BiciRace.com :: News :: October 2005

News :: October 2005

28 October 2005

93rd Tour de France Numbers

le Tour de France 2006, photo: ASO

Yesterday in Paris was the unveiling of next year's Tour de France. The 93rd Tour packs lots of mountains and lots of time trials, but lacks a team version of the TT. We at BiciRace.com are happy to see the Team TT go missing, at least until they get the confusing rules straightened out.

So what do the favorites like Basso, Valverde and Ullrich face? They face three TT's (one of which is a prologue) and five true mountain stages. It is an equal mix of kilometers that should produce a fair fight to the end in Paris. There are 115K of TT, versus 271K of climbing. Three of the five mountain stages have summit finishes. Over the 3,639K of racing there are a total of 20 climbs.

Read: 2006 Tour de France Route Revealed, 27 October

An Open Route According to Ivan Basso

Ivan Basso (Team CSC) is the rider that many see as the 2006 Tour de France winner. Over the last few years he had battled with Lance Armstrong, steadily improving and moving his way up the podium. Now, with Armstrong retired, the race is open to a rider, like the 27 year-old Italian.

"The last two years I have risen on the podium," said Basso from Paris. "This Tour route I like a lot and there is no reason why I can not climb another step on the podium. The last two years have been important for learning, and now I am ready to play for victory."

"It is an open Tour ... looking at the map the race does not appeal to the true climbers or TT men," continued Basso. "The three mountain top finishes and two TT's will stabilize the race. I am not worried about the many kilometers of TT, I prefer mountains, but I have matured a lot in this speciality and I am still making progress. There is a definitely a new TT bike in the works."

"I think that the stage I prefer the most is L'Alpe d'Huez. The last time I did that stage I did not do so well, and this time I hope to do better." In 2004 Basso was passed by Armstrong during a TT on the famed slopes. The 2006 Tour de France may be an open race without Armstrong, but there will be many challengers. "I believe that my strongest rivals will be Ullrich, then Vinokourov, Klöden, Valverde and Cunego if he shows."

Read: Ivan Basso Interview: King of Denmark on Tour and 2006, 21 October

Simoni Comments on Alpe d'Huez

Stage 15, to L'Alpe d'Huez, will offer many riders a chance of life-long fame. Only a few top-notch riders are capable of winning on the historic mountain, and one of those riders is Gilberto Simoni. Next season, riding for Saunier Duval-Prodir, the 2X Giro d'Italia champion may have his last chance at this historic peak. Gibo was at the preview of the 2006 Tour de France route and he was very happy to see the mountain included. He said that he would like to add his names to one of the 21 turns on the climb, but added that the Tour will be very difficult.

Team CSC and Stuart O'Grady

O'Grady Signs with Riis, photo: BiciRace.com

Team CSC added another nugget to their collection of golden riders by signing Stuart O'Grady (32). The Aussie and Bjarne Riis, CSC team manager, agreed on a one year contract (2006). The signing of O'Grady will enrich the already strong classics squadra, and also give a punch in the sprints. The Aussie has won the HEW-Cyclassics, two Tour de France stages and held wore the Maillot Jaune.

"I think he'll be very useful in the classics, but also during other parts of the season due to his sprinting skills," said Riis. "At the same time we're dealing with a rider who has a big personality and a lot of experience. I look forward to working with Stuart."

"The deal has not taken long to close, but I have sensed an interest in our team from Stuart before," Riis continued. "Now the opportunity was there and I'm very pleased to be able to sign with a rider of his caliber." O'Grady was left high and dry two weeks ago when the title sponsor of Giancarlo Ferretti's new team did not materialize.

Riders Joining in 2006:
Fabian Cancellara (from Fassa Bortolo)
Karsten Kroon (from Rabobank)
Kasper Klostergård (neo-pro)
Marcus Ljungqvist (from Liquigas-Bianchi)
Martin Pedersen (neo-pro)
Stuart O'Grady (from Cofidis)

Riders Leaving the Danish Squadra:
Linus Gerdemann (to T-Mobile)
Manuel Calvente (to Agritubel)
Thomas Bruun Eriksen (Retire)
Vladimir Gusev (to Discovery Channel)

Read:
The CSC Show Goes On: Vandborg, Vande Velde and Luttenberger, 2 October
Team CSC and Carlos Sastre Renew, 1 October
Peron Ups with Team CSC, 29 August
Marcus Ljungqvist Joins CSC, 26 August
Piil Stays With Team CSC, 19 August
Julich Continues With Team CSC, 16 August
Karsten Kroon to Team CSC, 12 August
Fabian Cancellara to Team CSC, 24 July
CSC and Basso Extend For Three Years, 19 July

27 October News ...