BiciRace.com :: News :: February 2006

News :: February 2006

25 February 2006

Hincapie Is a Real Sprinter

Hincapie and Landis, photo: Beth Seliga

BiciRace.com joined in on the press conference after George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) won stage 5 of the 2006 Tour of California. The Disco captain commented on the great lead-out by Paolo Savoldelli and Michael Barry over the last kilometer, but that the high speeds finished them off early, leaving him with 300 meters too sprint. "I was counting every meter over the last 150 meters and fortunately no one was able to come around," said Hincapie.

Hincapie commented that Disco weren't too concerned about the breakaway given the "big group climb" on San Marcos Pass and that he believed Phonak did a good job of controlling the escape. Eventually Hincapie noted race leader Floyd Landis (Phonak) was alone and tried a move with Leipheimer. "Gave it a shot to see if I could get away, but the descent [on 154] is not very tricky and I still had five guys in the group so the best situation after that was to hang back," said the American, who regular uses these roads for spring training. "It helped to know the local roads."

"There were a ton of fans at the top and they were very enthusiastic like they have been all week. It's been a great showing and we've had a lot of fun racing here," added Hincapie.

Discovery still has some tricks in their bag for capturing the GC and all hope is not lost. "We will continue to race and attack Landis since we can't give Floyd [who was sitting next to him] an easy ride to Redondo Beach because it wouldn't be any fun," said Hincapie of his former teammate. Does Disco have a 'real sprinter'? "Here? We don't," said Hincapie. But Landis interjected "Hey, hold on. The guy's won two stages ... leave him alone!"
- Kim

Phonak Covers Landis

TT Position Develops, photo: Beth Seliga

Floyd Landis (Phonak), man in gold, was never worried in stage 5 of the Tour of California and that was thanks to the confidence of his strong Swiss squadra. "Wasn't as difficult of a climb", said Landis referring to the Sierra climb of stage 2. "We weren't worried about solo attacks so the best thing was to just let Levi [Leipheimer] have his time."

Phonak let a break get some time over San Marcos but felt that the run into Santa Barbara was too far and 'easy'. "I was confident we could catch them," continued No-Fuss Landis. "My team was exceptional and I couldn't ask for more... they've done it just right so far."

Regarding Hincapie's attack of the group to try to catch Leipheimer, Floyd said "anytime a couple of dangerous guys are attacking in front of you, you have to react just to make a point if nothing else. But it was a long way to the finish, and I knew that with one K to the top, no matter where they went, they weren't going far. George sprinted [to the top of the climb], and I'd just as soon he didn't, but that's the way it goes. It got us to the top of the hill faster!"

Landis landed the golden jersey after a storming stage 3 TT in San Jose. "... A work in process," said the American regarding his time trial position. "I think it's better than it was, but we've been working on it in the wind tunnel and we'll keep working on it."

After finishing the Tour of California Landis will travel back to Europe to take part in some of the more established races. All of the fabulous California weather and racing at home has been unreal for Landis and might make it hard to cross the Atlantic. "I'm just going to retire on Sunday. You get the idea," finished Landis jokingly.
- Kim

24 February News ...