BiciRace.com :: News :: April 2005

News :: April 2005

7 April 2005

Fast Finishes in Wevelgem and Vitoria

Yesterday produced some exciting finishes in Belgium, at the Gent-Wevelgem, and in Spain, at the Pais Vasco.

In the Gent-Wevelgem, it was Nico Mattan (Davitamon - Lotto) that caught and passed a flying Juan Antonio Flecha (Fassa Bortolo) in the closing kilometer. "This was the most beautiful course that I could win. I have always dreamt of this," said an excited Mattan. "I drove at 53, 54, yes even 60 kilometers per hour. A real thriller it was, in Hitchcock-style"

But there were some, in particular Fassa Bortolo, who stated that Mattan was aided too much by the fleet of motorcycles and press cars. Mattan denies this, "I dare, with the hand on the heart, to maintain that I have not won thanks to the cars or the motorbikes." Mattan has a point and it was really the responsibility of the press to make a clear path for the race to be raced. Fines have been issued to some of the press vehicles.

Flecha being the cool guy said "I have not been disillusioned with my second place. Mattan was, as usual, the strongest. For the public it was beautiful, but also for me, it was one beautiful course. ...But now I am all the stronger for Sunday, in Roubaix." Yes, and stay locked into BiciRace.com for Paris-Roubaix coverage.

While, over in Spain it was just nuts in the final kilometers of Pais Vasco, stage 3. There was a group of four away coming to the line, and in the group was David Moncoutié and Bradley McGee, along with two Comunidad Valenciana riders. It was Illes Balears that had the pack so strung out, in the city streets of Vitoria, to nail back the group. As the sprinters aligned themselves, the group of four was sucked in. The young (and winning) Alejandro Valverde took the win in front of Giovanni Lombardi! Yes, Giovanni Lombardi (Team CSC), an amazing day in Spain!

Lombardi Beaten by Valverde

Giovanni Lombardi (CSC) was close in taking the win in yesterday's stage 3 Pais Vasco, but Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) got the better of him. "Lombardi came incredibly close. He was in a perfect position behind Danilo Di Luca, but he got afraid of being boxed in, so he launched his sprint about 10 meters too early. Kurt really paved the way for Lombardi, and it would of course have been great with a win," said sports director Kim Andersen after the stage to Vitoria.

Bobby Julich Critérium International, photo: Graham Watson

Kim Andersen explained ... "[Stage 4] we aim for a stage win, but otherwise it's all about keeping Bobby up front before the decisive time trial. The summit finish in Friday morning's stage should suit him better than the steep finish yesterday, which is not exactly his cup of tea." Bobby Julich is 20 seconds behind in the GC at the moment.
CSC website

This Sunday, Paris-Roubaix

It's almost that time again for "The Queen of the Classics", Paris-Roubaix. Cycling greats such as Bernard Hinault have called this race "absurd", but from a fan's perspective it just doesn't get much better than this. No less than 26 sections of bone jarring pave will be waiting for the riders as they head out of the start from Compiegne, in the outskirts of Paris. More...

Tune in to BiciRace.com this Sunday, April 10th, for full results and post race news.

Jan Ullrich Showing Good Form

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) demonstrated solid time-trialing for a 13th place in stage 2b of the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe. Florent Brard (Agritubel) won the stage, followed by Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis).

6 April News ...