BiciRace.com :: News :: February 2006

News :: February 2006

6 February 2006

Petacchi Still Refining Treno Milram

Petacchi First Win For Milram and 2006, photo: Rodella

Alessandro Petacchi (32) came out swinging Saturday for the start of his season in the GP Costa degli Etruschi. It was a needed win to calm the murmurs that he might not be able to match his sprint rival, Tom Boonen. The Belgian went five for six in Qatar to start his season and the Italian is now one for one.

The Treno Milram can use some tweaking, they took control late in the race and left Ale-Jet with a long sprint. "I did not think I would do a sprint so long in the first race of the season," said Petacchi. "Clearly the condition is better in the last 10 days but I am still lacking a little piece of brilliance ..."

The Treno Milram will meet Boonen's Treno Blu in the Vuelta a Andalucía (12 - 16 February). Petacchi will need to refine the communication between the German and Italian members of his train if he wants to shut down the World Champion. The newer members on the Milram squadra have to take up the muscle work that was once the responsibility of Massimo Codol, Marzio Bruseghin and Volodimir Gustov, Ale-Jet's old Fassa Bortolo teammates.

Read:
Petacchi Develops Milram Train, 3 February

The Lampre-Fondital Double Threat

Saturday in the GP Costa degli Etruschi Lampre-Fondital gave winner Alessandro Petacchi a double threat. Daniele Bennati and Danilo Napolitano followed up on the excellent work of their blue and pink squadra by finishing second and third.

"Today Petacchi was just too strong," said Bennati after the race. "I could not do anything more. However, I am satisfied with the result and for how we raced. The team was perfect and we will refine our form at the Tour Méditerranéen [8 - 12 February]."

"Against a Petacchi like this, it is almost impossible to do better," said Giuseppe Martinelli, Team DS. "I am happy because the riders showed that they are in optimal form." Martinelli must have some hope that Bennati can get one over on Petacchi for the Milano-Sanremo.

Bettini Wants Trofeo Laigueglia

Paolo Bettini (Quick-Step) has made a quiet start to his season in stage 1 of the Vuelta a Mallorca. The Italian came home ninth after doing work for his teammate Francesco Chicchi. "It was an ideal start with sun, 18°C and zero wind," explained the Olympic champion.

"I was with Chicchi and we moved up in the final lap of the 10K circuit. At 4.5 to go I took him closer to the front ... And then in the sprint I did not have more," continued Bettini after the finish.

After the five day race, ending 9 February, Bettini will head back home to Italy. The Quick-Step man has his eyes on winning the 43rd Trofeo Laigueglia (14 February). "I want to win Laigueglia, it is my objective. I have always liked this race but up to now my best result has only been a third."

Read:
Bennati for Sanremo and Tour, 3 December

Raisin Rocks the Cameron Highlands

Raisin Takes First Pro Win, photo: First Cartel Sdn Bhd

While the Western Hemisphere was snuggled into bed our American friend, Saul Raisin, rocketed to his first pro victory in Malaysia. Il Americano, riding for the French Crédit Agricole squadra, ditched his two South African escape companions on the climb to Cameron Highlands in stage 3 of the Tour de Langkawi.

Today was a slight rest day for the climbing legs before tomorrow's queen stage. The peloton will tackle the beast of the east, the Genting Highlands, a 36K climb that tops out at 1699 meters. And the big question is if Signor Raisin can hold off the aggressive Colombians and give us a repeat. Vai Saul!

Kirsipuu Doubles in Etoile des Bessèges

Jaan Kirsipuu (Crédit Agricole) has topped a successful week in the Etoile des Bessèges by winning two stages. The Estonian (36) took the win in yesterday's final stage to Bessèges and in stage two to Saint-Ambroix. It is great start to the season for the seasoned sprinter whose palmarès include four stage wins and six days in the Maillot Jaune at the Tour de France.

4 February News ...