BiciRace.com :: News :: September 2006

News :: September 2006

16 September 2006

- Contributed by Sarah

Vino and Kash Talk About Stage 18

Vino and Kash, photo: © Unipublic

In a statement on their official website, Astaná's Alexander Vinokourov and Andrey Kashechkin discussed the stage win and the final three stages of the Vuelta a España. Kashechkin said that they won't be able to say they've won the Vuelta until Monday. He also explained that the two riders did not talk about who would win Vuelta a España stage 18. He said that he and Vino are good friends and that they would work for each other.

The potential Vuelta victory is important, not only for Astaná after being unable to race at the Tour de France, but for their country as well. Kash stated that the whole country is watching the race, up to and including the President.

Vinokourov, photo: © Unipublic

Vinokourov, when asked if his advantage on Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) was enough, stated that he believed the race would not go all the way to Madrid. He also believes he can take more time in stage 20's time trial. If Vino should win the Vuelta, it would be an amazing win for both the team and Kazakhstan. But, as Vino told the team webite, like so many others, he'd perfer to have won the Tour de France.

61st Vuelta a España, 26 August - 17 September
Main, Startlist
Stages and Maps, Key Stages, Overall Map
Photos, The Dust Devil's Daily Wrap
2005 Results

Gilbert Takes Wallonie

Philippe Gilbert (Française Des Jeux) beat compatriot Nick Nuyens (Quick-Step) to win the 2006 GP de Wallonie. He told Eurosport that he took a lot of risks near the end and that was why he was able to win.

Gilbert will be part of the Belgian World Championships team that will be racing in Salzburg.

World Championships, Salzburg (Austria), 24 & 24 September
Worlds Preview
Time Trial, Profile, Overall Map, TT Startlist
Road Race, Profile, Overall Map, RR Startlist

Discovery Considers Legal Action

After Frankie Andreu addmited to the New York Times that he used EPO, the Discovery Channel team is considering taking legal action against him. The team will consider lawsuits and have asked the International Cycling Union and US Anti-Doping Agency to investigate.

Read:
Frankie Andreu Admits EPO Use, 12 September

Roche In, Kirsipuu Out

Crédit Agricole picks up young Irish rider Nicolas Roche, who currently rides for Cofidis. Roche, son of former Giro and Tour winner Stephen Roche, has a bright future ahead of him as he joins Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) and other CA riders.

Roche will be one of the riders replacing Jaan Kirsipuu. Also leaving are Nicolas Vogondy, Sebastien Portal and Kilian Patour. The team will also pick up two more French riders, Christophe Kern, Christophe Laurent and and the Italian Angelo Furlan.

15 September News ...