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21 June 2005

22 June News ...

Longing for the Giro - book by Zandbergen and Pinotti

BiciRace.com presents Gijs Zandbergen, co-author of Longing for the Giro (Verlangen naar de Giro). Gijs describes how a unique connection to Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval - Prodir) inspired him with the idea to co-write a book together with Marco. The book is called Verlangen naar de Giro, or Longing for the Giro. It's currently only available in Dutch, but the demand is sure to make it available in other languages. Below is an introduction to this book by the Dutch journalist, Gijs Zandbergen.

Intro by Gijs Zandbergen: In the summer of 2003 I accidentally came into contact with Marco Pinotti, a rider whose name I vaguely remembered from a hard fall in the Tour de France of 2002. Pinotti had fallen again in the Bicicleta Vasca [2003], a race somewhere in Spain, and I decided to send him an e-mail ...

Read the rest of the intro by Zandbergen and also the extra chapter by Pinotti.

Alessio Galletti's Funeral Brings Many Friends

Yesterday in Cascina, near Pisa, was the funeral of former professional Alessio Galletti. The Tuscan racer passed away due to heart problems last week. Galletti, 37 years-old, experienced heart problems while climbing the Alto de la Manzaneda in the Subida de Naranco. Some 700 friends, family and tifosi turn-out to honor the fallen cyclist. Alfredo Martini, Michele Bartoli, Maximilian Sciandri, Ivan Gotti, Fabrizio Guidi and Franco Ballerini were some of the names present. A visibly moved Mario Cipollini was there to help the others carry the coffin of his former lead-out man. BiciRace.com sends peaceful wishes out to all those affected by the death of Alessio Galletti.

The Killer Returns in the HEW - Cyclassics

Danilo Di Luca has confirmed that his next race back will be the HEW - Cyclassics in Hamburg, Germany. The race is in late July and should give The Killer enough time to recover from his exploits at the Giro d'Italia. The LB rider confirmed his plan before then, "A lot of work and tranquillity. I do not want to have to leave from my house, but if hot temperatures arrive then I might decide to spend some time in the mountains. Not in Mexico, this time ... Roccaraso would be enough for me."

After the HEW - Cyclassics Danilo Di Luca will target the Clasica San Sebastian and then the Tour of Germany. The Killer will be in action fighting to maintain his all-white ProTour jersey.

No Cunego at the 92nd Tour de France

Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Caffita) has decided not to race the 2005 Tour de France. The decision has been made official after spending a week in-and-out of examinations in Milano. The Piccolo Principe, 23 years of age, will be back in the future to slug it out for the yellow jersey. The 2004 Giro d'Italia champion is battling mononucleosis and a case of Simoni. The latter being a illness that affects riders who do no get along, but are in the same team. All kidding aside, BiciRace.com looks forward to seeing the Piccolo Principe return soon. He is planning on a return in the Brixia Tour, end of July. The Vuelta a España is still being talked about, but not confirmed.

Week of National Championships

For many countries this is the time of year to hold the national championships. Most road race championships will be held this Sunday. This is a chance for the nation's top riders to battle for the right to wear the national championship jersey for one year.

Today in Italy is the time trial championships. BiciRace.com is making no secret of its favorite rider for the race: Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval - Prodir). Pinotti can knock 'em dead in the TT and will be on the hunt for the tricolore jersey. We hope he has some form left after a tough Tour de Suisse. Best of luck to Pinotti and all Italians this week.

Gerolsteiner Give Tour Line-Up

Yesterday, Gerolsteiner officials named the 9-man team to do battle in the 2005 Tour de France. It is an international mix of riders, riding in the blue bubbly kit. The team will have a 2-prong leadership with Levi Leipheimer, and Georg Totschnig.

Gerolsteiner's Crew: Robert Förster, Sebastian Lang, Levi Leipheimer, Michael Rich, Ronny Scholz, Georg Totschnig, Fabian Wegmann, Peter Wrolich, Beat Zberg

For more 92nd Tour de France info read the 92nd Tour de France preview or look at all of the stages.

20 June News ...