BiciRace.com :: News :: April 2005

News :: April 2005

28 April 2005

Cunego: Father-to-be

Cunego in Liège- Bastogne-Liège, photo: Capture-The- Peloton.com

This was the news coming out of Damiano's Verona fan club today: "Damiano and Margherita have the pleasure to announce to all fans that within a few months they will become dad and mom." Damiano, 23 years old and 2005 Giro d'Italia winner, will soon expect a baby with his girlfriend Margherita. This is great news for Damiano and we at BiciRace.com wish the young couple best wishes! Auguri!

Damiano was in Liège-Bastogne-Liège last Sunday, fighting it out in the Ardennes, and he aims to be on form for next month's Giro d'Italia. Cunego and Gilberto Simoni will captain the Lampre-Caffita squadra from the toe to the top of Italy's boot. Look for most of the action to happen between the calf and the knee. Stay with BiciRace.com for the Giro d'Italia news.

Luis León Sánchez Back in the Saddle

Luis León Sánchez, who took the overall GC at the Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under in Australia this year, has completely recovered from his broken wrist sustained at Gent-Wevelgem. "For two weeks I've been able to train normally, I'm not bothered by my hand and I only have to wrap it tightly with a bandage", commented Sánchez from Murcia. "I feel like the break has done me some good, because I didn't touch the bike at all for a few days and that has refreshed me physically and mentally. I had been going non-stop since the Tour Down Under."

Sánchez is scheduled to make his re-appearance at the Clasico Alcobendas on the 7th and 8th of May. Following that, he'll dispute the Volta a Catalunya and Euskal Bizikleta and the TTT in Holland. According to Saiz, Sánchez is still in with a chance to lock in one of the coveted places for the Tour de France team.
- Paco

Stage 1: a Petacchi Win

Stage 1 Sprint, photo: Tour de Romandie

Yesterday's Stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie ended with an Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) sprint-win. The first road stage of the was not without it's chaos, Fabio Baldato (also Fassa Bortolo) ended up on the ground. Thankfully Baldato, the lead-out specialist for Petacchi, did not take anyone down with him. Overall favorite, Bradley McGee (FDJ) had to make a sudden swerve to avoid a possible collision, but kept it upright.

Tom Steels, who is preparing for the upcoming Giro d'Italia was satisfied with 2nd. "I am ready for the Giro ... A flat sprint is another story. I think that I will manage for the Giro." Tom Steels, current Belgian champion, is a past hero of the bunch sprint and not to be discounted.

Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) retained the leader's jersey, but on equal time with Petacchi (thanks to bonifications). Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) is 2" back, and looks strong. Look for a sorting out of the GC in today's stage 2, which will take the riders on a 175K journey around Fleurier, Switzerland.

Spanish TVE: No to the Giro d'Italia

Spanish Television, TVE, has decided not to transmit the 2005 Giro d'Italia. The Giro d'Italia coincides with the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, a much smaller race. TVE has decided only to broadcast the Spanish ProTour race, leaving the Giro d'Italia un-televised. BiciRace.com will keep you updated on the latest Spanish viewing issues and Giro d'Italia news.

27 April News ...