BiciRace.com :: News :: January 2006

News :: January 2006

10 January 2006

Ale-Jet Locks Giro into Radar

Petacchi to Giro, photo: BiciRace.com

Today is the presentation of the new Italian-German team, Milram, and Alessandro Petacchi is expected to announce his participation in the 2006 Giro d'Italia. After Ivan Basso, Ale-Jet is another welcomed champion to the startlist of the 89th Corsa Rosa. It would have been a shame to see the race depart from Belgium without the super sprinter who has won an amazing 19 victories in the last three editions.

The announcement should come today when Gianluigi Stanga presents his team in Bremen, home to the German sponsor Nordmilch. It should be interesting to hear why Ale-Jet has decided to change his mind, when only two months ago he was bad mouthing the Giro's route. "I don't like this Giro," said Ale-Jet 14 November. "I don't understand why the organizers want to always make the race harder ... I feel that I might just skip the Giro and race the Tour." Most of the BiciRace.com staff expected then that it was just talk and that the rider from La Spezia (Liguria) would race take to the start line.

Read:
Milram Presents in Bremen, 9 January
Petacchi Might Skip Giro, 14 November

Petito Finds Home at Tenax-Salmilano

Yesterday we reported that Roberto Petito (34) was looking for a squadra for 2006, and now one day later he has he has signed for Tenax-Salmilano. The Romano signed a one year agreement (with an option for two) with Fabio Bordonali, Team Manager of Tenax-Salmilano. It is a step down in team rankings (ProTour to Professional team) after racing the last six years with the super-squadra, Fassa Bortolo.

Bordonali was excited with this new signing: "A rider like him deserves to continue and be in the 'gruppo'. He passed into the professional ranks with me and I have followed him his whole life. [They raced together at Mercatone Uno] He is a serious racer, who still has a lot to give to cycling and, with Baldato, he will be utilized to nurture the young riders in the team."

Last week Fabio Baldato (37) signed Tenax-Salmilano and he, along with Petito, is helping to form one powerful squadra. Both riders came from long careers with Fassa Bortolo, but there are still a couple Fassa men on the loose for 2006. Massimo Codol (32, pro since 1998) and Massimo Giunti (31, pro since 1998) are still knocking on the doors of potential teams looking for a contract for 2006.

Petito's Past Teams:
Mercatone Uno (1993 - 1995), Saeco (1996 - 1999), Fassa Bortolo (2000 - 2005)

Read:
Fassa Roberto Petito Still Searching, 9 January
Italians without Contracts, 6 January

Tom Boonen Races on the Track

Boonen Wins Easily, photo: Amstel Curaçao

BiciRace.com cannot get enough of the Belgian Boy Wonder, Tom Boonen (Quick-Step). The World Champion has decided to try some track racing in the upcoming Six Day of Hasselt (Belgium, 9 to 14 February). During the first day of the event Boonen will challenge compatriot, Marc Wauters (Rabobank), in a 3K pursuit. It will be a great show for the tifosi and a way for Boonen to show off his new jersey in his home country.

Tyler Hamilton Meets with CAS

Former Professional cyclist, Tyler Hamilton, will have his second and last hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday (10 January) in Denver, Colorado. The American is attempting to overturn the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) decision of an imposed two-year suspension (starting from 18 April 2005). The suspension resulted from a positive test during the 2004 Vuelta a España.

The American was given the ban 18 April 2005, and followed it with an appeal to CAS in June. There was a preliminary hearing His first hearing in September, and now the final decision from CAS is expected in a few weeks. If overturned Hamilton, who is still in top form, could make a return to professional racing immediately.

Read:
Tyler Hamilton Files Appeal with CAS, 2 June
Hamilton Receives Two-Year Suspension, 18 April

Liquigas Starts Down Under

The 8th Tour Down Under (17 - 22 January) will be the first race of the season for Luca Paolini. The rider from Milano will make his 2006 and Liquigas debut, as well as celebrate his 29th birthday, on 17 January. "I remember this Australian race as a beautiful event ... excellently organized and with sunny weather. It is the ideal race to open the season," said Paolini.

Joining Paolini in Australia will be Eros Capecchi, Daniele Colli, Mauro Da Dalto, Manuel Quinziato, Michael Albasini, Marco Righetto and Nicola Loda. 17 January will also mark the day of the first professional race for both Capecchi and Da Dalto. The Director Sportif guiding the boys in the land down under will be Dario Mariuzzo.

Read:
Tour Down Under Route Information
13 Italiani Down Under, 9 January
Sánchez Down Under and Planning Spring, 7 January
Milram debuts at Tour Down Under, 29 December
Navigators Down Under, 22 December
Luis León Sánchez back Down Under, 15 December

9 January News ...