BiciRace.com :: News :: October 2005

News :: October 2005

19 October 2005

Saunier Duval-Prodir Welcomes Gilberto Simoni

Gibo to Yellow Squadra, photo: BiciRace.com

Today BiciRace.com was informed that the 2X Giro d'Italia champion, Gilberto Simoni, will probably race for Saunier Duval-Prodir for 2006. Simoni (currently with Lampre-Caffita) was linked with Giancarlo Ferretti's new squadra, but that deal fell through. It is a great coup for the yellow squadra: they will now face the 2006 Giro as a strong contender to win the overall GC.

Today we talked with Team DS, Matteo Algeri, who was preparing to fly to Japan for the Japan Cup. "Simoni won the Giro with my father [Pietro] in 2001, when I was his teammate at Lampre," said Matteo Algeri. "The goal will be to deliver him to a Giro win again." Yesterday in Bergamo, Simoni met with Mauro Gianetti (Team Manager) and Pietro Algeri (Team DS), and he should sign the contract soon. BiciRace.com wishes the 'Yellow Squadra' and Gibo good luck in the coming season.

Read:
Simoni Reflects on SonyEricsson, 16 October
What the heck? Ferretti Loses SonyEricsson, 14 October

Japan Welcomes Cunego

Il Piccolo Principe, Damiano Cunego, will return to Japan to contest the Japan Cup (23 October). Last year he finished second to Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick-Step) in a tight finish. "The Japan Cup is a hard course that is fit for the characteristics of a rider like Damiano," said Lampre-Caffita Team DS, Giuseppe Martinelli. "He will search to close the season with a nice win."

Squadra for Japan:
Damiano Cunego
Alessandro Ballan
Marco Marzano
Morris Possoni
Patxi Vila

Nibali Transfers to Liquigas-Bianchi

Vincenzo Nibali (20) has signed a contract with the cool-green team of Liquigas-Bianchi. Nibali, who is a 2X bronze medalist in the Worlds before going pro in 2005, signed a three year contract (2006-8). He had some excellent placings this year, including a 6th in the Milano-Torino and a 2nd in stage 6 of the Tour de Suisse (behind Horner). Expect to see Nibali helping Danilo Di Luca in 2006.

Nibali is one of the few Italian pros who are from southern Italy. He is from Messina, a town on the island of Sicilia, right across from the toe of the boot. He started riding with his dad, who was a former amateur racer, before he moved to Toscana to join a junior squadra. When he is not riding his favorite food is pizza, unless he is at home, and then it is his mom's lasagna.

Tutto OK for Celestino

Mirko Celestino, who crashed in last Saturday's Giro di Lombardia, underwent a successful operation yesterday in Bergamo. The Domina Vacanze rider banged his knee on the descent of Civiglio, causing a micro-fracture to the bone and damage to cartilage. Celestino (31) will be able to check-out today, followed by two weeks of complete rest.

Read:
Grillo and Celestino Out In Crashes, 17 October
Mirko Celestino Motors Lombardia, 12 October

Gold Liberty Bike to Saiz

Heras and Saiz with Gold BH, photo: Liberty Seguros-Würth

Manolo Saiz, Team DS for Liberty Seguros-Würth, was the highest bidder in the auction of the BH bike that Roberto Heras rode to victory in the 2005 Vuelta a España. Saiz's winning bid was 24,600€, all of which will be dedicated to the relief fund for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The special gold BH machine will be put on display at the Würth museum in Toledo Spain.

"My idea was not to keep the bike at any price, but I was only going to let it go if someone was offering a high amount of money," said Manolo Saiz. So yes it is true that Saiz essentially won his own bike, but it was all for a good cause. "We have obtained the most important objective of all, to collect a high amount of money for the hurricane victims, but also it is important for the team to keep this bicycle that has a great sentimental value. This bike will occupy a place of privilege in the museum."

Read: Gold BH Machine of Roberto Heras on eBay, 9 October

18 October News ...