BiciRace.com :: News :: February 2006

News :: February 2006

20 February 2006

2006 Begins for Savoldelli

Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) started his 2006 season by finishing tenth in yesterday's Tour of California prologue. The result confirms his solid winter training but he will not go for the overall, instead he will focus on winning the Giro d'Italia in May. "Here I just want to put in some good exertions, but not much," said Il Falco.

"For me the climbs are tough and the course will suit someone like Simoni," said Savoldelli when the subject shifted to the Giro. "Also Cunego, because what he did in 2004 cannot be overlooked. Last year he paid, he was not prepared to support the pressures. Rujano will go well, but now everyone knows him and he will have less space. Di Luca will be a threat if he has the means to adapt to the climbs. ... Basso, he is on par with Simoni. You know that he is an ideal rider for stage races. ... But he still has not won a grand tour."

Savoldelli confirmed that he will be a support rider for Disco leaders in California, like George Hincapie who is third overall. After the stage race he will return to Italy to begin his European campaign.

2006 Tour of California, 19 - 26 February
Main, Overall Map, Photos

Scott Sunderland Tips Zabriskie

Zabriskie with Strong Squadra, photo: Beth Seliga

BiciRace.com spoke briefly with the man who will be driving the car for Team CSC. Scott Sunderland, Team DS, tipped Dave Zabriskie as the team's man for the general classification. "Zabriskie is the man with the form right now," said Sunderland of his rider who finished 5th in the prologue.

Both Bobby Julich (3rd) and Jens Voigt (78th) are strong at the moment but not where they need to be to win overall. With the race finishing near the CSC headquarters in Thousand Oaks, the team will certainly be looking to do some damage.

O'Grady Guards Julich

Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) is happy to be racing on USA roads for the first time since the Atlanta Olympics. BiciRace.com caught up with the easy-going Aussie after his Tour of California prologue ride. "I didn't feel too good today," explained 0'Grady, who finished 18th.

"We've spent a few days traveling up and around, but hopefully the longer the race goes, the better I'll be feeling. We've got a good, solid team and good expectations. ... We'll see after Bobby's performance today," continued the Aussie.

Bobby Julich went on to finish second in the day's prologue. Look for O'Grady to be keeping Julich and Zabriskie out of trouble as the race rolls towards the southern end of California.

Spring Cleaning for Vande Velde

No More Cobwebs, photo: Beth Seliga

Christian Vande Velde (Team CSC) has started his 2006 season with a 22nd in the Tour of California prologue. He and his CSC team have come off of a serious training camp in Solvang, California and the results were there for the public to see: six riders in the top 30.

"I didn't feel too hot today," said Vande Velde after the prologue. "It's my first race of the season, still getting the cobwebs out..." The American will join with O'Grady in protecting David Zabriskie and Bobby Julich for the overall GC.

Pinotti Feels Good in Cali

Marco Pinotti (Prodir-Saunier Duval) was happy to meet with BiciRace.com in USA. The Italian time trial champion was not on his parcours of choice in the opener of the Tour of California. "I feel good, it is not my kind of course [the prologue], so we will see," said Pinotti, who went on to finish 51st.

The Italian will ride in support of experienced Gilberto Simoni (31st) and neo-pro Riccardo Riccò (21st). The 22 year-old Riccò put in stunning and fast ride for the squadra on Telegraph Hill.

Tifosi Motivate Tim Johnson

BiciRace.com favorite Tim Johnson (Health Net-Maxxis) was spurred on by the tifosi in yesterday's Giro di Cali prologue. We caught up with the American to ask him about the final climb up Telegraph Hill. "The only thing that motivated me was the fans lining the road," said Johnson, who finished 48th. "It was insane. Nathan [O'Neill] crashed, went over his bars, and still finished 6th!"

Tim Johnson's Health Net-Maxxis squadra is a 'local' American team that will want to impress their sponsors with exposure. Look for stage wins and representation in the escapes from Johnson, O'Neill and Fraser.

Fred Rodriguez on Cali and Coffee

Recently, Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) was said to be targeting the Tour of California for the overall. But when BiciRace.com spoke to him after the prologue ride he had a changed the objectives. "Originally, I thought I was going to go for the overall," said Fast Freddie. "This is my first race of the season so I'm not where I'd like to be. I'm going to be targeting stages and go for the green jersey."

Of course the conversation came round to his coffee business. Fast Freddie beans, primarily distributed through bike shops and a few on-line outlets, are about to announce some high-end grocery stores where it can be found. So stay tuned to his website for more information. (fredrodriguez.com)

The 32 year-old has also has been working with a blue jeans company called Rockin Republic. "The owner is a big fan of cycling and he has a high-end brand. We've been slowly working together, he helps me out here and there, it's a great partnership," explained Rodriguez.

18 February News ...