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21 July 2005

22 July News ...

Il Falco Continues Flight at Tour

Yesterday, in Stage 17, Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) caught and passed Kurt Arvesen (Team CSC) to take his first Tour de France victory. Il Falco Bergamasco was in the day-long 17-man escape group with his teammate José Luis Rubiera. The final Côte saw Il Falco attack and fly all the way to the line.

"An escape group was never forming, then finally one went and we entered, Rubiera and I," said Savoldelli post-stage. It was a move that broke down to 8 riders in the final 50K. Then on the last climb Il Falco put in his attack. "When I attacked, at the top on the last stretch, I was at my best and also at the finish I was the freshest. If Hinault did not join me before the descent then maybe I would have arrived solo. During this Tour I have worked a lot for Lance, but I was not able to take the freedom of an escape like this one."

Il Falco Bergamasco added to his wonderful season, a Tour de France stage win to complement his overall Giro d'Italia victory. "It's a fact that I've had a great year. When I climbed onto the podium, I felt a great emotion because of all the ceremony and the crowd. It was a win that had been missing in my career. This is the most important race in the world, and to win a stage here has special significance."

Paolo Savoldelli seems to have thrived in the presence of Armstrong and a top team. Savoldelli commented on Armstrong, "The more I see Lance, the more I tell myself there is only one like him. He's on another planet." For most of the Tour Il Falco has been working hard for Armstrong's seventh victory. "To be his gregario is very difficult, because it is not normal for me. He will go on to win his 7th Tour, at the moment he is superior."

92nd Tour de France:
Startlist, Classifications, Tour Challengers, Discovery Channel Profile
Key Stages, Key Stage Descriptions, Stages and Maps, Overall Map
Photos, Dust Devil's Daily Wrap

Armstrong Again Satisfied with Team Win

Lance Armstrong (Discovery Channel) was again behind, while up the road one of his key men were winning. Through the earpiece Armstrong heard the news of Savoldelli's wonderful stage win. "It was surreal still being 15 km from the finish and hearing over the radio that Paolo had won the stage. We all looked at each other and asked each other ‘Did he just say that Paolo won the stage?' It was unbelievable!"

In stage 17 it was a long day to Revel, 239K. Every team wanted to be involved in the break, even team Disco. Armstrong explained the tactics, "We wanted to put somebody in the break, and two is better than one so those guys jumped up there. We had enough guys to control the race behind, and riding a steady tempo. We thought other teams would pull sooner because of the team classification, and because of some guys losing their place in the overall GC."

When the peloton came home, 22 minutes back, it was in shatters. Alexandre Vinokourov (T-Mobile) was thrashing the group with his attacks. Disco kept a strong presence at the front. Armstrong explained, "Popo was there and George was there. At one point, I turned around and there was less than 10 guys, and we had three."

For more information on Disco, read The Dust Devil's Daily Wrap, Il Falco Swoops In For Victory.

Arvesen Gave All At End

Team CSC's Kurt-Asle Arvesen came very close to winning stage 17 in Revel. At the end of a long, long stage anything can happen. Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) was able to get the best of the Norwegian at the finish line.

Both Arvesen and Savoldelli were in the main move of 17 riders, who crossed the line more than 20 minutes ahead of the peloton. "I tried to escape just before the finish, as it often pays off to take the initiative, when you're in a small group," explained Arvesen. The CSC rider went clear in the final 2K. "But when Savoldelli caught me I completely blew up."

Alessandro Petacchi Goes on a Domina Vacanze

Alessandro Petacchi, currently with Fassa Bortolo, could be riding for the Gianluigi Stanga at Domina Vacanze in 2006. Petacchi is anxious to make a decision on his future, and Domina Vacanze could fit his needs. He would be able to bring along his fast men: Velo, Tosatto and Sacchi. It is now only a matter of economics between Ale-Jet and Stanga. Soon we could see our fast friend blazing his path on a cool Colnago.

The reason for Petacchi to consider a move is because Giancarlo Ferretti, manager at Fassa Bortolo, has been unable to secure a new sponsor. Ferretti has been trying his luck with Caffita, but this would be very complicated. The Iron Sergeant would face merging two teams and managing personality conflicts. The future for the Petacchi-Ferretti duo looks doubtful. Stay tuned.

Older Petacchi / Ferretti Sponsorship News: 9 May (Alessandro Petacchi Goes Dutch?), 10 May (Rumors Run Wild!), 4 July (Petacchi and Ferretti, Brothers Gonna Work it Out) and 16 July (Fassa Bortolo to Merge with Lampre-Caffita)

Brixia Tour Starts Friday

Tomorrow is the start of the Brixia Tour. This is the 5th edition of the tour that takes place in the province of Brescia, Italy. Even though it is coinciding with the last days of the Tour de France, it should be an exciting race. There will be some big names on the start line: Brett Lancaster, Damiano Cunego, Gilberto Simoni, Alessandro Petacchi, Mirko Celestino, Igor Astarloa, Davide Rebellin and Enrico Gasparotto (making his first appearance in the tricolore Italian jersey). The race is four stages over three days, ending this Sunday. Past winners in include Cadel Evans, Igor Astarloa and Danilo Di Luca.

Vino No Longer Pink

Alexander Vinokourov has announced his departure from T-Mobile at this end of this season. The Kazakh champion has put an end to weeks of speculation. Vino has been with the pink T-Mobile team since 2000.

Team leader, Jan Ullrich, commented on his friends departure, "We knew that a team change was on his mind. And in the end his decision came as a disappointment." Ulle and Vino have been great allies and now will go their own paths. Ulle continued, "He is not just a great bike rider, but also a great personal friend ... I fully understand his motives for leaving."

20 July News ...