BiciRace.com :: News :: August 2005

News :: August 2005

16 August 2005

Julich Continues With Team CSC

Julich TT's, photo: Tour of Georgia

Bobby Julich has renewed his contract with Team CSC for 2 years (2006 and 2007). Julich (33) preferred to renew his contract with Bjarne Riis's team, even though his old contract continued through 2006.

Riis, 1996 Tour de France winner, was ecstatic about the American's decision, "Bobby has turned out to be a real catch for us. Since he joined us his career has blossomed like I've never seen before." Julich won the TT in the 2004 Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco to signal his return. Then the Americano went on to medal at the Olympics in Athens. "He's an all-round rider, who can achieve results throughout the entire season, and at the same time has the ability to inspire and help develop the other riders."

Julich joined Team CSC after two fruitless years at T-Mobile (2002 and 2003). Under the guidance of Riis, and the support of a strong squadra, Julich has found his way again. This year he has won on a grand scale: Paris-Nice, Critérium International, LuK Challenge (with Jens Voigt) and the Eneco Tour of Benelux.

"My work with Bjarne, and the rest of the team, has definitely played the main part in me achieving these kinds of results this late in my career," added Julich. I really feel at home on the team, where I have the kind of conditions and support, I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. I'm truly happy, that I'll get another two years riding for the world's best cycling team." Bobby Julich is currently competing in the Deutschland Tour.

Kurt-Asle in short Deutschland Tour

Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Team CSC) had a short Deutschland Tour. Arvesen had to abandon the race after suffering from severe stomach problems. Team CSC continues on with a strong 7-man squadra. The remaining riders: Frank Schleck, Jens Voigt, Linus Gerdemann, Matti Breschel, Peter Luttenberger, Christian Müller and Luke Roberts.

"The weather wasn't exactly great, but hopefully it'll change. Both Bobby and Jens feel great, but unfortunately Kurt-Asle couldn't see the stage through to the end, as he was suffering from a stomach bug," added team DS, Kim Andersen at Team CSC.

Tankink Takes First Pro Win

Tankink GC Leader, photo: Quick-Step

Bram Tankink (Quick-Step) scored big time in the Deutschland Tour. He took the opening stage and snatched the leader's yellow jersey. The 27 year-old Dutchman soloed to Plauen, 50 seconds ahead of his former escape companions. "This is most beautiful experience ever," said Tankink after his win. It was the first professional win for the Quick-Step rider in his fifth year as a professional.

"I went with Pieter Weening when he escaped. Suddenly he was gone, and I then found the two others beside me. I dosed out my efforts well, yet I was surprised that I was so strong." Tankink's move almost did not work. 16K to the finish he accelerated away from Juan Jose Cobo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) and Bernhard Eisel (Française Des Jeux) in a bid for victory. Shortly after his attack, he went down in a wet corner. Bram got up and returned to his bike quickly, continuing to hold his gap to the finish.

Ulle In The Rain

Yesterday in stage 1 of the Deutschland Tour it rained buckets. Jan Ullrich, like many, does not like racing in the rain. Ulle's team, T-Mobile, rode tempo all day, along with Gerolsteiner in the down-pour. "Today we didn't try too hard to reel in the breakaways. Instead, together with Gerolsteiner, we just saw to it that the gap didn't get too big," explained Ulle via T-Mobile. The race is longer this year, and the tough stages are yet to arrive. "We need all of our energy, and I already expect a first attack of the GC riders tomorrow."

Deutschland Tour, 15 - 23 August
Main, Startlist, Overall Map, Photos

Lampre-Caffita at Tre Valli Varesine

The Tre Valli Varesine is the first of a three race series starting today in Italy. The race for the first time finishes in Campione d'Italia, ending with a climb of 2700 meters.

The Lampre-Caffita squadra is packing force with the rising Damiano Cunego. "The team will be competitive with Cunego, who continues his progression in competition," explained the team's DS, Giuseppe Martinelli. "We also have Mazzoleni, Figueras and Commesso that are going well. Now we are only missing the victory, we hope it will come in these days."

The entire Lampre-Caffita team for the 85th Tre Valli Varesine: Salvatore Commesso, Damiano Cunego, Giuliano Figueras, Eddy Mazzoleni, Morris Possoni, Alessandro Spezialetti and Andrea Tonti.

15 August News ...