SB Nation User Blog: gavia

Saturday Mix 'n' Match

gavia — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:59:50 -0000

Two completely un-related topics in one post: Niels Albert update, and a new anti-doping policy at the Giro d'Italia.

For the Albert fans, Belgian television reported that he was released from hospital Saturday. They also found a broken rib and treated him for a developing lung infection, which they caught in time. He will have one week of rest, then next weekend can begin aqua jogging for rehab. Unfortunately, it will likely be at least four weeks before he can train outside, and his season is all-but certainly over. Sven Nys has sent his good wishes to Albert, and said to the press, that he likes racing against the young up and coming talent, because it adds to the challenge. — Source, Christine Vardaros.

Meanwhile in Italy, Angelo Zomegnan has declared January 2009 to be "Kilometer Zero" in the fight against doping. "There is too much uncertainty and too little security," he said during a celebration of the Giro's 100th Anniversary held at The Convent of Santa Lucia La Castellina. Zomegnan declared that the RCS would exclude riders with doping infractions, and that they would retain the discretion to decide how long riders would remain ineligible for RCS races, regardless of the UCI sanctions. Zomegnan did not mention any specific riders that they intended to exclude. Will the new policy will apply to returning Italian stage racer and former Giro winner, Ivan Basso? Impossible to know just yet, though certainly the Liquigas management must be wondering exactly what the RCS has in mind. — Source, tuttobiciweb.

The Gossip Page

gavia — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:42:17 -0000

Off-Season Slack Edition.

Here at the Gossip World Headquarters, we've been enjoying the off-season. We've been tidying up the joint. We even found the purple marker that we thought was lost forever. We've been sleeping in, ignoring the siren call of the European time zone where all the good Gossip goes down.

But we have not forgotten our responsibilities entirely. Though the news oozes slowly through the wires, we have collected a selection for your enlightenment. We would not want our dear readers to go unenlightened.

Read on, for all the news you didn't know you needed.

Johan Bruyneel is bored. In a recent interview published in the Belgian press, he said that he was not especially excited by Alberto Contador's recent win at the Vuelta a España. "What is the thing that excites me about this job? Winning races? No, that does not excite me any more!" Instead, Bruyneel prefers controversy. He is looking forward to Armstrong's return. Bruyneel said he spent the Armstrong years in "stress and controversy." "That is what I miss today," he said. "With Armstrong, it is all there again." If you like the heat, head for the kitchen, that's what I always say.

Still looking... Young Italian sprinter Oscar Gatto still needs a contract for next year. The 23 year old rode for Gerolsteiner this past season and was left without a chair when the music stopped. From the same prestigious Zalf amateur team as Ivan Basso and Damiano Cunego, Gatto won 80 victories as a junior and was the most winningest Italian in the U23 ranks in 2006, before turning professional at the age of 21. Though Gatto had discussions with ISD and Gianetti's new team, no contract offer arrived. No doubt the withdrawal of Danieli from the Ukrainian-Italian team hurt Gatto's chances, as the team's hiring ground to a halt after reaching 15 riders. Gatto said he continues to train, but his morale is sinking and he is badly frustrated by his inability to find a team.

On the subject of ISD, the team officially presented its roster last week. Fifteen riders comprise the ISD team for next year. Mario Cipollini will serve on the technical staff of the new team, after rumor had suggested that the Italian sprinter might yet again un-retire. Gazzetta dello Sport described Cipollini as a "Technical and Image Consultant," for the team. No doubt ISD hopes that Cipollini will usher the team into the high profile Italian races, including the Giro d'Italia. A team can hope, after all. Luca Scinto, a former gregario to Cipollini, is the sports director. ISD has invested 4 million euro in the project, and has made a three year commitment. The team does not appear to have a website just yet, but the full roster can be found at tuttobiciweb.

CONI recommended a one year sanction for Emmanuele Sella, who tested positive for CERA in an out of compettion test this summer. You didn't actually expect us to believe that tendonitis story, did you? The final decision on Sella's sanction is due on 1 December, and the Italian climber has confessed that he is nervous about the outcome. Though CONI sought an 18 month ban for Riccò, when all was said and done, Riccò received a two year ban, which he is now appealing. Sella did provide the name of his dealer, team-mate Matteo Priamo, and he is hoping that will be enough to allow him an early return to the sport. Here at the Gossip World Headquarters, we wish Sella luck, but we can't help but think that a one year sanction is a tad short. We shall know soon enough if the Italian authorities agree.

Former sports director for Crédit Agricole, Roger Legeay will work as a technical advisor for the British Cycling Federation, beginning next season. The long-rumored transfer was confirmed this week.

How about another new team? In Italy, Giuseppe Martinelli, ex-DS of Marco Pantani and architect of Damiano Cunego's first and only Giro d'Italia win, will lead a new team beginning next season. The team management announced Thursday that Amica Chips will take on the role of title sponsor. A hi-tech firm, you say? No, nothing so glamorous. Amica Chips makes potato chips. Fabrizio Fabbri and Guido Bontempi will also serve on the management staff. Among the riders signed is former World Champion Igor Astarloa and Leonardo Bertagnoli. (Check here for the full roster.) Said the team management, "They are a prestigious brand that we will seek to honor with results, while privileging honesty and transparency among the athletes." Rightio. Rumor suggests that Danilo Napolitano, who currently has one year left on his contract with Lampre, may yet join Amica.

Max Radoni officially presented his new H2O-TelTek team to the press recently, complete with a modelling of the new team jersey, always our favorite part. The team has a budget of 7 million euro, will likely field a roster of 25 riders, and will also include a mountain bike team directed by Luca Bramati and a women's team. Talk about bang for the buck. The Mapei Sport Center will direct the team's training, and Francesco Frattini and Frederic Moncassin have signed on to manage the team. Among the riders are French neo-pro Aurelien Passeron, Belgian Jan Kuyckx, Patrice Halgand, Rubens Bertogliati, and Wim Van Huffel. (See this incomplete list.) Rumors had suggested Filippo Simeoni would sign on with Radoni, but as is sometimes the case, Rumor was wrong.

Meanwhile in France, the new team directed by Stéphane Heulot has signed twelve French riders to its roster, many of them formerly of Crédit Agricole. It boasts two sponsors: Besson Chaussures and Sojasun. Besson Chaussures is a shoe store which currently counts 80 stores throughout France and sells more than 8 million pairs of shoes each year. Sojasun sells Soy products, including deserts, beverages and frozen foods, made from French-grown soy. Besson Chaussures-Sojasun is registered as a Continental team in France.

Alvaro Pino would like an invitation to the Tour de France. How does it feel to want, Señor? If the ASO chooses not to smile upon Xacobeo Galicia, Pino said that the Giro d'Italia would present an acceptable alternative, and that he has had some discussions with the RCS. The Giro oganizers would like a Spanish team for the race, he said, and Xacobeo is hoping to be that team. Pino's GC rider, Ezequiel Mosquera, has twice finished in the top five at the Vuelta a España, and Pino is hoping that those results will attract the eye of the French or Italian grand tours.

Following the example of Ivan Basso, Patrik Sinkewitz will post his training information and blood values on line. Sinking Joke recently signed with the Czech team, PSK Whirlpool and will return to racing at the Tour of Majorca. For those who may have forgotten in the blur of doping scandals past, Sinkewitz tested positive for testosterone during the 2007 Tour de France, prompting the withdrawal of team sponsor T-Mobile from the sport. The German served a one year ban, after providing significant information to the authorities. The ban ended in July 2008, but Sinkewitz could not find a new team until just this month. His current contract runs one year, and he is excited about the new opportunity. Interestingly, Sinkewitz told BikeRadar recently that Linus Gerdemann, who is known for his out-spoken anti-doping views, was among the few pros who has kept in touch with Sinkewitz during his ban. The German also claims that he has gained a better sense of perspective as a consequence of his mistakes: "I realize that money's less important than having goals, relationships and feeling good about who you are and what you do. It's not all money, money, money," he said. We can't help but wish that Sinkewitz had figured this out sooner, but better late than never.

The Tour de France will start in Rotterdam in 2010. Do we care about this? Not at the moment, thanks.

Davide Rebellin, who will ride for Diquigiovanni-Androni next season, wants to win the World Championship in Mendrisio. This year, Rebellin came close enough to taste the jersey, after making the winning break in the final lap. But he will have to contend with the ambitions of Damiano Cunego, who came closer to still to winning and who will find the hilly course of Mendrisio much to his liking. To complicate matters, Danilo Diluca would also like to win Worlds. Good thing there's still plenty of time for Franco Ballerini to sort that whole mess out. Rebellin said that he was disappointed not to win the Olympic gold medal, but the silver medal made a very nice birthday present. Though currently 37 years old, Rebellin hopes to ride two more seasons. His contract with Diqui..eh, I'm not typing that again, runs one year. Rebellin's first main objective for next season is the Ardennes classics, but he hopes to have good form for the Centenary Giro, which will pass near his home roads in Venezia. A stage win or a brief stint in the pink jersey would make for a nice kind of homecoming.

Team Columbia's Kim Kirchen has decided upon his program for next season, which looks much like his program for this past season. Kirchen will begin the season in the sun at Majorca. Rough, eh? Then he will ride the Tour of Cali. All the cool people will be there, so why not? He then returns to Europe for Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-San Remo. His major objectives for the spring will be the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche-Wallone, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Kirchen won Flèche-Wallone last year, and no doubt would like to add another Ardennes classic to his palmarès. After a brief break, Kirchen will turn his attention to the Tour de France. For the first time in his career, he will ride the Dauphiné Libéré as preparation. Kirchen has twice finished in the top ten in the general classification at the Tour. Bonne chance!

After a confusing round of rumorage, Michael Ball of Rock Racing has confirmed that Rudy Pavenage will join the team as a sports director. In an interview yesterday, Pavenage said he missed the cycling world and badly wanted to return to professional cycling. Well, it appears he will get his chance. We can't help but hope that he no longer has Dr. Fuentes on speed dial. After all, he will join four former clients of the gynecologist to the stars: Tyler Hamilton, Francisco Mancebo, José Enrique Gutiérrez, and Oscar Sevilla. Said Ball of Pavenage, "He is probably the greatest DS in the last 20 years, his resume speaks volumes of accomplishments, those Belgian directors are unbelievable." We hope that Mr. Ball will not be disappointed. The Belgian press has also reported that Lorenzo Lapage, formerly of US Postal, Discovery, and Astana, will also join the team next year. No confirmation - press release, phone call, or message in a bottle - has appeared just yet.

Amore&Vita-MacDonalds, the team directed by Christian Fanini is coming to America. Amore&Vita is currently in negotiations with between five and six American riders, whose names will be confirmed soon. Fanini explained that the team hopes to be "protagonists" in the American races. With this goal in mind, Fanini has signed on Roberto Gaggioli as sports director.

Gaggioli and Fanini go way back: Gaggioli began his career with Pepsi and Seven-Up, both managed by Fanini. Rumor at the time claimed that pay checks were haphazard in the Pepsi days, a rumor that has followed Gaggioli's own career in management. During his professional career, Gaggioli won a total of 207 races, and several of the most prestigious came while on Fanini's teams: Coppa Bernocchi, a stage of the Giro del Trentino, and US Pro, which he won in 1988. He came to the United States in the mid-1980s, because the prize money was good and American-style crits suited him. As a rider, Gaggioli was famous for his attacking style and his temper, a temper that more than once has gotten him into trouble. In 2004, Gaggioli received a suspension from USA Cycling after a post-race altercation with Jonny Sundt, then riding for Jittery Joes. According to stories circulating at the time, Gaggioli came after Sundt with a 2x4, which Sundt blocked with his bike. Plainly, Amore&Vita will not be adding Sundt to their roster of Americans. No word as yet on who Amore&Vita does plan to sign, but many of the riders from both Rite Aid and Jittery Joes have yet to find contracts. For those who would like to speculate at home, check out this handy-dandy chart. In the meantime, Amore&Vita is also currently in negotiations with German Philipp Mamos, Australian Richard England, and German Christian Mueller.

Always in the off-season, there are the bizarre injuries. Sylvain Chavanel and Marta Bastianelli recently joined the off-season injury list. Former world champion, Bastianelli crashed her mountain bike last week, breaking her jaw. Il Faceplanto. Rubber-side down, girly. Meanwhile in France, Chavanel had an altercation with an oyster. The former French national champion, who will ride for QuickStep next season, sliced a deep cut into his left hand while opening the shell. Chavanel cut a tendon and received 13 stitches. Despite the injury, Chavanel should not miss too much training. Apparently, one must suffer to be gourmet.

Et Voilà, this is all the news we could scrounge up for this week. More soon, promise!

Rudy Pevenage to Rock Racing as Sports Director

gavia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:50:55 -0000

Update: The mystery deepens. Lyne over at Podium In Sight has confirmed with the team that there was no press release issued on the Pavenage story. The spokesperson for the team said that there was no news forthcoming on this subject.

The spokesperson also told Podium In Sight that the team registrations were not due to the UCI until 6 December. This suggests that the ProContinental/Continental issue might yet be resolved. Should the team change its designation to ProConti, the age restrictions on the roster would no longer hold.

Update 1: According to l'équipe, Pavenage confirmed that he has a "verbal agreement" with Rock Racing, but he has not yet signed a contract. He also said that he misses the racing world.

Meanwhile, over at Cyclingnews (lead story, wow! no scrolling), they report that Rock Racing issued a press statement confirming the story. There is no sign of the press release on the Rock Racing site, however.

Original Story:Rudy Pevenage, the former mentor to Jan Ullrich, will join Rock Racing next season as a sports director. Named in the Puerto investigation as a middle man between Dr. Fuentes and his protegé, Ullrich, Pavenage lost his position with T-Mobile in Summer 2006. Pevenage joins four other Puerto-istes at Rock: Tyler Hamilton, Francisco Mancebo, José Enrique Gutiérrez, and Oscar Sevilla. The source for the reported transfer is Belgian television station Sporza.

Though rumors suggested Ullrich might come out of retirement to join Rock, the German's manager, Wolfgang Strohband, continues to deny the possibility. In a recent statement Strohband said that while Ullrich found the Rock Racing team very interesting, he had no intention of returning to racing.

Since the beginning, Rock Racing has continually courted controversy and headlines. The Pevenage signing adds a new twist to the already confusing Rock story. As Podium In Sight revealed recently, the team's roster for next season does not comply with the UCI rules governing Continental teams. According to those rules, the majority of the team's riders must be under age 28. No explanation has yet surfaced as to whether the UCI will grant Rock a waiver on the age rule or what the team intends to do about the rules violation.

The Pevenage signing only adds to the controversy around the team, as the Puerto evidence included taped phone calls between Pevenage and Dr. Fuentes. Several of the calls came coincident with the long time trial at the 2006 Giro d'Italia, which Ullrich won handily. The Rock Racing management has frequently declared an ambition to participate in the major European races. Not only are they barred from doing so as a Continental-registered team, but the signing of the Ghosts of Cycling's Past like Pevenage will do little to open the gates to cycling's most prestigious races.

Source: radsport-news.com.

Reverse Course: Riccò Goes to CAS

gavia — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:13:28 -0000

Riccardo Riccò has decided to appeal his two year suspension at the Court of Arbritration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. Riccò received the sanction on 2 October, after confessing to use of CERA in this year's Tour de France. He also named Dr. Santuccione of Oil for Drugs infame as his supplier.

Because of his willingness to provide names and information in the case, CONI had recommended a reduced sanction of 18 months in Riccò's case. But the Italian antidoping court, which makes the final sanctioning decision, chose to add six months to Riccò's ban, because of his contacts with Santuccione. Santuccione has a lifetime ban from the sport of cycling due to his centrality in the Oil for Drugs doping ring.

Initially, Riccò denied any intention of appealing the sanction. But he also expressed his disappointment with the length of his ban. He had hoped to return in time for the 2010 Giro and Tour, which the 18 month ban recommended by CONI would have allowed. As a result of this disappointment, he has decided to appeal to CAS, in the hope that the court will shorten his ban. The court is expected to decide the case within the next four months. Currently, the Italian climber is eligible to ride on 30 July 2010.

Source: l'equipe.fr, tuttobiciweb.it.

Transfer! Popovych to Ride for Astana

gavia — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:16:01 -0000

Yaroslav Popovych will ride for Astana beginning in 2009, after Johan Bruyneel bought him out of his contract with Silence-Lotto. The new contract with Astana runs for two years, and is reportedly a lucrative one.

In a press comment, Bruyneel explained, "Over the past few months I have worked to reinforce the team. When I heard that Popovych might be available, I was very interested in him. He is an elite cyclist who has demonstrated his value, not only as a deluxe gregario, but also as a rider with the ability to win." Though the team has not yet finalized Popovych's program for the coming year, he will likely ride both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Bruyneel also confirmed that the Astana team roster is now complete.

For his part, Popovych expressed his happiness with the transfer. "The organization of the team is suited to me," he said. He admitted that some might be surprised by his decision to go to a team that already has so many leaders, but he is unbothered. "I can not wait to begin to work with my new team," he concluded.

With this transfer, Cadel Evans loses yet another support rider. The effort to sign climber Bernhard Kohl collapsed after Kohl's positive test for CERA. For Popovych, however, the departure from Silence-Lotto may mean a new beginning for his career. The Ukrainian has never ridden his best at Silence-Lotto. Indeed, his lack of success this season prompted speculation that Popovych might retire early. Perhaps a return to the Armstrong-Bruyneel fold will suit the Ukrainian better.

Here is the complete roster for Astana:
Lance Armstrong, Assan Bazayev, Jani Brajkovic, Alberto Contador, Valeriy Dmitriyev, Aleksandr Dyachenko, Jesús Hernández, Chris Horner, Maxim Iglinskiy, Roman Kireyev, Andreas Klöden, Berik Kupeshov, Levi Leipheimer, Steve Morabito, Dmitriy Muravyev, Daniel Navarro, Benjamín Noval, Sérgio Paulinho, Yaroslav Popovych, Bolat Raimbekov, Gregory Rast, Sergey Renev, José Luis Rubiera, Michael Schär, Tomas Vaitkus, Andrey Zeits, Haimar Zubeldia.

Sources: wvcycling.com, tuttobiciweb.it.

North American Transfer News: One Stop Shopping!

gavia — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:16:09 -0000

On the subject of transfer news, Podium In Sight has a fab-dab-u-lous chart of all the comings and goings in the North American scene. HealthNet-Maxxis, Toyota-United, Jittery Joes, and Symmetrics are all stopping next season. New teams include OUCH and Kenda Pro-Spinergy.

Check out the whole chart. Also, be sure to read the comments for some intriguing anonymous updates!

Not enough? Read more transfer news here and here.

Alternative Search Engine Wednesday

gavia — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:11:52 -0000

It has recently been brought to my attention that a veritable gold mine of undiscovered hottitude lies in waiting for us. We simply need the right tool.

Heh, heh, she said tool.

Ahem.

Today's hottitude challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to use an Alternative Search Engine (ASE, for the acronymic among you) to uncover, new, previously unseen examples of hottitude. Do be sure to share how exactly you found these treasures.

To help out, here are some searches you might wish to try out:
Old Skool AltaVista
Lycos
Dogpile (which must surely win for cutitude)
AlltheWeb

Enjoy!

Because you really didn't want to get any work done today, did you?

Ask Gavia

gavia — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:17:52 -0000

The off-season has arrived, and everywhere there are problems. Really, it's just so hard to adjust. Never fear, Gavia is here to help you sort out all your issues. Got problems? I so totally have answers.

You don't believe me, do you. Well read on then, and see what wisdom I have bestowed upon these poor lost souls who have written seeking my always infallible advice.

Dear Gavia,
I wake up early every day, and I turn on the internet. I look around everywhere. Google me this, google me that, but I can't find any bike racing. What am I doing wrong?
Signed,
Confused Early-Riser.

Dear Confused,
Silly Confused, bike racing season is over. A calender, do get one. Available at a store near you.

Go ahead and flip through the pages until you see January. That's right, it comes right after December. And yes, it says 2009. That's because January doesn't come until next year.

Now, draw a big red circle around 18 January. That way, you won't forget this very important date. Why is it important, you ask? You do ask a lot of silly questions, Confused, now don't you. The next bike race starts in Australia on that very day, 18 January. If you mark your brand new calender that you just bought at the store with a big red circle, you won't miss this most important day. In fact, if you want to be extra super sure, you can mark each day until 18 January with a big black X. Big red circle for the bike race, big black X for the days until the bike race. It's quite simple.

In the meantime, you will have to occupy your time constructively. A frightening task, to be sure. You might consider organizing your sock drawer. Or cleaning your chain. But fear not, there will be bike races again before you know it.

Love and Kisses,
Gavia.

Dear Gavia,
Perhaps I missed new developments in the youth drug culture during my years spent in Humbolt, but why hasn't any pro rider tested positive for pot yet?
Thanking green,
Mary Jane.

Dear Mary,
Perhaps pro cyclists are lacking in imagination. Or maybe they fear the effects on the ol' strength to weight ratio of recurring attacks of the munchies.

However, I believe quite strongly in the scientific method, and especially in helping people help themselves. Have you ever tried to race a bike stoned? Please go try it. Then, report back with your findings. Truly, we'd like to know how that works out for you.
Love and Kisses,
Gavia.

Important: Gavia assumes no liability or responsibility for any mishaps or misadventures that may occur in carrying out this experiment. Toke and race at your own risk.

Dear Gavia
I recently purchased a set of jet black Assos bib shorts that were for sale on a popular web site. With all the hub-bub about white being the new black and my Assos bibs sporting the jet black color I find myself in a couture quandary. Since Team High Road away jerseys are the only ones sporting black this year, then how can I possibly show my face at the next Saturday morning slugfest?
Signed,
Shaking In My Bibs 'n' Booties.

P.S. I still have my snow white Assos shoe covers. Does that save my fashionista soul?

Dear Shaking,
Clearly, you have a very serious problem, but I feel certain I can help.

First of all, black is always the new black, especially where bib shorts are concerned. Really, the chicks do not want to see your butt crack peeping through your white lycra. Nor, do we want to see... Well, anyway, the bottom line is, chicks don't dig white bibs. It is far better to transcend the trend by sporting your black bibs with pride than to demean yourself by slavishly chasing the vagaries of fashion.

On the subject of white Assos shoe covers, the least said the better. You actually bought white Assos shoe covers? I bet you were going to wear them with white knickers, too, weren't you. Don't even get me started. Mixing knickers and shoe covers, of all the misguided absurdities. If it's cold enough for shoe covers, it's definitely too cold for knickers. Newsflash, your calves are not that hot, so you can go ahead and cover them up already. Anyway, I can't imagine a possible scenario in which white Assos shoe covers would be acceptable attire. Please burn them immediately.
Love and Kisses,
Gavia.

Dear Gavia,
For months, Benna has been my teevee boyfriend. Every week, sometimes every day, Benna appeared right here in my very own home. But now that there's no bike racing, there's no Benna. How will I survive the long winter months without him?
Please Help Me!
Benna-Lover.

Dear Benna-Lover,
Your situation appears quite desperate. But let me help you out. One word: Google. There you will find all the Benna you need. You're welcome.
Love and Kisses,
Gavia.

Dear Gavia,
I have a serious problem. I really really really wanted a Pinarello Prince. So, I bought one. No problem, right?

Wrong.

Big problem.

At first, everything was great. My friends were all envious. I did my best time ever on my local climb, I kid you not, I timed it myself. I was riding like a pro. I was all set to have my best season ever.

Then, disaster struck. My wife found out about my new Pinarello. At first, she just thought it was a pretty bike. But then, she saw the credit card bill. Now, I'm just hoping she'll let me back inside some day.

What do I do?
Signed,
In The Doghouse.

Dear In The Doghouse,
This is a serious problem, requiring desperate measures. There is only one thing to do. Send me the Pinarello. I will take excellent care of it. Problem solved. I'm sure your wife will let you back in the house. The credit card bill? No one actually pays those any more, do they? You'll be fine. Just send me the Pinarello.
Love and kisses,
Gavia.

Got problems? Need advice? Ask Gavia! Send me your problems, askgavia@gmail.com. Questions will be answered in the order in which they are received.

Dislaimer thingy: All letters may be edited for clarity and style, and to make them more funny. Names and places may be altered to make sure that neither Gavia nor the Cafe gets sued. Cuz we don't have that kind of cash. Gavia is not a lawyer, doctor, or any of those other authority types who are actually qualified to give advice. Use at your own risk and stuff.

Sneak Preview: Mendrisio 2009 Youtubery

gavia — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:10 -0000

The organizors for next year's World Championship road race have put up their website to get us all ready for the big race. The hilly course is made for the climbers. We're talking to you, Damiano.

Below the fold, a youtube ride-along from the Italian television station in Switzerland, with translation.

Translation:

The Mondial in Mendrisio begins here, between Sallanches and Duitama. It is expected to be one of the most difficult and selective of the postwar period. Come, discover the 13.8 km circuit.

Only two kilometers from the start comes the first climb, the most difficult part of the course. A climb that gains 500 meters with a 12 percent gradient appears immediately.

We are on the road that leads toward Monte Generoso, but the race only climbs for 1 kilometer and 200 meters. This is the first of two climbs on the circuit.

It is a climb lasting only 1200 meters, but to race the course lap after lap will make the legs hurt.

For those who lose even a few meters on the climb, 500 meters of false flat followed by a tortuous descent will make it very difficult to regain the bunch.

It is a very technical descent of 4 kilomters from the climb of l'Acqua Fresca to the Torrazza de Novazzano. The group will become very stretched out (elongissimo), and it will splinter lap after lap.

The favorites will have to stay at the front, and will not be able to hide as they have in the last few World Championships.

It is not possible to recover, because the descent between the two climbs ends only four kilometers from the finish. Then, immediately comes the Torrazza de Novazzano. The climb is very hard. This is site of the epic dual between Merckx and Gimondi in 1971, but this time the climb is closer to the finish.

The climb of Novazzano is 1700 meters in length and its summit comes less than 2500 meters from the finish. It provides a perfect springboard to attack (trampolino di lancio) for the finish.

Two difficult climbs every lap, with only four kilometers between them. For this reason, the Mondiali di Mendrisio will not only be very difficult, but also a different race from the others.

Summarizing here: They move on to previewing the crono. There is one climb, not more than 700 meters long, with a max gradient of 10 percent. It is mostly flat.

The road race at Mendrisio for 2009 because of its climbs concentrated into very few kilometers will be a special and unique championship. The crono, meanwhile, is a classic course made for the true specialists. It is relatively flat with few curves. The winner will be without doubt a true specialist. (Translation: Swiss rider with the Italian family name.)

Thanks to J. Frinking for the youtubery tip!

More on the Stevic Story

gavia — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:59:05 -0000

VeloNews has picked up the Stevic story in today's online edition. Neal Rogers got busy with the phone and did a little leg work, chatting with Toyota-United owner Sean Tucker and with Travis Tygart. According to Tucker, Stevic was unaware of the case pending against him in Italy, and learned of it only when the suspension came down earlier this week. Tucker also said there was no information available about the case until the suspension. "There is literally nothing anywhere on the Web or otherwise until recently," he explained. (Memo to Gav: check this.) Tucker also confirmed that Stevic plans to appeal the ruling before TAS.

According to this report, the CONI ruling would apply outside Italy, so Stevic would be banned from competition in the United States and elsewhere. This detail was not clear from reading the CONI ruling report.

Interestingly, an early edition of this story did not include an link to CFA's original story. Now it does. Which is as it should be. If they could just fix the mis-id in the penultimate graph, it would all be good.

...Which, later this same day, they have now done (I'm not sure who won the bet, though). So it really is all good now.

Link to the VeloNews Report.