BiciRace.com :: News :: March 2006

News :: March 2006

11 March 2006

347 Days and Freire is Back

Freire Takes GC Lead, photo: Rabobank

After 347 days Oscar Freire (Rabobank) has struck again in the third stage of the 2006 Tirreno-Adriatico. The last time the Spaniard raised his arms in victory was the Brabantse Pijl on 27 March 2005 while in the stripes of world champion. Since then Freire has gone through tons of pain with a gluteal cyst and continuing back troubles.

At the start of this season Freire had knee pains and abandoned the Vuelta a Mallorca after the first stage. "In these moments to win is not the most important," explained the 30 year-old. "It is more important to race and build my health, I need to be physically well. I did not think to win here in Paglieta, the final climb seemed very tough for my actual conditions, but I considered it would be a good test... Certainly it helped that there was not Bettini to contend with, who is the strongest in this sort of arrival."

The tifosi were happy to see the Spaniard back on the top step of the podium after so much suffering in the past year. "To arrive here I went through many difficult moments," continued Freire, who is considered a hot-favorite for Milano-Sanremo. "... The Sanremo? I have already won it and I can win it again. In a one-day race, with my condition, I think I can stay at the front. No one is unbeatable, neither Petacchi nor Boonen."

The Milano-Sanremo is only seven days away and BiciRace.com hopes to see a competitive and healthy Oscar Freire. If he is with the front group over the Poggio then it will be near impossible to stop him from redeeming after a year of pains.

Read:
Oscar Freire Stops in Vuelta a Mallorca, 7 February
No Freire for Worlds, 10 August
Freire Still Sore and Training, 28 July

Bettini Protests and Crashes

The start of yesterday's stage 3 of the Tirreno-Adriatico in Avezzano was delayed and protested by the riders, specifically Paolo Bettini (Quick-Step). The Olympic Champion, and then GC Leader, was concerned about the reported weather conditions on the first of the day's climbs, the Valico Forca Caruso. The climb topped out at 1107 meters and there were reports of heavy snow and icy conditions, which would make the climb extremely dangerous for the peloton.

The race went on with the day's plans, over the top of the Valico Forca Caruso there was only rain and 6°C, but no ice or snow. After the descent and further on into the race, at Piano d'Orta 81K, Bettini and Lars Bak (Team CSC) came crashing down after strong winds shuffled the front of the group.

The 31 year-old, who won the first two Tirreno stages, was taken to the hospital where examinations revealed no fractures, but strong abrasions and bruises to his left hand and left hip, and to the right knee and the right side of his chest. In the next days further examinations take place to determine his presence in Milano-Sanremo.

"This is my third crash to put me in the hospital, the first was in the 1998 Tirreno and the second was 2003 Gent-Wevelgem. But this one makes me feel the worst because cycling this time was made to look like sh**," said Bettini who attributed his crash to the decision of the organizers to continue the race, despite the riders' protests.

"I am happy that the first two finishers [Freire and Astarloa] of today's stage are two great people," said Bettini on a more positive note. The Livornese left the hospital and returned to the team's hotel, his leader's yellow-red jersey is now in the hands of Oscar Freire (Rabobank).

Read:
Paolo Bettini Thanks to Milram, 10 March
Bettini Rocks Tirreno Opener, 9 March

2006 Tirreno-Adriatico, 8 - 14 March
Main, Startlist, Overall Map, Photos

Basso Checks Passo Lanciano after Tirreno Stage 3

Ivan Basso (Team CSC) continues with a smooth and steady Tirreno-Adriatico. In yesterday's stage 3 the Varesino finished 28" down and now is 38" back on GC.

"It was a big game at the start of the stage," said Basso regarding the protest due to the weather conditions. "I took the climb on the side of the road up to the last kilometer... We had stopped and then we remounted... The important thing is that there were no crashes on the climb."

After the stage finished in Paglieta, Basso jumped in the car with Bjarne Riis to go and preview a stage of the 2006 Giro d'Italia. The Italian and Dane scouted the finale of stage 8, the Passo Lanciano (14 May). The climb will be one of the first big ascents in the Corsa Rosa and Basso wants to know the climb in detail. Even if the Giro is his first major objective for the season, he will be going full-bore in Sunday's TT in Servigliano. Stay tuned.

Read:
Basso Scouts Giro TT in Pontedera, 5 January

Joaquím Rodríguez Makes Move

26 year-old Joaquím Rodríguez (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) took top honors in stage 5 of the Paris-Nice. The Spaniard made the move on the Col du Corobin to stay clear to the finish in Digne-les-Bains 15K later. "Paris Nice is really a race I love very much," said Rodríguez at the finish. "Today I knew you had to attack early and that's what I did. When I found myself with Contador and Moncoutié, I knew they would be hard to beat and my only chance would be to make my move in the last climb. It worked great."

Today's stage 6 finishes in Cannes after 179K and Rodriguez will be looking for a repeat after winning the stage into Cannes three years ago. "... in Cannes, I hope to be well placed again and win, why not, as I won in the same place in 2003."

2006 Paris-Nice, 5 - 12 March
Main, Startlist, Overall Map, Photos

Sinclair Reminds BiciRace.com of Interbike

Show Girls at Great Party, photo: Sinclair Imports

BiciRace.com received an email from Sinclair Imports reminding us that the Las Vegas bicycle trade show, Interbike, is not far away. Every September Sinclair Imports hosts the best party to celebrate the day's hard work and a year of successful business. There are always top-name riders and plenty of show girls in attendance, Sinclair sent us a photo of the later. Thanks to Sinclair Imports for keeping passion in the industry.

10 March News ...