BiciRace.com :: 2005 Tour of Georgia

2005 Tour of Georgia, Preview

Tour of Georgia, USA

19 - 24 April

Preview

Overall Map
Startlist
Photos
The Tim Johnson Phone Tap

The Stages:
19 April, Stage 1, Jittery Joe's 1, Augusta - Macon 207.4 km
20 April, Stage 2, Jittery Joe's 2, Fayetteville - Rome 197.5 km
21 April, Stage 3, Jittery Joe's 3, Rome - Rome 29.9 km TT
22 April, Stage 4, Jittery Joe's 4, Dalton - Dahlonega 214.7 km
23 April, Stage 5, Jittery Joe's 5, Gainesville - Brasstown Bald 182.4 km
24 April, Stage 6, Jittery Joe's 6, Blairsville - Alpharetta 201.5 km

Lance Armstrong Ojai California Criterium

Lance Armstrong, 2004 TdG Winner, photo: John Brant

The Tour of Georgia is in its third consecutive year and looks to be bigger than ever. It's the biggest race on the American calendar and is profiting again this year by the presence of cycling star Lance Armstrong. This year will again consist of 6 stages over 6 days. Starting on the 19th of April, the race takes place in the northern hill country of Georgia.

It was in this hill country last year where we saw home team Jittery Joe's excel and push their star climber to the top. This year the team looks even stronger. Team leader, Tim Johnson, from Massachusetts, packs a mean punch, and he and the Jittery Joe's boys are sure to make some moves and be noticed.

Of course the grand news is that Lance Armstrong, 2004 winner, is at the show and also has anticipated news to share with his fans and the public. The upcoming "press-conference" has many wondering what the news will be. Whatever Lance's news is, will surely add some extra spark to the start of the race. Retirement, marriage, new wrist bands,...the rumors run wild. BiciRace.com will keep you in the loop.

Marco Pinotti at Milano Sanremo, photo: Graham Watson

Many Euro-stars and Euro-teams will be battling the jet-lag on tightly packed travel schedules. Some will see the great USA for first time, while others will be traveling back home. One rider who will miss out on his home race is, 2003 winner, Chris Horner. Horner, riding for Prodir - Saunier Duval will not make the start this year, due to injuries sustained in the Tirreno-Adriatico. But Matteo Algeri (DS for Prodir - Saunier Duval) will bring a strong line-up, Marco Pinotti, Andrea Tafi, among others. Tafi is due to make his last professional race appearance.

French team, Crédit Agricole, brings with them their American rider, Saul Raisin. Saul was the Best Young Rider at the 2003 Tour de Georgia and looks to make an impression for his new French team. Saul will be joining BiciRace's Inside Scoop, so stay tuned for Saul to share his race experience.

Phonak is looking for some action and good results. Headed-up by no-fuss Floyd Landis, the squad will make an impression along with Niki Aebersold and star-sprinter Robert Hunter.

The Danish boys of Team CSC pack an intimidating American line up. Bobby Julich is on flying form right now and is looking to tear it up on home soil. While David Zabriskie and Christian Vande Velde will be testing their legs for the upcoming Giro d'Italia.

Recent news is that Gerolsteiner is coming with their fizzy water supplies. Delivering more than just fizzy water will be American Levi Leipheimer with backup in the form of René Haselbacher and a tough German team.

But back to Lance Armstrong and the heavy-hitters of Discovery Channel. One could be mistaken that this is the Tour de France and so could Lance Armstrong. He has brought with him the crew that could make him the winner: Michael Barry, Tom Danielson, Viatcheslav Ekimov, Jose Luis Rubiera. Perhaps we will see Tom Danielson take over the team leader role, as he preps for a Giro d'Italia.

Every day we will bring you stage reports/results, in addition to the Jittery Joe's-Kalahari Report. Stay tuned for daily race coverage on BiciRace.com starting April 19.