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30 July 2005

31 July News ...

Vino backed by fellow Kazakh

Alexander Vinokourov (31) will now have the backing of his comrade on his new Liberty Seguros team. Andrei Kashechkin has also signed a deal with Liberty Seguros - Würth. Kashechkin was a heavy-hitter in this year's Tour de France, finishing 19th overall and 2nd in the young rider's classification.

The 25 year-old signed a two year deal with team Liberty boss, Manolo Saiz. This is a smart move by Saiz to help Vino win the 2006 Tour de France. Kashechkin is prepared to give his all to help his fellow Kazakh. For Kashechkin, currently riding for Crédit Agricole, he will have a chance to learn from Vino and from Saiz. Manolo Saiz is an experienced DS and will guide his newly-signed riders to greatness.

The Odds for HEW-Cyclassics

Interested in making some money off of your friends? Place some bets for this Sunday's HEW-Cyclassics and have some fun. Below BiciRace.com has gathered the odds from the Italian bookies. Tom Boonen appears to be the man to watch for this Sunday. You could place your money on a longer shot, say Luca Paolini. Paolini is on his way back up to the top after a tough first-half of the season. Good luck!

Odds:
Tom Boonen (Quick-Step)   1-5
Erik Zabel (T-Mobile)   1-8
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo)   1-9
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile)   1-9
Stuart O'Grady (Cofidis)   1-11
Paolo Bettini (Quick-Step)   1-12
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner)   1-12
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas-Bianchi)   1-14
Jens Voigt (Team CSC)   1-15
Luca Paolini (Quick-Step)   1-16
Mirko Celestino (Domina Vacanze)   1-20
Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole)   1-22
Steffen Wesemann (T-Mobile)   1-22

Paolini Back Winning Again

On Wednesday, Luca Paolini (Quick-Step) won the third stage in the Tour de la Région Wallonne, the 155K stage from Perwez to Amay. The Italian Quick-Step rider was very happy with this win, his first since 2004. Paolini has spent the season struggling with form due to knee problems.

"I'm over the moon", Paolini commented post-win. "It has been a while since my last win [Brabantse Pijl 2004]. Until today, this season has been really difficult for me. The problem I had with my knee spoiled the beginning of the season for me, but I didn't give up hopes of winning." For Paolini it has been a season of training to get back up to form. "I've done a lot of hard work in getting myself back on form, and today's victory repays me for all of my efforts. During the final section of the stage, I was able to rely on the support of my teammates, Pozzato and Nuyens, who were great at protecting against attackers. I hope to be able to repay them for their favors very soon."

Moreau to Ag2R Prévoyance

Christophe Moreau will start next season with Ag2R Prévoyance. The Frenchman, currently riding with Crédit Agricole, was recently complaining about his problems with team manager, Roger Legacy. Moreau hopes to be able to show his potential riding for Vincent Lavenu's team.

Moreau runs the risk of being in a continental team and having his racing schedule limited. Lavenu hopes that with Moreau he can take the team up to ProTour status. Lavenu is also searching for other leaders on the team.

Moreau, 34 years old, once finished 4th in the Tour de France. In 2005 the Frenchman was up to 11th, as the best French rider. Moreau is not one to lay down his arms easily, as seen by his determination to go for mountain points while fighting for a high GC ranking.

Joseba Beloki Welcomes Second Child

Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros - Würth) received great news on Wednesday. He and his wife, Gema, welcomed a new child, Markel. Markel weighs in at 4.1Kg. At this weight, if he gains some muscle strength then he should be a force to reckon with in the high mountains. All joking aside, both Gema and baby are in perfect condition. BiciRace.com sends out our warm wishes to the Beloki Family. (Read our recent interview with Joseba Beloki.)

29 July News ...