BiciRace.com :: News :: January 2006

News :: January 2006

5 January 2006

Saunier Duval-Prodir to Cali and Wind Tunnel

The Tunnel, photo: Saunier Duval-Prodir

In February Saunier Duval-Prodir will travel to the United States for two purposes: to win the 2006 Tour of California and ride in the wind. The team is one of the many big euro teams slated to take part in the first annual Tour of California, an eight day stage race that will run from 19 to 26 February. The yellow Spanish-Swiss squadra will consist of the following eight riders: Gilberto Simoni, José Angel Gomez Marchante, Koldo Gil, Marco Pinotti, Riccardo Riccò, José Alberto Benítez, Charles Dionne and Aaron Olson, with DS Joxean Matxin.

After a possible victory in the Giro di Cali three of the riders will stay in San Diego for five days to ride in the wind. Marchante, Gil, and Simoni will make aerodynamic tests of the team's equipment at the Allied Aerospace Wind Tunnel. New team signing, David Millar, will join his three teammates specifically for the wind tunnel testing.

The low speed wind tunnel is one of a kind due to its specific setup for bicycles and motorcycles, and the team hopes to have a return in the form of race wins. Initially the team's bike supplier, Scott, utilized the tunnel to test their new time trial frame, Plasma, and then the team decided to book the tunnel for further equipment and team testing. Along with the riders Santini will analyze their skin suits, Ritchey will check on their new time-trial handlebars, Selle Italia their saddles, and Met will put some new helmet models to the test.

Read:
Simoni Starts Season Today, 21 December
Gilberto Simoni to California, 30 November

Basso Scouts Giro TT in Pontedera

TT Basso, photo: Team CSC

In November Ivan Basso (Team CSC) was secretly scouting the key 2006 Giro d'Italia climbs before the announcement of his decision to ride the Corsa Rosa. Yesterday the Italian Stallion was at it again, this time he was testing the key individual time trial stage around the Piaggio (Vespa) headquarters of Pontedera.

Basso was out on the 50K course in Toscana with Michele Bartoli, with whom he also celebrated New Year's Eve. The stage 11 will be a key point for the rider from Varese to steal chunks of time from the wafer thin climbers before the final week of mountains. "It was a very fast course that will be for the specialists. There are sections with head and tail winds ... I like it," said the Italian. Basso will be based in Camaiore (near Lucca, Toscana) training with Bartoli for the next nine days (through 13 January).

Read:
Italian Stallion Basso for 2006, 3 January
Corsa Rosa for Italian Stallion (Basso), 5 December
2006 Giro d'Italia Route Unfolded, 12 November
Ivan Basso Interview: King of Denmark on Tour and 2006, 21 October

Time Builds White Machine for Tom Boonen

Just like Fiere and Cipollini before him, Tom Boonen wants an all white steed to ride during his reign as World Champion. The Belgian boy wonder was crowned World Champion after winning in Spain last September and wants a bike to complement his new jersey. Boonen's plan is to eject a little rock and roll into the peloton, something that has been missing since the days of Mario Cipollini.

Quick-Step's French bike supplier, Time, is hard at work on an all-white carbon machine for Boonen. They are producing a few different versions (all with added rainbow strips): one for the classics, one for training and a lighter one for climbing. Time always has to pay special attention to Boonen's build because he is nearly 2 meters tall and is prone to breaking equipment.

Italian Young Guns Debut

Yesterday we wrote about some of the older Italians in the pro peloton for 2006 but today we want to look at the neo-professionals for 2006. There are seven first year Italian professionals that are making the big jump to ProTour teams, cycling's top tier. All of the riders are in their early 20's, with the exception of 19 years-old Eros Capecchi.

Here is the breakdown of the age and teams of the 2006 Italian Young Guns. The Italian-German team, Milram, has signed Fabio Sabatini (20) and Carlo Scognamiglio (22); the Liquigas squadra have Eros Capecchi (19), Alberto Curtolo (21), Mauro Da Dalto (24) in their ranks; Lampre-Fondital signed the duo of Matteo Bono (22) and Morris Possoni (21); Saunier Duval-Prodir signed Riccardo Riccò (22); and Ivan Santaromita (21) signed for the Belgian squadra of Quick-Step.

Read:
The Sixties Rock! Wise Pros, 4 January
Saunier Duval-Prodir Add Riccò and Trentin, 24 November

Ivan Quaranta and Universal Caffè

Ivan Quaranta (31) is close to signing a deal with Universal Caffè for 2006. The Italian spent the 2005 season with the Domina Vacanze squadra but the season went winless. Early in Quaranta's career he was tipped to be one of Italy's next big sprinters, but the zap faded fast from his legs. Nevertheless, he has spent one day in the Maglia Rosa and sprinted to victory six times in the Giro d'Italia. A signature for the Continental team is expected in the coming days.

Ruggero Marzoli Confirms with Lampre-Fondital

Ruggero Marzoli (29) has confirmed a one year deal for 2006 with Lampre-Fondital. The rider from Pescara (Abruzzo) is taking the step up from Acqua & Sapone to ride on the ProTour Squadra of Damiano Cunego.

Marzoli, pro since 1999, had numerous second places in 2005 and two wins, including the Trofeo Matteotti. Back problems plagued part of season, but the Italian seems to have his health in order and will be ready to start the 2006 season in the blue and pink colors of Lampre-Fondital.

Marzoli's past teams: Cantina Tollo (1999 - 2001), Formaggi Trentini (2002), Alessio (2003), Acqua & Sapone (2004 - 2005)

Read:
Lampre-Fondital Official, 12 November
Lampre-(Caffita or Fondital) Changes, 2 November

4 January News ...