BiciRace.com :: News :: August 2005

News :: August 2005

21 August 2005

Mazzoleni Wins Giro del Veneto

Eddy Mazzoleni (Lampre-Caffita) won the 77th Giro del Veneto by putting in a death-blow attack with 15K remaining. Covering his move back in the elite group of 10 were his teammates, Salvatore Commesso and Damiano Cunego. The roads were wet and dodgy, but the Bergamasco steered his way to Thiene for a fine solo victory. "This victory is for my mother-in-law, Nives, that passed away in February," said Eddy after the win. His wife, Elisa Basso, is the sister of Ivan Basso.

Elisa Basso, Sister of Ivan, Wife of Eddy, photo: BiciRace.com

Eddy, named after Eddy Merckx, and Totò Commesso were racing for a Damiano Cunego win. Both Totò and Eddy tried to break the group, setting up for a Piccolo Principe win. After Totò attacked then Eddy countered, his move was allowed enough freedom for the win. "We departed Padova with the idea of a win for Cunego. Right away we tried to make the race hard," continued Eddy.

Eddy Mazzoleni (33) has been a professional since 1995. The Giro del Veneto win was the first win of the season, but the Lampre-Caffita rider was on super form in the Tour de France. He finished 13th overall, and put in a solid bid for victory on the stage to Pau, finishing 3rd.

DS Martinelli Impressed With Cunego

Cunego's Last Win, photo: Tour de Romandie

DS Giuseppe Martinelli (Lampre-Caffita) was very pleased with Damiano Cunego's performance yesterday in the Giro del Veneto (7th). The Piccolo Principe has been battling to find form since the early season after dealing with mononucleosis. "We are very close to the best Damiano. Today I saw the strongest Cunego since the Giro. His movements were with great authority," said Martinelli after the race. "He knows that some days the race goes in different manners ... many times it is Cunego who is the advantage for his teammates, today it was Mazzoleni." The word around the BiciRace.com espresso machine is that Cunego should be flying for a possible victory in the Züri Metzgete (Championship of Zurich) or the Giro di Lombardia.

Iglinsky Proves his Kazakhstan Strength

Iglinsky with Podium Girls, photo: Deutschland Tour

It hard to believe that Maxim Iglinsky (Domina Vacanze) is only a first year pro. Yesterday he raced like he has been around the block a few times, finishing 1st in stage 6 of the Deutschland Tour. Maxim (24) turned the screws on his companions after a day long escape, including such big names as Moreni, Julich, Horner and Etxebarria.

Only one month ago Maxim was riding at the Tour de France, where he finished 37th overall and 4th in the young rider GC. Then two weeks ago he took out the GP Città di Camaiore in Italy, before heading to the Deutschland Tour to continue his aggressive riding. Maxim will remain in casa Domina Vacanze for next year, where Gianluigi Stanga, team DS, will give him plenty of leadership opportunities.

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

Paolini Signs for Two Years

Paolini to Liquigas, photo: Capture-The -Peloton.com

A contract is now official and signed, and Luca Paolini (28) will be riding for Liquigas-Bianchi for 2 years. Starting next year Paolini will be riding alongside Stefano Garzelli and Danilo Di Luca in the cool Liquigas-Bianchi colors. "I had hoped in the end I would be able to remain with Paolo [Bettini] and my companions at Quick-Step, but the squadra did not make a proposal. T-Mobile and Gerolsteiner made me very high offers, but I wanted to return to an Italian team," explained Paolini. (read: Luca Paolini Waits, 12 August)

Paolini made his start with the Italian super team, Mapei. From Mapei he moved to the Belgian Squad of Quick-Step, where he spent the last two years (2004 and 2005), continuing his strong bond with Olympic Champion, Paolo Bettini. Now rider from Milano will have a chance to ride alongside other cycling greats at Liquigas-Bianchi. Before the season ends, Paolini plans on racing in the GP Ouest France, Tour of Britain and Paris-Bruxelles, and like every Italian he hopes to have a place on the Squadra Azzurra for the World Championships.

Boonen Meets Street

Super Belgian, Tom Boonen (Quick-Step), took a spill yesterday in the opening kilometers of the Tour de Rijke. He was up and fine, but retired from the race. Tommy-Boy will make his appearance again in the Vuelta a España, and you can bet he will be back to his winning ways.

Jurgen Van Goolen to Disco

Jurgen Van Goolen is to leave the side of Patrick Lefevere, team Manager at Quick-Step. The 24 year-old will have a chance of atmosphere, joining Discovery Channel in 2006.

20 August News ...