BiciRace.com :: News

News :: June 2006

9 June 2006

Menchov Doubles and Leipheimer Goes Yellow

Menchov rides to the win, photo: www.ciclismovitamia.it

Stage four of the Dauphiné Libéré produced some exciting results: Menchov (Rabobank) won on Mont Ventoux for the second time in his career, Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) moved into the race lead and many Tour de France favorites were struggling off the back.

Russian, Denis Menchov imposed his authority on the 1909m climb for the second time in his career, the first being four years ago with Banesto. His good result in the previous day's time trial, followed by yesterday's win, are great signs for his upcoming Tour de France campaign.

"This is more than I expected... This climb gives me a lot of motivation," said the Russian. "I did not come here to race for the overall... I am building for the Tour de France and this proves my work is paying off. We will have to see how the race is formed in the next few days."

The new Dauphiné leader, photo: www.ciclismovitamia.it

Joining Menchov in the final kilometers was l'Americano, Levi Leipheimer. The rider from California is also building for the Tour de France, but will take an overall win in the Dauphiné Libéré along the way if the opportunity is there. He currently leads Menchov by 28 seconds in the overall standings.

"We did this climb last year and you have to give it respect," said Leipheimer after the stage. "I stayed calm on the climb. I had to decide if I was going for the stage or for the overall, I knew I would not be able to take both."

You might remember that Leipheimer was on the podium in last year's Dauphiné, finishing third behind race winner Iñigo Landaluze. Since then he has won the Deutschland Tour and now looks in good position to snag an important French race, the Dauphiné Libéré.

"You can go to the Tour de France in two different ways, as Lance Armstrong showed. You can race hard here or go easier ... I had an opportunity to win last year but I missed it, but this year I want to win. It is a great race."

Some of the other Tour de France favorites were seen suffering up the slopes of Mont Ventoux or maybe they were merely saving strength for July's big party. Valverde came across the summit at 3'13" with Hincapie, Popovych at 5'02", Zabriskie 8'10", Landis 9'30" and Vinokourov at 13'10".

Mont Ventoux is a strange climb and it makes predicting form even tougher. Much more will be known after the following two mountain stages. Today, stage 5, will see the riders head from Sisteron to Briançon via the Col d'Izoard. Saturday's stage 6 starts in Briançon and finishes with the important climb of La Toussuire. It is the first time La Toussuire will be raced by the professionals, the second time coming in stage 16 of this year's Tour de France.

2006 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, 4 - 11 June
Main, Overall Map, Photos, Startlist

Cunego to Race Tour de France

Cunego fourth at Giro, photo: Makoto.Ayano/ CyclingTime.com

Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) will race the Tour de France for the first time in his career. Il Veronese (24), winner of the 2004 Giro d'Italia, is deciding to test his legs in one of sporting's biggest events without the pressure of racing for the overall.

Team DS of Lampre-Fondital, Beppe Martinelli, is a close adviser to Cunego and will guide his young star through the French stages, starting 1 July in Strasbourg. Martinelli reckons that Cunego ended the Giro on a high note and he should continue to test himself in France.

Il Veronese, after a year of preparations and a super-hot spring campaign, could only manage a fourth in the Giro d'Italia. Cunego was blown out of the water by an Ivan Basso bullet in the Pontedera TT, losing over five minutes. Over the final week of the Giro, Cunego steadily came into his own in the high mountains, moving from eighth to finish fourth in Milano.

Though this year's Grand Boucle does not favor a climber like Cunego, it is very important that he familiarizes himself with the world's biggest bike race. If il Veronese is ever to have a chance at winning the Tour de France he needs to ride the French Roads and study the dynamics of the race.

Cunego's program leading to the Tour de France is simple: the Italian National Championships (25 June) and a lot of training.

Evans and Roesems - Two More Years

Aussie Cadel Evans and Belgian Bert Roesems have re-signed with Davitamon-Lotto for two more years. After spending two forgettable years with T-Mobile, Evans (29) seems to have found a team that suits his style. The Aussie's abilities really shined this spring with an impressive win in the Tour de Romandie.

Saíz Temporarily Resigns

Yesterday, Manolo Saíz made it known that he would be temporarily stepping down as manager of the Astaná-Würth team until the issues in which he is involved have been cleared up. The direction of the team will now be in the hands of his assistants and techincal staff. For the time being, Saíz will not be present at any event contested by the team.

The goal of this, according to Saíz is to restore the image of the team, as well as protecting its longetivity.

How will his absence at the Tour affect the team? One thing is for sure. We won't be hearing the blaring "venga venga venga" over the bull horn in the time trials. All joking aside, let's hope this move does something to help the sport's image.

8 June News ...