BiciRace.com :: News :: November 2005

News :: November 2005

18 November 2005

Roulston has Decided to Leave the Disco

New Zealander, Hayden Roulston, has voluntarily asked for his release from Discovery Channel. Roulston (24) talked with team manager, Johan Bruyneel, yesterday and asked to be released from his 2006 Disco contract. The New Zealander was among 12 riders set to take part in the Disco's annual December training camp in Austin (Texas), home of Lance Armstrong.

Roulston suffered through his first season with Disco and found it hard to catch the rhythm. "Although it was me who asked to leave the team, it was still a very hard and emotional decision to make," said Roulston. "The team has been nothing but supportive through this very difficult year and I thank them for that."

"It's truly a great team with amazing directors, great support staff and some of the best riders in the world," continued Roulston. "It was a special feeling being involved this year and it's something I will miss and never forget." BiciRace.com wishes the New Zealander the best of luck and we believe he will be back on the scene soon.

Read: Discovery Channel Builds After Armstrong, 4 November

Ulle For the France-Deutschland Double

Ulle in 2005 Deutschland Tour, photo: Capture-The -Peloton.com

Jan Ullrich (32) was on hand yesterday in Düsseldorf Germany for the presentation of the 2006 Deutschland Tour. The Tour will take place 1 to 9 August, covering 1400K over nine stages.

The 1997 Tour de France winner finished second in the 2005 running of the Deutschland Tour, but promises to win in 2006. "For me this event is as important as the Tour de France," said the T-Mobile rider. "In 2006 my objective will be to make the France-Deutschland double."

Read: 2006 Tour de France Route Revealed, 27 October

Sports Merit Award for Tom Boonen

Deserving Boonen, photo: Capture-The -Peloton.com

Yesterday Tom Boonen (25) was awarded Belgium's Sports Merit Trophy. The Sports Merit Trophy is awarded annually to a Belgian male or female athlete making a major contribution to the international image of Belgian sports. Tom Boonen has certainly made his contribution to this year's Belgian image: winning the Tour de Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and the World Championships. Earlier this year Boonen received the Flandrien Trophy, a trophy awarded by Flemish media for the best international cyclist.

Recent Winners From Cycling:
1996 Johan Museeuw
2004 Axel Merckx
2005 Tom Boonen

Read:
First Race Win for New World Champion, 7 November
Retirement Plans for Boonen, 7 November
Three Grand Wins ... Tom Boonen è Bravissimo, 26 September
Boonen Continues Terror in Tours, 5 July
Boonen Is Unbelievable, 11 April
Boonen, The New King, 4 April

Arezzo Party For Bennati

If you are near Rigutino (Arezzo) tomorrow then stop by the fan club party for Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Caffita). The 25 year-old sprinter had a stellar season with six victories and deserves a party. Expect to see more of Bennati in the 2006 sprint finishes, he has the talent to be one of Italy's super-sprinters.

Read:
Daniele Bennati Comes Close, 10 October
2005 Squadra Azzurra Profile, 20 September
Bennati On Track For Azzurra, 14 September

17 November News ...