their hideous, hydra-like heads below. BERT LAHR MEMORIAL MEDAL FOR COURAGEMario Cipollini. After crashing out of the Giro d’Italia, takinganother Dorothyesque swat

You knew he’d be back to defend his Olympic cross-country title, but nowMiguel Martinez has bagged road racing all together and will once againbe a full-timer on the fat-tire circuit. According to a recent report inthe French sports daily l'Equipe, Little Mig has grown tired ofhis role as a support rider and is planning a return to the stage thathas given him his greatest glory. “Nothing went as I hoped [this year with Phonak],” explained Martinezof his second year on the European road circuit that started in 2002 withMapei. “Perhaps the leaders of [Phonak] thought that I could give

The 2003 O'Grady Awards

Martinez had a good start with Mapei in 2002.

Bad choiceDear VeloNews;Yes Lance is great. (see "InternationalCyclist of the Year: Lance Armstrong") Yes Lance joins the legends in winning five Tours,but c'mon...are you that afraid he wont give you another interview?You pass up Tyler who raced the whole season, fought in the Tour likenobody else and is true sportsman for a repeat of Lance?Lance the guy that said he'd be drinking a beer on a beach soon notthinking of anything else? I know Lance can be a nice guy and I know hetrains like no other freak of nature but Tyler had the year!Lance gave him his best and Tyler beat Lance in the

Lance Armstrong has reportedly "penciled in" plans to ride in April's Tour de Georgia, race and team officials said. The five-time Tour de France champion has tentative plans to enter the Georgia race as he tunes up for a bid to win the Tour de France a record sixth time, said Tailwind Sports general manager Dan Osipow. "Most (U.S.) races don't fit into his training schedule, but this one does," Osipow said. Armstrong may be attracted to Georgia if part of the April 20-25 race is scheduled in north Georgia's mountains, said Kathleen Hardison, director of marketing for Tour de

Earlier this year Tom Danielson established a collegiate scholarship foundation,and this week the American, who will soon be riding for Fassa Bortolo,is auctioning off a personal collection of bikes and related gear to benefitstudent athletes and collegiate cycling programs."Collegiate cycling provided me with all the tools to be a successfulprofessional cyclist," said the 25-year-old Danielson. "Not only did itgive me cycling opportunities with top notch racing and coaching, but ittaught me how to manage myself. I believe self-management is the key tosuccess. Juggling class, training,

Dear Lennard;I am considering changing my Dura Ace triple back to a double. I noticedthat FSA now makes a Carbon Pro Compact Crank with a 34/50. It would seemthat this combination would give me gearing that would benefit me duringthe "mountain" centuries that I enjoy. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of having a 34/50 crankset?PaulDear Paul;I just got one of these FSA cranksets myself to try out and ordereda Pinarello one as well. I have been intrigued by them ever since FaustoPinarello, who originated the modern incarnation of these size rings, ravedto me a couple of years ago about riding

It’s hard to argue with dominance, and when it came to women’s road racingin North America this year, a palpable air of fear could be felt each timea diminutive 22-year-old from Lachine, Québec, rolled to the startline. In only her fourth year of professional racing, RONA-Esker’s GenevièveJeanson has proven to be one of the world’s preeminent climbers — justask the men’s field from the 2003 Mount Washington Hill Climb, all buttwo of whom she beat. Jeanson started her campaign early, winning all three stages of February’sValley of the Sun stage race, followed by another win at the Pomona

There’s a ton of product to talk about, but first things first:58 years ago, on the 25th of November 1945, was the first day ofwork for a young Ernesto Colnago at the Gloria factory in Milan. Now that’san anniversary worth celebrating. On a more personal note: have spent a bit of time off the bike due toa bit of hardware removal surgery from my once-busted leg, but receiveda fine incentive last Friday to get off my butt and hit Boulder’s final‘cross race of the season. With any semblance of fitness long-gone, thelast thing I was looking to do was go head-to-head with the legion of

VeloNews

Behold, the ligher, improved suspension 2004 Specialized S-Works Epic

The Gravity Dropper remote activated telescoping seatpost

Daniel Baal, the man widely tipped as the next Tour de France chief, has quit as deputy director of the world's biggest cycling race, organizers Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) announced Monday. Baal, an outspoken anti-doping campaigner and regarded as the likely candidate to take over from director Jean-Marie Leblanc, had already planned to quit as ASO director of cycling at the end of January. The ASO group said that French television journalist Christian Prudhomme, 43, will join the team from January 1 and will be second in command to Leblanc. Prudhomme has worked in sports television

No matter how you package it, the Wrench Science ad is stillobnoxiousTO: VeloNewsRE: Caitlin Aptowicz letter (seeWeekend mailbag letter"VNis porn")Nice attempt to justify your degrading ads by using a woman's letterto do it.Those ads are degrading and your shots of men, while beautiful, arenot the same thing and we all know it. Your continued running ofthose ads has lost you a bookmark not to mention lost that company a customer.Michele HarrisChange is goodEditors;This one is for Nate Simms (See Weekend mailbag letter "Discbrakes, schmisc brakes") and all the other disc brake naysayersout

The 16th Annual VeloNews Awards issue hits the newsstands this week, naming Lance Armstrong as the 2003 international cyclist of the year. Armstrong, who was selected over other finalists including Alessandro Petacchi and Tyler Hamilton, earned VeloNews's highest award for the third time in his career. Armstrong is the only athlete to have been selected International Cyclist of the Year three times. Other major awards winners in the December 8 edition of VeloNews include Tyler Hamilton as North American Male Cyclist of the Year and Geneviève Jeanson as North American Female Cyclest of the

Still under contract with Bianchi, Ullrich did not want to stir the pot.

Baal

Our 16th Annual VeloNews Awards Issue

Bart Wellens easily took the third round of cyclo-cross’s Superprestigeseries in Gavere, Belgium, on Sunday.Wellens powered to a substantial lead, finishing nearly three minutes ahead of fellow Belgians Erwin Vervecken and Sven Nijs.The reigning world champion took control of the race within the first few meters after the start and never looked back, building his final winning margin over Vervecken to 2:50.Wellens’s win is his second of the series thus far, after he won the opener in Ruddervoorde and then lost to Nijs in round 2 at Sint-Michielsgestel in the Netherlands.Superprestige Round 3,

Wellens went from the gun.

There was some seriious horsepower in the 1st chase group...

.. as well as the second.

Groenendaal took fifth

American Jonathan Page came to Gavere with high hopes...

.. but encountered troubles and did not finish.

Romans Vainsteins, the 2000 world champion, will race for the Italian team Lampre in 2004, according to sporting director Giuseppe Saronni. Vainsteins rode for the Vini Caldirola squad this season; his results included a sixth place at Paris-Roubaix and 18th at the Tour of Flanders. Sarroni hopes for great things from the pairing of Vainsteins and Gianluca Bortolami, particularly in the northern classics. –Copyright 2003/AFP

Get rid of the adDear VeloNews;I think it is time to move the “Wrench Science” advertisement. I really enjoy reading your web site and your magazine. But it is getting a bit boring to see that sex ad every time I look at your web site.You provide such minimal coverage of women in cycling and that is the only regular photo of a woman on your site.Maura FreemanSeattle, WAVN is pornEditor;The Wrench Science ads are porn for guys, but 99.9 percent of cycling coverage is porn for girls. Three elements contribute to this. First there is the raw material: prime-of-life men with unbelievably hot

Downhill mountain-bike racer Kathi Krause has been handed a one-year suspension after testing positive for a metabolite of marijuana at the NORBA National Championship Series race June 22 in West Dover, Vermont, according to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The Fair Lawn, New Jersey, resident tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THC), a substance prohibited under the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Krause's suspension began on the date of the positive test, and all results that occurred on or after that date have been declared invalid.

The big boys of European cyclo-cross tuned up for Sunday's Superprestige race in Asper-Gavere, Belgium, by tackling a 'cross in Hooglede. Our man Marcel Van Hoecke was on the job, and he forwarded some photos of the action. Results1. Bart Wellens (B)2. Sven Nijs (B)3. Ben Berden (B)4. Maxime Lefebre (F)5. Erwin Vervecken (B) For more, see Marcel's website.

With a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, and temperatures toppingout in the 20s, Boulder Racing’s final series race proved to be classiccyclo-cross in all forms. Freezing temps, snow, ice and mud brought thetrue cyclo-crossers out to test their skills. As the day progressed thesnow on the well-ridden track turned the dirt to mud, making clipless pedalsa disadvantage. Indeed, the master’s winner claimed the victory on a veryretro’ pair of toe clips and straps. Both pro races proved to have it abit easier, with the mud refreezing during the races and making it muchless sticky and making the

Bart Wellens and Sven Nijs dicing in Hooglede

Wellens off on his own en route to victory ...

... and by Jove, there Wellens is again, making it look easy

Nico Mattan finished outside the top five

... but Erwin Vervecken 'crossed into fifth place