BiciRace.com :: News :: October 2005

News :: October 2005

10 October 2005

Signor Consistent: Erik Zabel

Signor Consistent: Erik Zabel, photo: T-Mobile

You cannot dismiss Erik Zabel. The German sprinter is always there, from beginning to the end of the season, and his consistency pays off. Zabel is usually around at the end of long stage race to take the points jersey, when others have abandoned. Or, like yesterday in Paris-Tours, he is there at the end of a long season when other sprinters have already hung up their wheels. BiciRace.com salutes Zabel for his consistency and old-school style of racing ... Bravo Zabel.

T-Mobile bosses were seen shedding a few tears yesterday when Zabel claimed his final victory in the pink T-Mobile kit. Next year the German will reinforce the Petacchi magic at Milram. "I am stimulated to move over to a new team and to be able to work with Alessandro," said Zabel in Tours. "You can talk of possible conflicts between us, but there will not be any. Everyone will have their occasion, in the grand tours and in the classics ... It will be important to be in agreement and to find an equilibrium. Milram was able to to put their name on a soccer team but instead choose cycling ... They deserve to be repaid with victories."

Read:
Last Race for Zabel with T-Mobile, 9 October
Transfer Mania, 4 October
Zabel and Domina Vacanze-Nordmilch, 23 August

Daniele Bennati Comes Close

Bennati Came Close, photo: Lampre-Caffita

Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Caffita) came very close to glory in yesterday's Paris-Tours. The young Italian (25) finished second to the experienced Erik Zabel on the Avenue de Grammont. "I chanced it ... I went long so I would not get boxed in, but in the final 20 meters the great Zabel passed," explained the Toscano. "I am a little disappointed, I would have preferred to finish the season with such a prestigious victory. It is a good result given that I have just recovered from the flu, and still this morning I had a little cough."

BiciRace.com remains impressed by Bennati, he stomped the terra in Tour de Pologne (2 stages) and the Deucthland Tour (3 stages). "It is the best result that I have ever obtained in a one day classic. I have to thank Commesso and Ballan for sticking by me all day, especially in the finale. I hope that this result is a good omen." Keep an eye open for Bennati, he will win many sprints in 2006.

Paolini Repeats in Paris-Tours

Luca Paolini (Quick-Step) did not good luck yesterday in Paris-Tours. The Italian crashed when trying to avoid the T-Mobile team car. The car had made a sudden move in the caravan, and Paolini was unable to avoid crashing. He fractured his scaphoid in his right hand, the same injury that happened the year before in Paris-Tours. Today Paolini will have his hand examined, and then he looks forward to a new year with Liquigas-Bianchi.

Read: Paolini Signs for Two Years, 21 August

Paris-Tours:
Main Page
Overall Map, Profile
Startlist
Photos
Report and Results

Bettini and Fischer in GP Beghelli

Yesterday in Italy, Murilo Fischer confirmed his fine form by winning the GP Beghelli. The Brazilian finished fifth in the World Championships, won the Memorial Cimurri, and then yesterday topped Paolo Bettini (Quick-Step) in the sprint finish. You might expect that now Fischer will be switching to a big name ProTour team, but he will stay with Naturino-Sapore di Mare. Team Manager, Vincenzo Santoni, is now able to attract bigger sponsors thanks to the Brazilian. My Air, an airline company, and Pinarello are two possible sponsors that could join in 2006.

Paolo Bettini continues to show that he will be a heavy favorite Saturday at the Giro di Lombardia. "I wanted to understand if I still had the legs, because after Emilia my morale was a little low," said Bettini. "In any case, my favorite for Lombardia is Simoni."

Antipasto For Lombardia: Piemonte

Pay close attention to the results of the 92nd Giro del Piemonte, it will be a strong indicator of who could win the Giro di Lombardia. Piemonte is Thursday, only two days before the 'race of the falling leaves'. The riders will depart from Asti and arrive in Alba after 176K. The course should provide a strong winner given the numerous climbs: Mango, Guarene, La Morra and Monforte d'Alba. Two of the big names on the startlist are Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) and Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears).

Giro di Lombardia:
Main Page
Overall Map, Profile
Startlist
Photos
Report and Results

9 October News ...