BiciRace.com :: News :: March 2006

News :: March 2006

14 March 2006

Sanremo: Boonen and Bettini Prepare

Boonen on Sanremo Finale, photo: Quick-Step

Yesterday, one day after the conclusion of the Paris-Nice, Tom Boonen and his Quick-Step boys rode the finale of the Milano-Sanremo. The race is this Saturday and the boys want to be very familiar with the tight and twisty Ligure finish. "In the last month, after I returned from Ruta del Sol, I have ridden the finale of Sanremo at least 10 times," said the 25 year-old World Champion.

The boys were followed by a fleet of vehicles, consisting of team and press, as they covered the finishing capi. "Now I know the Cipressa and Poggio almost from memory," continued Boonen. "I am more secure, especially in descending, and I am able to take the lines that I want in the corners. I have already raced Sanremo three times, but I have never arrived prepared like I have for this year. I have a good chance to battle for victory."

What does he think of Alessandro Petacchi? "I have been following the Tirreno-Adriatico and he has not impressed me very much." But what about his teammate, Paolo Bettini, who won the first two stages and then crashed out? "It will give me great satisfaction if Bettini is able to race Sanremo. If Paolo is fine then he is the only one who can make the difference on the Cipressa and Poggio, which will oblige the other squads to work to our plans."

Il Grillo is back on the bike in Toscana, but the rides have been short. "Sunday I went out on my bike for only eight kilometers, today [Monday] it was for an hour and a half," said Bettini. "If tomorrow [Tuesday] I am able to train for four hours without much pain then Saturday I will race, otherwise Quick-Step will have to do without me."

The Milano-Sanremo is only four days away and Boonen will want to flash his World Champion stripes in victory on the Via Roma. Can il Treno Blu carry their Belgian leader to glory? Stay tuned to BiciRace.com for coverage of La Classicissima.

Read:
Last Sanremo Recon for Boonen, 12 March
Bettini Plans on Sanremo, 12 March
Bettini Protests and Crashes, 11 March

Corsa dei Due Mari a Dekker

Thomas Dekker of Rabobank is ready to become one of the youngest winners in the history of the Corsa dei Due Mari. The stage race ends today after an 'easy' flat stage around San Benedetto del Tronto and he should have no problems holding on to the GC lead. At 21 years-old he is equal to the age of Filippo Pozzato when he won in 2003, while Giuseppe Saronni was 20 when he won in 1978.

This week was a show of strength for Dekker and is yet another sign of things to come for the young Dutch rider. His squadra, Rabobank, also went above and beyond with Juan Antonio Flecha, Oscar Freire and Michael Boogerd. Everyday Flecha and Boogerd were hammering for the cause: first it was for Freire with a stage and the leader's jersey, and then it was for Dekker's final overall.

After the Tirreno-Adriatico Thomas Dekker will base himself here on the boot of Italy, in Lido di Camaiore. He will benefit from the warmer weather and having his coach nearby, Italian Luigi Cecchini. Keep you eyes open for more from Dekker.

Read:
Dekker Burns Bright and Tirreno Shortened, 13 March

Riccò Has Legs

If you have been watching closely the Tour of California, and now the Tirreno-Adriatico, you might have noticed a yellow figure at the front on the tough stages. That rider is Riccardo Riccò, the 22 year-old neo-pro for Saunier Duval-Prodir. The Italian was in the hunt in California and is back at it again in Tirreno, which is amazing for a rider who just started competing in the top-end of the sport.

"I am very content how I have gone in my first true professional race," said Riccò after finishing third in the stage 6 finish to Torricella Sicura. "I remain a little regretful that I have not won. When there were 800 meters to go and Bertagnolli went I was very undecided and got stuck behind... The legs to win are there."

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

Saunier Duval-Prodir for Sanremo

The following Saunier Duval-Prodir riders will participate in the Milan-Sanremo: Gilberto Simoni, Rubens Bertogliati, Riccardo Riccò, Guido Trentin, Francisco José Ventoso, Ángel Gómez Gómez, Manuele Mori. And the eighth rider could be either Luciano Pagliarini, Marco Pinotti or Oliver Zaugg.

The Spanish-Swiss squadra is still uncertain if the likable Mori will be at the partenza. Earlier this week the Toscano was suffering in the Tirreno-Adriatico due to gastric problems. Last year Mori finished 10th in Sanremo and has made no secret of his desire to better that result this year. BiciRace.com hopes to see Mori at Sant'Ambrogio in Milano.

Iditarod won by Reifenstuhl and Bassinger

Rocky Reifenstuhl (Bianchi) and Peter Bassinger shared victory in the 2006 Iditarod Trail Invitational, a 563K (350 mile) race over the snow covered state of Alaska. The two covered the distance in 4 days 17 hours, which included riding through the night and fighting back temperatures of -38°C (-37°F).

"I slept only 4 hours during the race," commented winner Reifenstuhl. The 2006 event was one of the toughest editions in years, and many riders could not handle difficulties. "For some it was dehydration, for others it was hypothermia or frostbite or a physical-mental or equipment failure. And for a few it was the unmarked and wind blown course that stymied progress. By race end the scratch rate is more than 50%."

Under many layers of snow and ice on the winning rider you could see a celeste green. Rocky Reifenstuhl completed his ride with the helpful sponsorship of Bianchi, and many others. Bravo Rocky!

13 March News ...