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30 April 2005

1 May News ...

First victory for Cunego

Yesterday in stage 3 of the Tour de Romandie, Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Caffita) scored his first victory of the 2005 season. It was a barn-burner of a stage that saw the teams of Rabobank and Phonak make their marks. But neither team could hold back the punchy Piccolo Principe (OK, Little Prince in English), who on the last climb of the day turned his powers loose.

"Winning boosts my moral and helps me stay relaxed. Now I'm ready for the Giro," said the Piccolo Principe. "It's a surprise to have won because before the start of the stage I said I'd use it for training. However, I felt good on the final climb, benefited from the work of the other riders and then attacked several times near the finish."

The next two stages will prove to be eventful, Santiago Botero (Phonak) is holding top spot on the GC and his Swiss-based team are going to give their all to ensure a win. Hold tight, there is a mountain stage today and the final TT on Sunday. Today's stage 4 finishes on the slopes of Les Paccots, taking the riders of over 148K of Swiss roads.

Cipo Explains

"I'll never leave cycling", said the Lion King, Mario Cipollini, at a farewell press conference in Milan yesterday. Cipollini explained his latest riding was not up to his standards, "I didn't feel up to my usual standard"

Cipollini talked about the sensations during the Milano-Sanremo and his sadness for missing the upcoming Giro d'Italia. "Two months ago I gave my best to win the Milan-Sanremo and in the same day I understood that it was time to admit my limits. My mind was still competitive, but I didn't have the legs. I'm really sorry not to partake in the Giro d'Italia, but I think that it's not right to betray the expectations of the supporters, of Liquigas-Bianchi… and, of course, my expectations. I have the winner attitude and I can't play a secondary role. This decision, even if painful, is like a relief for me: it was getting more and more oppressive because I wanted to be what I'm not any longer".

Just like Cipollini, always a winner and a leader. We are sure to see more of him in the cycling world, ciclismo is in his blood. Take a look at his palmarès below and then read the Mario Cipollini special, "The End of an Era".

Highlights:
- World Champion 2002
- Milan-San Remo winner 2002
- Gent-Wevelgem 1992, 1993 and 2002
- GP l´Escaut 1991 and 1993
- GP E3 1993
- Trophäe Luis-Puig 1999
- Syrakus-Tour 2001
- Tour de France: 12 stage wins, 6 days in yellow jersey
- Giro d'Italia: 42 stage wins, 3 points jerseys, 6 days in pink jersey
- Vuelta a Espana: 3 stage wins (2002)
- 8 stage wins in Paris-Nice
- 12 stage wins in Tour de Romandie

BiciRace.com Chats with the Director Sportivo, Matteo Algeri

Yesterday BiciRace.com chatted with Matteo Algeri as he prepared for the upcoming Giro d'Italia. Matteo Algeri was running around Saunier Duval - Prodir headquarters and getting ready to go buy some ham for the big Giro d'Italia.

BiciRace.com: Ciao Matteo. How is the jet-lag treating you?
Matteo: Bad, bad!! I cannot sleep well!
BiciRace.com: Ah, sorry! It can be tough.
BiciRace.com: Marco Pinotti was strong in the Tour of Georgia!
Matteo: Yep, I've told you..
BiciRace.com: Yes, you were right!
Matteo: And you'll see at the Giro!
Read more ...

GP Industria

Today in the foothills of Prato, Italy, young Luca Mazzanti (Panaria-Navigare) won the 29th edition of the GP Industria e Artigianato. Today's race, and tomorrow's Giro di Toscana, are lower-key lead-up races for the Giro d'Italia. The rest of the Italian teams are in Switzerland for the Tour de Romandie.

29 April News ...