BiciRace.com :: News :: August 2005

News :: August 2005

18 August 2005

Simoni Rides with Moser

Simoni Rides with Moser, photo: DD

Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) may not be taking part in the upcoming Vuelta a España, but he does have other engagements. This Sunday in Trento (Palù di Giovo) is the 17th edition of a non-competitive ride with Francesco Moser. Simoni has a special connection to the cycling great, he is married to Moser's niece. The ride is a chance for fans, pros and former pros to ride together with Moser for 90K. Other former greats at the ride will be Felice Gimondi and Gianni Motta.

Daniele Bennati Takes Fast Stage

Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Caffita) won yesterday's stage 3 of the Deutschland Tour. The Italian battled a Quick-Step train and took the win ahead of Filippo Pozzato. "I jumped with 100 meters, it helped that the finish had a slight uphill," explained the Bennati after the stage win. "From the Eneco Tour I was going strong, here I have to do battle with Pozzato, one of the riders with the best form right now, and his spot for the Squadra Azzurra seems to be assured. I hope that with my win I can find a place on the squadra for Madrid." Bennati is aiming for one of the coveted spots on the Squadra Azzurra for the World Championships (25 September).

Today's stage will be a barn-burner. There is a summit finish at Sölden (2670m) that will help form an overall winner in this Tour. Bennati will wait to try again on Friday, stage 5, "It is not possible for me to be competitive tomorrow [today, stage 4], but I will try again on the next stage. It is a stage that fits my characteristics, and I hope that the squad gives me their confidence, like with this stage."

Ulle Ready for Mountains

Ulle Ready, photo: T-Mobile

Stage 3 of the Deutschland Tour was fast. From the start the peloton were moving south at top speed, towards the Austrian border. "That wasn't an easy day, but at least the weather was a bit better," commented Jan Ullrich post-stage via T-Mobile "Still, there's no way you can save your energy at such a high speed." T-Mobile will be anxious to put on a good show in their home tour, and take the jersey from Quick-Step. Ulle looks to today's summit finish at Sölden, after 175K, "Tomorrow we'll reach the mountains, my legs feel good."

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

Paolo Valoti wins Coppa Agostoni

Yesterday in Lissone Paolo Valoti (Domina Vacanze) won the 59th Coppa Agostoni. For the 34 year-old Bergamasco, pro since 1996, it was his fifth career win. His last win came in 2001 at the Coppa Bernocchi, which he will race again today.

87th Coppa Bernocchi Welcomes Petacchi

Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) will be back to racing again today in the 87th Coppa Bernocchi. Petacchi was last seen abandoning the Eneco Tour, due to injuries he sustained in the HEW-Cyclassics. Backing up Ale-Jet in today's race will his key men: Sacchi and Tosatto.

Coppa Bernocchi is a 199K race, starting and ending in Legnano. The main difficulties will come mid-race: five ascents of the Morazzone (410m). From the last climb of Morazzone to the finish, it is 50K of downhill and flat roads. Recent winners are Vainsteins (2000), Valoti (2001), Nardello (2002), Barbero (2003), and Furlan (2004).

17 August News ...