2011:

via astanafans.com

2012:

via cdn3.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net

I don't see a difference - I think the blue is actually the same but the lighting is different. I am disappointed they didn't go with the Vino 4Evah jersey, but maybe that is being saved for his retirement. Cyclingnews notes that Janez will lead them at the Tour. I have to admit I didn't even know he'd moved over to Astana - color me a dumb dumb.

The other day we saw Chris' beautiful shot of Jeannie Longo - Legend.  Today comes word that she is facing a two year ban because she "received three warnings under the whereabouts system", according to Velonation. The latest warning occurred in the US where she was preparing for the French National TT Championships (which she won her 11th national title).  As a result of this latest warning she will likely be prevented from participating in the upcoming World Championships and is facing the ban (which surely would end her long career - my comment).

I hate to see anyone banned for something like missing tests, or failing to comply with the "whereabouts system" but I understand why these policies and procedures exist and I support the enforcement of the rules. A third warning seems pretty bad to me, especially for such a veteran as Longo.  I don't want to think ill of her long career and accomplishments, but this isn't exactly the type of behavior that inspires confidence.  I hope this is not how Longo's career ends.  It looks like she will not be at the 2011 World Championships and I wonder if Chris' shot from the race in Aspen was one of the last times we see Jeannie Longo race?

What are your thoughts?

You might recall that a while back Cadel Evans auctioned off the BMC SLR01 (pictured below) which he used in the 2010 World Championships and the Giro di Lombardia.

via Wade Wallace @ www.cyclingtipsblog.com

The proceeds of that auction went to support the Manasarovar Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal.  That auction brought in $16k AUD (which is something like $7 million US - my math may be a touch off there).

Anyway, the folks over on Cycling Tips Blog, where the original auction took place received so much feedback that instead of an auction (which required that you have tons of cash to have a chance to win this thing) the "giveaway" should have been a raffle.  The winning bidder was both listening and extremely generous, and after forking over his $16k AUD, HE's putting the bike back up for a raffle!

See Cycling Tips for details, but you can have a shot at this amazing bike for only $50 AUD (all geos welcome) and the proceeds of the raffle go towards CPEC – Cerebral Palsy Education Centre Equipment & Teaching Aids.

What an amazing prize, a seemingly fantastic charity, and a generous way to honor Cadel's original fundraiser!  Give it a shot!

Perusing CN's article about Boonen's agent's comments about many teams being interested in him reminds me of the comments we had a couple weeks ago after Lefevere's stirring pep talk.  Lefevere's comments were:

"It's also about results though. If he wants to keep his financial situation, he must also perform. Getting dropped on the Poggio, ninth in Waregem - no problem. I will take stock after Roubaix though. If there are others who ride better, he may have to concede something."

So, it's after Roubaix and inquiring minds (well my mind anyway) wonders what all you other DDIFP think.  Poll is after the jump.  And if so inclined, leave a comment and share whether you think a move would be good for him or not.