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2 August 2005

3 August News ...

Simoni Looks to Quick-Step

Gilberto Simoni is currently being courted by Patrick Lefevere, DS of Quick-Step. Lefevere, who has his eyes on Simoni, seeks to build a team that can compete for GC in the Giro d'Italia. Lefevere does know how to build a team, as witnessed by the recent success of Pozzato and Paolini in the HEW-Cyclassics.

This would be quite the transfer if it succeeds. The Italian, currently riding for Lampre-Caffita, is itching to start fresh after recent power-struggles with Damiano Cunego. It would be rather strange to see the Italian star riding for a true Belgium team, however, 2006 could prove to be a successful year for Gilberto Simoni riding in the grey-blue colors of Quick-Step.

Petacchi Will Start Eneco Tour

The Italian super-sprinter, Alessandro Petacchi, will be on the start line for the Eneco Tour. Last Sunday Ale-Jet took a spill during the closing kilometers of the HEW-Cyclassics and injured his little finger. At the hospital in Hamburg the doctors determined that the Fassa Bortolo rider did not need surgery. Petacchi will start the Eneco Tour with his finger reinforced and bandaged. After the Eneco Tour he will undergo further x-rays.

Pippo Eyes Worlds

Filippo Pozzato (24) won a huge victory in Hamburg last Sunday. The HEW-Cyclassics was the Quick-Step rider's first win in over a year, when he won a stage at the 2004 Tour de France. Then he was riding for Fassa Bortolo, but he got his start with Mapei. When at Mapei, like now, he was riding under the direction of Patrick Lefevere.

The victory in Hamburg is a success well earned after a rocky start to 2005. At the beginning of the year Pippo suffered from influenza and paid dearly. His form was there but the flu kept the young Italian from performing. Then at Gent-Wevelgem Pippo was in the winning move over the second pass of the Kemmelberg, but on the run home he crashed, putting an end to his chances.

After the Giro d'Italia, Pippo was able to build up again. He finished 2nd in the Italian championships and then went on a two week training excursion with Luca Paolini. Together they spent some quality time at altitude in Livigno and on lo Stelvio. Pippo's training paid off with the HEW-Cyclassics win. Now he faces an end of season that involves more racing, leading up to a possible spot on the Italian World Championships team.

HEW-Cyclassics, Germany, 31 July, 251K
Report and Results
Photos
Preview
Overall Map, Profile
Startlist

Kroon and Rabobank Part Ways

Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) will finish his contract with Rabobank at the end of 2005. Kroon (29) told team manager Theo de Rooy that he is considering other teams' offers, effectively putting in his two-weeks notice.

Kroon's best victory is perhaps his 2002 Tour de France stage win. Success continued in the 2005 Tour with a stint in the polka-dot jersey. However, at Rabobank there can sometimes be an overload of talented riders. The Dutchman has to compete for leadership among other big stars: Michael Boogerd, Erik Dekker and World Champion, Oscar Freire.

Dekker Tops Rabobank at HEW-Cyclassics

Rabobank had a quiet HEW-Cyclassics, but the team was pleased with their top finisher, Thomas Dekker. The 21 year-old rider proved his strength with a solid ProTour race result. At the end of a cloudy and rainy day in Hamburg, Dekker finished in 51st, in the group behind the winning move.

Italian, and other, tifosi might remember that Dekker rode a solid Giro d'Italia. For the young Dutch rider it was a grand tour experience that will pay off in the future. Now he has his eyes are on the much shorter Eneco Tour. This will be a home race for Dekker, who hopes to continue with his impressive form.

Eneco Tour, 3 - 10 August
Main, Startlist, Map, Photos

Fast Freddy Welcomes Aiden

Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) and his wife, Annie, welcomed their new son. Last Wednesday, 27 July, Aiden Rodriguez was born. Aiden weighs in at 2.95Kg and a length of 49.5cm. This is great news for Fast Freddy, who just came off of a solid Tour de France. BiciRace.com sends out our best wishes to the Rodriguez family. (Read our recent interview with Fred Rodriguez.)

1 August News ...