BiciRace.com :: News :: February 2006

News :: February 2006

24 February 2006

JJ Haedo Hits Big Time

25 year-old Juan José Haedo did it again for his Toyota-United Pro squadra. The Argentinean out-sprinted some of the biggest names in the business to take stage 4 of the Tour of California.

JJ Haedo's win in San Luis Obispo has raised his and his team's awareness on the international cycling scene. "There are many compliments coming from the ProTour teams, they are all positive," said Haedo after his second win. "I can't ask for any more. I would hope for more, that's for sure, but I can go home today and be the happiest guy here."

To win the stage Haedo had to out maneuver some big-name riders: Rodriguez, Korff, Fraser, Haselbacher, Hincapie, O'Grady... His win was accomplished by staying well covered all day and then bursting out of the final left-hand corner. The Argentinean notched the second win of the season for him and his newly formed squadra, Toyota-United Pro.

Read:
Emotional Day for Haedo and Leipheimer, 21 February

McQuaid in California

President of the UCI, Pat McQuaid, visited the Tour of California to assess the organization of the first-year event. "It looks to be a good race. Not just good teams here, but the teams have brought good riders as well, and they're all motivated to do very well," said McQuaid.

The Irishman was pleased with the work of the organizers to accomplish such a grand event the first edition. "From the UCI's point of view, it's good to see this in its first year," continued McQuaid. "I have no doubt that the potential is here to grow and develop this race into a big, big spectacle in both the state of California and the United States."

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

Valenciana Sprint Dominated by Petacchi

Alessandro Petacchi and his Treno Milram timed the run-in of stage 3 of the Vuelta Comunidad Valenciana perfectly. The Italian recorded his fifth success of the season and 113th of his career. And if you are keeping count of the other big sprinters, Tom Boonen (Quick-Step) has seven wins and Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) has three.

Yesterday Milram brought back the early escape and then handled the final kilometers with precision. Alberto Ongarato controlled the final curve with -500m and then Marco Velo applied on the final polish. "It was a clean sprint that really suited me," said Petacchi (32). "My teammates brought back the early escape in the last two kilometers and then they took me took me all the way to 200 meters from the finish. I feel on the rise and the squadra continues to improve."

Read:
Petacchi Takes Valenciana Stage, 23 February

Petacchi on Track for 2008 Beijing

Petacchi on Track for 2008 Beijing, photo: Rodella

Sandro Callari, Track DS for the FCI, has put forth a grand idea: Take Ale-Jet and his Treno Milram to the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. Olympic fever is sweeping all of Italy and thoughts are turning to the summer games of 2008, namely the Men's Team Pursuit. Callari feels that with some preparation he could take Alessandro Petacchi, Alberto Ongarato, Fabio Sacchi and Macro Velo to the Beijing games to vie for gold.

In 2004 the Men's Team Pursuit (or Quartetto in Italian) was won by riders with a strong road pedigree: Aussies Graeme Brown, Brett Lancaster, Brad McGee and Luke Roberts. These are the guys that Ale-Jet and his boys face all season so maybe they could challenge them on the track. "I like the idea a lot, it is beautiful," said Petacchi. "Certainly we need to work on this, I have never been on the track, but I am ready to invest some time. In the career of a cyclist the Olympics are an event that should never be missed."

"I am ready and will invest time for the project," said the Milanese Sacchi (31). "In the last few years this event was won by roadies and we confront the same riders everyday, like Lancaster and McGee. I know Callari well and I have trust in him. With him I raced the 1992 Junior Worlds in this event."

The next step is for Sandro Callari to work on a schedule with Alessandro Petacchi. The two are planning to talk when the Italian speedster returns from the Vuelta Comunidad Valenciana. Stay tuned...

Boonen Back in Belgium

Tomorrow Tom Boonen (Quick-Step) will race for the first time in his home country of Belgium with the rainbow jersey. The 2005 World Champion will start in the classic Het Volk, the traditional season opener for Belgium. "It will be a very important couple of days," said Boonen from Belgium. "I am very happy to finally race in Belgium. We have a very strong squadra, and the most important goal will be for us to win. I will reference myself against the other big names, like Van Petegem and McEwen."

Boonen won the event in 2005, signaling the start of a spectacular season. "I think it will be decided in a sprint. We have a lot of options in the team, with Nick Nuyens and the others," continued the World Champion.

One of the big goals of the year for the 25 year-old is the Milano-Sanremo on 18 March. "Monday and Tuesday I trained in the Monte Carlo area with rides of five and half hours. Also on Monday I road the last kilometers of the Milano-Sanremo, covering the Cipressa and Poggio. I think it was a good idea to revisit the parcours.

Quick-Step for Het Volk: Tom Boonen, Wilfried Cretskens, Steven De Jongh, Kevin Hulsmans, Servais Knaven, Nick Nuyens, Filippo Pozzato and Kevin Van Impe.

Quick-Step for Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday: Tom Boonen, Serge Baguet, Steven De Jongh, Nick Nuyens, Filippo Pozzato, Bram Tankink, Kevin Van Impe, and Wouter Weylandt.

23 February News ...