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9 September 2005

10 September News ...

Armstrong at 2006 Vuelta or Giro

Lance Armstrong seems as determined as ever, even though he is now 'retired'. Yesterday from Mexico City the 7X Tour de France winner announced his plans for 2006. "The Tour is not the only race in the world, there are the other grand races: I can race the Giro or the Vuelta."

Just last Monday he announced that he might make a return to racing to upset the French after he was accused of doping by some of the media. "I have to be honest and say that there is a small possibility of returning at the Tour de France. There are many reasons not to do it: meticulous controls, potential sabotage and improper accusations."

Out of the Giro and the Vuelta, the Italian race seems to be a stronger possibility for Armstrong. It is unlikely that the Americano could remain calm all the way until late summer of 2006, whereas the Giro takes place in May. For the last few years the Giro d'Italia organizers have been heavily lobbying the "Cowboy" to come to their race, finally their wishes may be met.
(read: Lance Armstrong is Back, 8 September)

Saul Raisin Takes Polka-Dot

Saul Raisin and Bradley Wiggins, both of Crédit Agricole, went on a rampage in stage 8 of the Tour de l'Avenir. Stage 8 was considered to be the toughest stage of the race. The duo went as soon as the mountains started and were never seen again. Raisin, who writes here on BiciRace.com, gathered enough mountain points to take the climbers polka-dot jersey. And Raisin's Brit teammate, Bradley Wiggins, took the stage win. Congratulations to the Crédit Agricole duo from BiciRace.com.

Ale-Jet takes 27th Season Win

Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) took his 27th win yesterday in stage 12 of the Vuelta a España. His win was added to his season tally, which includes a Milano-Sanremo and four stages at the Giro d'Italia. His form looks to be on target for 25 September: The World Championships Road Race.

Ale-Jet's stage had some complications early on. "I had to put my foot down during the crash with 40K to go. I think that I broke my bike, or I had a problem with my break lever. I had it checked out, and then I got going again," said Petacchi regarding the crash that involved Liberty's Roberto Heras.

Fassa Bortolo once again dominated the closing kilometers for their sprint king. The confidence is running on high in the Italian squadra and for Ale-Jet. "There were never any moments of nervousness in the finale, I took a look around to see who was on my wheel," explained Ale-Jet. "I always look when I am near the finish to take account of who is on my back." There was a little problem cornering in the closing meters, but it was quickly corrected by Fassa Bortolo. "I did not take that last curve well, but Ongarato and Velo set me up well."

Heras Is Stitched Up After Crash

Roberto Heras, 3X winner of the Vuelta, was involved in a serious crashed with only 40K remaining in stage 12 of the Vuelta a España. After, and during the stage, the Liberty Seguros-Würth rider received medical attention to his left knee area. Manolo Saiz, team DS, reported that Heras received seven stitches, and that the fall has not damaged the area of his tendon. The Spaniard has free range of movement, but with some difficulties.

"I am just agitated," said Heras yesterday evening. "I was able to get back on my bike and get going. The race doctors had to stop the hemorrhaging on my knee and then I was able to work my way back to the peloton. For some time I felt a lot of pain and could not pedal. Then after a few kilometers I was able to join my team, who took me to the peloton." Roberto still seems determined to continue and try to win his fourth Vuelta. "Unless you flat me or stop me from pedaling, I will continue without changing my plans ... one must count on these things happening"

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

Basso Back in Italy

Ivan Basso, Team CSC numero uno, is back home in Italy. Well, he is actually heading to the house of team DS, Bjarne Riis. The Dane has a place in Toscana where the team likes to get together for small training camps. For the next five days he will be training with Nicki Sorensen, Brian Vandborg and Matti Breschel near Pistoia.

Ivan Basso is racing to the end of the year. His big end of season goals are the Züri Metzgete, Giro dell'Emillia and above all, the Giro di Lombardia. The Giro di Lombardia takes place on 15 October in Basso's home region. Basso would dearly love to win the "race of the falling leaves" after finishing third last year.

8 September News ...