BiciRace.com :: News :: September 2005

News :: September 2005

2 September 2005

Dionne and Olson to Saunier Duval-Prodir

Charles Dionne (26) and Aaron Olson (27) will ride for Saunier Duval-Prodir in the coming year, 2006. Both are cyclists to be reckoned with on the North American circuit. Canadian, Dionne, is a 2X winner of the San Francisco Grand Prix, which is one tough race. This Sunday he will go for his third win in San Francisco while riding with his current team, Webcor Builders.

Aaron Olson, currently riding for Colavita-Sutter Home, will also be on the start line in Sunday's Grand Prix. In 2004 he won stages in the Tour de Toona and GP de Beauce. Olson, from Oregon, previously had a stint in euro-land before being snatched up by top American teams.

The riders are expected to sign with Team DS, Matteo Algeri, in San Francisco this weekend. This helps fill the void that was left when Saunier Duval-Prodir's American rider, Chris Horner, signed for Davitamon-Lotto. Horner has had exceptional results with the Spanish-Swiss team. He joined Saunier Duval-Prodir in the Fall of 2004, and will finish his contract at the end of this year. (read: Horner Signs for Davitamon-Lotto (14 August) and San Sebastián, San Francisco and the ProTour (17 August))

San Francisco Grand Prix: Startlist and Preview

Heras Controls the Vuelta

Heras On The Move, photo: © Unipublic

Stage 6 of the Vuelta a España was exciting racing. Roberto Heras, and his Liberty Seguros-Würth squadra, took control of the finale. Team DS, Manolo Saiz, put the squadra on the last two climbs, the Alto de San Rafael and the Alto de Valdelinares. The boys (Nozal, Beloki, Scarponi and Vicioso) turned the screws tight on the slops of Valdelinares. Their ferocious efforts severely thinned the field.

On the top of Valdelinares Heras was awarded, a stage win and the leader's golden jersey. "I did not expect to be at the head of the race so soon," explained the new GC leader. "But this course was demanding, there was not a moment of flat." Heras then reflected on the efforts of his team, "We took charge on the last climb, which is where we had to do it, and the truth is that all my squadra was sensational. They all rode their best to get me into a good position at 3 kilometers to go. It was exceptional."

The GC race was rewritten after stage 6. Only Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is in close proximity to Heras, the Russian is 6" back on GC. Looking further down, in the minute range, there are some serious threats: Carlos Sastre (Team CSC), Joaquím Rodríguez (Saunier Duval-Prodir), Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) and, of course, Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel). "I cannot rule out Mancebo and Sastre, because they are two expert riders and very consistent," finished Heras. The next serious challenge for Heras will be the Lloret de Mar TT, stage 9.

60th Vuelta a España:
Startlist
Stages and Maps, Key Stages, Overall Map
Photos, Dust Devil's Daily Wrap

Adios to Floyd Landis

Floyd Landis (Phonak) only made it to the feed zone of yesterday's stage 6 of the Vuelta a España. He dismounted his BMC machine and headed for the team car. It is likely to be the end of the season for Landis, and perhaps his last race for Phonak.

The rider from California was one of the all-stars heading into the 2005 race, but a crash put an end to his GC chances. Last year Landis became the first American to wear the race leader's golden jersey after his team, USPS, won the opening Team TT.

Phonak's DS, Juan Fernandez, added "he wasn't riding well. For the first time he was with the second group. It happened yesterday [stage 5] in the decisive moment near the stage finish. Today [stage 6] it seemed that it was due to his bad feelings that he decided to withdraw ..." BiciRace.com wishes Landis the best of luck.

Simoni After Valdelinares

Yesterday in stage 6 of the Vuelta a España, Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) lost 1'40" to the new GC leader, Roberto Heras. Gibo is currently 2'05" down in the overall standings (14th). "I was grounded early, the rhythm of Liberty left me in difficulty," said the 2X Giro d'Italia winner. "The I continued at my pace and passed other riders. We will see if I can comeback and climb up the GC and hopefully win a stage."

Cunego Wins the Trofeo Melinda

Yesterday Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Caffita) continued his comeback, winning the 14th Trofeo Melinda. In the finale of the 194K race, Cunego (23) controlled Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas-Bianchi) to take the win. The Lampre-Caffita rider won the GP Nobili just over a week ago, signaling his comeback from fighting mononucleosis. "Two months ago I was left for dead," said Cunego. "Now I am totally new and finding myself. It was not easy, I had to roll up my sleeves and search within myself. Really, I have matured a lot."

Of course every Italian is talking about the World Championships, and now, after yesterday's win, a possible spot for the matured Cunego. "The Worlds are not in my program," assured the Piccolo Principe. "[Franco] Ballerini has made a squadra for Petacchi and this is justifiable. Better yet, I hope that Ballerini selects Ballan or Bennati, who are both going strong." When pressed Cunego did admit that riding on Squadra Azzurra would be a possibility. "Yes I could change my program if they wanted me for the Squadra Azzurra, but they need to quickly put this on the table for me and my managers to consider." (read: 117 Days and Cunego Is Back, 25 August)

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