BiciRace.com :: News :: October 2005

News :: October 2005

21 October 2005

Gilberto Simoni Has Definitely Signed

Simoni at Lombardia, photo: Lampre-Caffita

Early this morning we talked with Matteo Algeri, Team DS for Saunier Duval-Prodir, who confirmed that Gilberto Simoni has definitely signed with his team. Two days ago we reported that the 2X Giro d'Italia champion was seriously close to inking the contract with the yellow squadra, but then the non-ProTour teams of Naturino-Sapore di Mare and Unibet upped their bids. This caused Simoni to step back and think about his options.

The Spanish-Swiss team of Mauro Gianetti is thrilled to have the experience rider in their ranks. Simoni will find some familiarity on the squadra, he won his first Giro crown while racing for Pietro Algeri (Matteo's dad) at Lampre-Daikin. "Pietro is a very good person and I know Mauro Gianetti as well, when he was still riding," said Gibo. "I look forward to work with Matxin too; he is a young and ambitious manager!"

For 2006 Gibo will don the Saunier Duval-Prodir jersey, his ninth pro team after having raced for the previous teams: Lampre-Caffita, Saeco, Lampre-Daikin, Ballan-Alessio, Cantina Tollo, MG-Technogym, Aki-Gipiemme and Jolly-Cage.

Read:
Saunier Duval-Prodir Welcomes Gilberto Simoni, 19 October
Saunier Duval-Prodir Team Update for 2006, 18 October
Simoni Reflects on SonyEricsson, 16 October
What the heck? Ferretti Loses SonyEricsson, 14 October

2006 Liquigas-Bianchi Squadra

The cool-green squadra, Liquigas-Bianchi, has finalized their 2006 squadra. The Italian team will have 28 riders from eight different countries, 10 new riders. In addition, there will be four neo-pros joining and learning their trade from the best: Garzelli, Di Luca, Paolini and Backstedt.

"We will face 2006 with a strengthened team but without losing its true nature," said team manager, Roberto Amadio. "I don't believe there will be any new signings, instead we will try to develop the young first-year riders." Amadio confirmed that the first team training cap will be held from 28 November to 2 December in Salsomaggiore Terme.

2006 Squadra:
Michael Albasini (Sui)
Dario Andriotto (Ita)
Magnus Backstedt (Swe)
Patrick Calcagni (Sui)
Kjell Carlström (Fin)
Dario Cioni (Ita)
Daniele Colli (Ita)
Danilo Di Luca (Ita)
Stefano Garzelli (Ita)
Enrico Gasparotto (Ita)
Nicola Loda (Ita)
Vladimir Miholjevic (Cro)
Marco Milesi (Ita)
Matej Mugerli (Slo)
Andrea Noè (Ita)
Franco Pellizotti (Ita)
Marco Righetto (Ita)
Charles Wegelius (Gbr)
Eros Capecchi (Ita, neo-pro)
Alberto Curtolo (Ita, neo-pro)
Mauro Da Dalto (Ita, neo-pro)
Francesco Failli (Ita, from Naturino-Sapore di Mare)
Roman Kreuziger (Cze, neo-pro)
Vincenzo Nibali (Ita, from Fassa Bortolo)
Luca Paolini (Ita, from Quick-Step)
Manuel Quinziato (Ita, from Saunier Duval-Prodir)
Alessandro Spezialetti (Ita, from Lampre-Caffita)
Stefano Zanini (Ita, from Quick-Step)

Read:
Nibali Transfers to Liquigas-Bianchi, 19 October
Transfer Mania, 4 October

50K/hr for Ondrej Sosenka in 2006

Ondrej Sosenka Starts, photo: Acqua & Sapone

In 2006 Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua & Sapone) hopes to break the 50K barrier on the hour record. This last July the Czech went 49.700K and topped the mark set by Chris Boardman back in 2000 (49.441K). "I want to beat down the 50 kilometer wall, next season will be dedicated to this goal," said the current Hour Record holder.

Sosenka (29) will work with his current team, Acqua & Sapone, in a serious of wind tunnel tests. "I have never studied my aerodynamics in a wind tunnel before. Next year I will have the same staff of ten people to help me better my record. The first attempt was only after three months of preparation. Now, if necessary, I will dedicate a whole year to the objective." BiciRace.com salutes Sosenka for his hour record attempts. This is a classic cycling event that more current top pros should attempt, like Basso, Armstrong, Rogers and Ullrich.

Read:
Backstedt Goes For Hour Record, 1 October
Ondrej Sosenka Breaks Boardman's Hour Record, 20 July

Sutton and Mazzanti Sign Contracts

Chris Sutton (21) has signed for Cofidis. The Aussie neo-professional is slated to be the last singing by the French squadra. Cofidis had just swept up Cristian Moreni earlier this week after the Giancarlo Ferretti Fall-out.

Luca Mazzanti (31) has signed a new contract with Panaria-Navigare. The Italian will continue to race with the orange squadra for the next two years (2006-7). Mazzanti has had a great year with four wins, his finest result being stage 4 of the Giro d'Italia. That was the stage of the Baden Cooke and Paolo Bettini punch-up, which resulted in Bettini being relegated and Mazzanti winning.

Read: Moreni Heads to Cofidis after SonyEricsson Fall-out, 17 October

20 October News ...