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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

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

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

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

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

Celtic TrailsA family affair

Celtic TrailsA family affair

Celtic TrailsA family affair

Thomas Frischknecht still has significant ties to the San Francisco Bay Area after a long career sponsored by Tom Ritchey and a quick visit to the Bay Area for the Coyote Point Cyclo-cross in San Mateo offered Frischknecht an opportunity to cross swords with some of the best homegrown talent. National Champion Todd Wells was on the start line, Saturn’s Tim Johnson, the Northern California Clif Bar team of Jackson Stewart and Andy Jaques-Maynes, Andy’s twin Ben and Justin Robinson the the Spokesmen/Bullion squad, and northwest powers from Kona/Kenwood Barry Wicks, Bart Bowen and Eric Tonkin

“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

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

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

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

“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

Velo EchappéTime to live the dream

Velo EchappéTime to live the dream

Velo EchappéTime to live the dream

RandonnéeThe freedom of travel at your own pace

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

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

Trek TravelLuxury is mandatory - miles are optional

CycleItaliaRide hard, eat well

CycleItaliaRide hard, eat well

CycleItaliaRide hard, eat well

“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

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

A new thrill sport for Nico?

Monique Ryan is the nutrition columnist for VeloNews and Inside Triathlon magazines and is founder of Personal Nutrition Designs, a consulting company based in the Chicago area. Ryan will try to answer selected questions each Wednesday in her regular on-line question-and-answer column.Readers are welcome to send questions directly to Ryan. Question - Dear Monique- I usually ride early in the morning, a half-hour after I wake up. Weekdays are rarely more than 90 minutes, while weekend rides range from 2 to 5 hours. Obviously I cannot schedule a meal 2 hours before I train. Usually I gulp down

Joe Friel is author of the successful "Training Bible" series of books, a regular columnist for VeloNews and Inside Triathlon magazines and the founder of www.ultrafit.com. Dirk Friel races professionally and coaches along with Joe at Ultrafit Associates.The Friels also offer answers to a selection of questions each Wednesday on VeloNews.com. Readers can send questions to Joe and Dirk Friel in care of VeloNews.com at WebLetters@7Dogs.com. (Be sure to include "Friel" in the subject line.)Dear Joe and Dirk;I love your column. I am not a racer, just a guy who commutes to work every day and rides

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

VeloNews technical writer Lennard Zinn is a frame builder, aformer U.S. national team rider and author of several books on bikes andbike maintenance. Zinn's VeloNews.com column is devoted to addressing readers'technical questions about bikes, their care and feeding and how we as riderscan use them as comfortably and efficiently as possible. Readers can send brief technical questions directly to Zinn. Zinn’s column appears each Tuesday on VeloNews.com.Carbon road forks:I get so many questions about carbon forks that I have decided to focus this column entirely on questions related to

With valuable UCI points on offer and only two weeks remaining before the U.S. national cyclo-cross championships, one of the strongest fields of the year lined up at the inaugural UCI Category 3 Saturn Stumptown ’Cross Classic in Portland on December 1. Mongoose-Hyundai’s Marc Gullickson and Clif Bar’s Gina Hall showed their form is on target to make them favorites in two week’s time in Napa, and they each took advantage of solid teamwork to earn the victories. The Saturn Stumptown ’Cross Classic utilized an exciting new Euro-style course at the Jackson Middle School in southwest Portland.

Unless you’re from Southern California, Florida or some similar sun-drenchedlocale, winter can turn your local trail into an inhospitable place forriding. But if you find the hum of indoor rollers an even less invitingoption than standing up to Old Man Winter, you’re in luck. The key, ofcourse, is staying warm and dry, and modern clothing technology has createdsome formidable barriers to the cold and wet of winter. Keeping your core warm is critical to survival, and maintaining toastyextremities will keep frostbite away. Thanks to advances in winter shoedesign, frozen feet are less likely

Technical Q&A with Lennard Zinn - Carbon Forks

Gully strikes again.

Cold, blustery wind met the riders for the Stedman Co. Grand Prix ofCyclo-Cross, round five of the Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series. Race promoters used every inch of the South Kingstown, RI venue to create a course some felt was the best yet in the 2002 Verge Series. The excitement of the racing certainly was at a high level, as Johannes Huseby of Independent Fabrication emerged from a strong group of six to take the win by mere inches over British U23 Champion Sean Snodden (Je James). Many considered Huseby's 2001 Verge Series victory at this same venue to be a breakthrough

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

The Mongoose-Hyundai duo of Marc Gullickson and Todd Wells brought their show to the Northwest over the weekend and walked away with another victory at the REI Metro Cup UCI cyclo-cross race in Tacoma, Washington, on Saturday. Gullickson and Wells went one-two against a full line-up of West Coast cyclo-cross stars, including Jackson Stewart (Clif Bar), Jonny Sundt (K2), Justin Robinson (Spokesman-Bullion Stil), Dale Knapp (Kona-Kenwood) and Andy (Clif Bar) and Ben Jacques-Maynes (Spokesman-Bullion Stil). The field also featured 2000 national champion Tim Johnson (Saturn) and Trek-VW’s Travis

Boonen may be on the podium at Roubaix next year, but he won't be wearing this outfit

MALE ROAD RACER OF THE YEARWe’ve rarely had so many great candidates for this prestigious award, butLotto-Adecco’s ROBBIE McEWEN had the best credentials of all. He tookthe most season wins (19), including two stage races, won consistently fromJanuary to October and ended Erik Zabel’s string of green jersey titles atthe Tour de France. He also won multiple stages at the Tour, Giro and Paris-Nice,improved his UCI world ranking from No. 100 to No. 4, and became the firstAustralian to medal in the world pro road race championship. MALE MOUNTAIN-BIKE RACER OF THE YEARNo one was predicting a

The gods have been with the organizers of the Giro d’Italia for the past six years, which have produced six winners from the home nation. That trend could well continue in 2003 because it’s unlikely that Italy’s favorite three riders, Gilberto Simoni (the 2001 winner), Stefano Garzelli (winner in 2000) and Francesco Casagrande (second in 2000) will vaporize as they did in 2002. You will remember that Garzelli won two stages and led the race commandingly this year before being expelled for an inopportune, and still unexplained, positive drug test involving Probenecid –- the easily detected

Robbie at the Giro

The VeloNews Awards appear in the December 16 issue

VeloNews’s North American Awards are for performances on North American soil. RIDE OF THE YEARAs the lead group approached the jam-packed Taylor Street climb at the San Francisco Grand Prix, every spectator was waiting for the inevitable last-lap attack from one of Postal’s big guns, Lance Armstrong or Viatcheslav Ekimov. But when the Russian veteran Ekimov made the move, he was shadowed immediately by young French-Canadian CHARLES DIONNE. After his undermanned 7UP-Nutra Fig team had kept things in check in the first half of the race, Dionne took over late, marking every important move in

Much to the dismay of our readers, advertisers and attorneys, the O’Grady Awards have become an annual tradition at VeloNews, largely because the budget’s exhausted by November and O’Grady will work for beer, which our intern can shoplift from Argonaut. We thought we’d be spared embarrassment this year, with the perpetually disgruntled Mick on the run from the homeland-security coppers over an especially venomous Web column that called George W. Bush the Antichrist, among other things. Alas, his observations on the year just past were slipped under the North 55th door in the dead of night,