BiciRace.com :: News :: August 2005

News :: August 2005

6 August 2005

Basso Fires a Third Shot

Basso 3X, photo: BiciRace.com

Ivan Basso (Team CSC) is on the loose in Denmark. For the third day in a row the Italian has won in the Tour of Denmark. In stage 3 he went clear of the main bunch with 10K remaining to the finish in Vejle. Now there is talk amongst the government officials to possibly deport the Italian for the good of Danish cycling. "Ivan is in a league of his own at the moment, and I can't praise him enough for what he's doing," said team DS, Bjarne Riis, in Basso's defense.

Stage 3 was a 185K stage from Århus to Vejle. Before reaching the finish in Vejle, the riders had to tackle the 21% Kiddesvej climb. The Kiddesvej was short and steep, providing a perfect launch-pad for the Italian stallion to go for win number three. Basso added via CSC, "Before the start of the race I had my eyes on this stage to Vejle, and it was a dream come true to be able to win it by escaping on the steep climb ... A very tough course, that perfectly suited me."

Cadamuro Wins, Zabel and Ale-Jet Miss Out

Cadamuro Wins Wet-n-Wild Stage, photo: Eneco Tour

Simone Cadamuro (Domina Vacanze) won stage 2 of the Eneco Tour in the Netherlands yesterday. He turned the screws tightly in the sprint, overhauling fellow Italians Marco Zanotti and Enrico Gasparotto (both Liquigas-Bianchi). Dutchman, Max Van Heeswijk (Discovery Channel), didn't contest today's sprint, but continues in the race leader's red jersey.

For sprint T-Mobile's man-of-speed, Erik Zabel, it was a day of bad luck. The German sprinter punctured in the closing kilometers, eventually crossing the line two minutes down on Cadamuro. Zabel is a true professional and took the flat tire in stride. He will be back to battle in today's stage.

Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) won't be around to bump shoulders with Zabel. He had to abandon the in stage 2 due to the pain of his fractured finger. The pain was too much for the Italian sprint king. During out of the saddle efforts the pain would worsen, making sprinting impossible. Ale-Jet went home and is expected to make a return to racing 16 August at the Tre Valli Varesine.

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

Di Luca Continues ProTour Quest

Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas-Bianchi) will continue his ProTour quest in the Clásica de San Sebastián (13 August). The race is powerful race, well suited for The Killer. The Jaizkibel, featured at the end of the Spanish classic, usually helps decide the outcome. The Killer will be well protected on the climb, he brings with him a powerful Liquigas-Bianchi squad: Calcagni, Carlström, Garzelli, Miholjevic, Noè, Pellizotti, Wegelius.

"My ambition is increasing and my condition is improving. My objective is to re-find my best form in San Sebastián. It is a race I like and I want to be at the front at the race end, ready to go for victory. The presence of Garzelli, Pellizotti and Noè increase my confidence," said Di Luca.

Michael Barry Welcomes Liam

Barry's Happy For Son, photo: BiciRace.com

BiciRace.com sends out our congratulations to Michael and Dede Barry. The two are celebrating the birth of their first child, Liam, born on 2 August. Liam, 3.72Kg, is in perfect health and will be cheering Michael (Discovery Channel) in the upcoming Clásica de San Sebastián. (For more information, read the BiciRace.com interview with Michael Barry.)

5 August News ...