--
1hr20min Run
Average 70% MHR
--
3hr Cycling on Turbo
Average 81% MHR
Time spent between 80% and 90% of MHR 1hr 48min Lactate Threshold
Time spent above 90% of MHR 18min Max VO2
Those 18min were spent watching this great piece of footage
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Sunday, 28 February 2010
Chickened out because of the weather and decided not to do the Kentish Killer 100k.
Just did 10km run instead, and now preparing for 2hrs plus of cycling on Turbo watching 2009Paris-Nice.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Spaniard Juan Antonio Flecha wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, BEL.
His victory is important because even though it’s clear the Spanish are the best cyclist in the world, the classics and specially the ones in the Flemish region has always been the weakest link.
1 JA Flecha (Esp-SKY), 2 Tyler Farrar (Usa-GRM), 3 Heinrich Haussler (Ale-CER)
First was Valverde, then Contador and now Flecha in Omloop het Nieuwsblad ...and Luis Leon Sanchez TT win over Contador should be up there too...I should add Freire's great start of the year as well.
One thing is certain; Flecha has to be the only Spanish cyclist with fluent English. Sastre knows a bit but struggles.
Found this nice piece in www.lequipe.fr. It makes me think Spanish have never had luck there, hmmm… brings back memories of 15th century colonial times. The great king Philip V really struggle there.
Flecha, le conquistador
Juan Antonio Flecha est devenu samedi le premier Espagnol à s'imposer lors de la semi-classique flamande Het Nieuwsblad. Il devance Heinrich Haussler et Tyler Farrar.
Juan Antonio Flecha (Sky) a remporté samedi le circuit Het Nieuwsblad, ex-Volk, la course d'ouverture de la saison cycliste en Belgique. «C'est une victoire importante et émouvante pour moi qui avais si souvent frappé à la porte ces dernières années», a expliqué Flecha. Il s'agit du premier succès d'un Espagnol dans cette semi-classique flamande.
Une victoire dédiée à Frank Vandenbroucke
Souvent placé mais jamais vainqueur à Gand (troisième l'an dernier, deuxième en 2007), l'Espagnol, spécialiste des classiques pavées, a forgé sa victoire en lâchant à la régulière Philippe Gilbert à 20 kilomètres de l'arrivée. Ce dernier, déjà vainqueur du Het Nieuwsblad à deux reprises (2006, 2008), a pourtant été victime d'une chute à 40 kilomètres de l'arrivée, ce qui ne l'a pas empêché d'être un des principaux animateurs du final. Flecha s'est finalement détaché pour terminer en solitaire devant l'Allemand Heinrich Haussler et l'Américain Tyler Farrar.
«Je dédie cette victoire à Frank Vandenbroucke, a également déclaré Juan Antonio Flecha. Je l'avais promis à son ami Nico Mattan». A 32 ans, l'Espagnol a rejoint cet hiver l'équipe britannique Sky après avoir passé quatre saisons au sein de la formation néerlandaise Rabobank. L'Espagnol compte désormais 11 succès à son palmarès. (Avec AFP)
1 JA Flecha (Esp-SKY), 2 Tyler Farrar (Usa-GRM), 3 Heinrich Haussler (Ale-CER)
First was Valverde, then Contador and now Flecha in Omloop het Nieuwsblad ...and Luis Leon Sanchez TT win over Contador should be up there too...I should add Freire's great start of the year as well.
One thing is certain; Flecha has to be the only Spanish cyclist with fluent English. Sastre knows a bit but struggles.
Found this nice piece in www.lequipe.fr. It makes me think Spanish have never had luck there, hmmm… brings back memories of 15th century colonial times. The great king Philip V really struggle there.
Flecha, le conquistador
Juan Antonio Flecha est devenu samedi le premier Espagnol à s'imposer lors de la semi-classique flamande Het Nieuwsblad. Il devance Heinrich Haussler et Tyler Farrar.
Juan Antonio Flecha (Sky) a remporté samedi le circuit Het Nieuwsblad, ex-Volk, la course d'ouverture de la saison cycliste en Belgique. «C'est une victoire importante et émouvante pour moi qui avais si souvent frappé à la porte ces dernières années», a expliqué Flecha. Il s'agit du premier succès d'un Espagnol dans cette semi-classique flamande.
Une victoire dédiée à Frank Vandenbroucke
Souvent placé mais jamais vainqueur à Gand (troisième l'an dernier, deuxième en 2007), l'Espagnol, spécialiste des classiques pavées, a forgé sa victoire en lâchant à la régulière Philippe Gilbert à 20 kilomètres de l'arrivée. Ce dernier, déjà vainqueur du Het Nieuwsblad à deux reprises (2006, 2008), a pourtant été victime d'une chute à 40 kilomètres de l'arrivée, ce qui ne l'a pas empêché d'être un des principaux animateurs du final. Flecha s'est finalement détaché pour terminer en solitaire devant l'Allemand Heinrich Haussler et l'Américain Tyler Farrar.
«Je dédie cette victoire à Frank Vandenbroucke, a également déclaré Juan Antonio Flecha. Je l'avais promis à son ami Nico Mattan». A 32 ans, l'Espagnol a rejoint cet hiver l'équipe britannique Sky après avoir passé quatre saisons au sein de la formation néerlandaise Rabobank. L'Espagnol compte désormais 11 succès à son palmarès. (Avec AFP)
Introducing Robinson Chalapud , Colombia's new cycling promise
Team: Cafe de Colombia
Age: 25 years
Date of birth: March 8, 1984
Place of birth: Ipiales, Colombia
Professional: 2006-
Friday, 26 February 2010
UCI bans Cancellara's time trial bike
By: Cycling News
Riis angry at UCI for banning Saxo Bank's Specialized TT bikes
The International Cycling Union has banned Fabian Cancellara's Specialized time trial bike, and that does not make Saxo Bank team owner Bjarne Riis happy.
The World time trial champion rides the same Specialized “Shiv” model as Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Astana. The UCI recently stopped Contador from using his bike in the time trial at the Volta ao Algarve.
“It is very disturbing. We have been told that we must not use the bicycle because the UCI will not approve it,” Riis told sporten.dk. “Fortunately we have not had a really big time trial yet, but before long there is a major one in Paris-Nice.”
Riis continued, “The rules are so specific and complicated that no one can really understand it. It is beneath contempt, the bicycle is both durable and safe. Then they suddenly say that the front of it is illegal - it is always about little details such as this.”
The problem apparently lies with the Shiv's aerodynamic nose cone. Specialized claims that its unique design makes the bike more stable, while the UCI says it is solely there to increase aerodynamics.
“Right now we are working hard to find a time trial bike model that can be used. But it is a strange thing to run into at this stage of the season, when we have already started racing. We can't really do anything else than to wait and see what they come up with," Riis concluded.
Cancellara has ridden only one individual time trial so far this season, in the Tour of Oman. Road bikes were used by all participants in that race, and not time trial bikes. The Saxo Bank rider finished second in the time trial to give him the overall title.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Beloki back in racing as DS with Cafés Baqué
By: Peter Cossins (Cyclingnews)
Spain's Joseba Beloki, whose racing career fizzled out in the wake of the Operación Puerto affair, is set to return to the sport by accepting a role as coach and assistant directeur sportif on the Cafés Baqué under-23 team.
Beloki, who finished on the Tour de France podium on three consecutive occasions, is hoping that the role might lead to a similar position on a top level pro team in the future, but for the moment is relishing the chance to pass on his knowledge and experience to Cafés Baqué’s young guns.
“I’ve always been very passionate about every aspect of cycling, I’ve enjoyed training youngsters and Baqué have given me the chance to do this,” Beloki told El Diario Vasco. “I got the qualifications needed to be a directeur sportif in 2008 and I’ve always been interested in every aspect of training and physiology.”
In his new role, Beloki will assist Cafés Baqué team manager Rubén Gorospe, an ex-pro with Banesto and brother of former Euskaltel boss Julián Gorospe. “I will try to learn all I can,” said Beloki, whose first appearance in the team car will be at a race at Zumaia in the Basque Country on Saturday. “It’s not the same being a director as being a rider. You see things very differently from the car. I’m really
excited about it.”
The riders Beloki will be coaching and managing are all aged between 19 and 21. “There’s a group of 12. When I am able to I will go out training with them. Most of the work I do with them will be focused on the middle part of the season and Tours of Navarra, Bidasoa and Alava.”
Beloki admitted that his long-term goal is to work for a team further up cycling’s hierarchy. “But now is not the moment for that, it’s not the right time because I don’t want to be away from home all day,” explained Beloki, who has two young children. “When the situation is right then we will see. For the moment I just want to get as much experience as I possibly can.”
His most famous moment:
Spain's Joseba Beloki, whose racing career fizzled out in the wake of the Operación Puerto affair, is set to return to the sport by accepting a role as coach and assistant directeur sportif on the Cafés Baqué under-23 team.
Beloki, who finished on the Tour de France podium on three consecutive occasions, is hoping that the role might lead to a similar position on a top level pro team in the future, but for the moment is relishing the chance to pass on his knowledge and experience to Cafés Baqué’s young guns.
“I’ve always been very passionate about every aspect of cycling, I’ve enjoyed training youngsters and Baqué have given me the chance to do this,” Beloki told El Diario Vasco. “I got the qualifications needed to be a directeur sportif in 2008 and I’ve always been interested in every aspect of training and physiology.”
In his new role, Beloki will assist Cafés Baqué team manager Rubén Gorospe, an ex-pro with Banesto and brother of former Euskaltel boss Julián Gorospe. “I will try to learn all I can,” said Beloki, whose first appearance in the team car will be at a race at Zumaia in the Basque Country on Saturday. “It’s not the same being a director as being a rider. You see things very differently from the car. I’m really
excited about it.”
The riders Beloki will be coaching and managing are all aged between 19 and 21. “There’s a group of 12. When I am able to I will go out training with them. Most of the work I do with them will be focused on the middle part of the season and Tours of Navarra, Bidasoa and Alava.”
Beloki admitted that his long-term goal is to work for a team further up cycling’s hierarchy. “But now is not the moment for that, it’s not the right time because I don’t want to be away from home all day,” explained Beloki, who has two young children. “When the situation is right then we will see. For the moment I just want to get as much experience as I possibly can.”
His most famous moment:
Francisco Ventoso (Spain) wins last stage at Vuelta de Andalucia
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Etapa 5:
1. Francisco Ventoso (Carmiooro-NGC) 4:20:05
2. Simon Gerrans (Team Sky) m.t.
3. Michael Rogers (Columbia-HTC) a 2
4. Bauke Mollema (Rabobank) m.t.
5. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) m.t.
6. Simon Geschke (Skil) m.t.
7. Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro-NGC) m.t.
8. Manuel Vázquez (Andalucía-CajaSur) m.t.
9. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto) m.t.
10. Johnny Hoogerland (Vancasoleil) m.t.
11. Jan Bakelants (Omega Pharma-Lotto) m.t.
12. Maxime Monfort (Columbia-HTC) m.t.
13. Linus Gerdemann (Milram) m.t.
14. Marco Marzano (Lampre) m.t.
15. Gustav Larsson (Saxo Bank) m.t.
General:
1. Michael Rogers (Columbia-HTC)
2. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto) a 19
3. Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro-NGC) a 30
4. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) a 31
5. Bauke Mollema (Rabobank) a 35
6. Maxime Monfort (Columbia) a 38
7. Gustav Larsson (Saxo Bank) a 44
8. Manuel Vázquez (Andalucía-CajaSur) a 46
9. Linus Gerdemann (Milram) a 46
10. Thomas Lovkvist (Sky) a 50
Etapa 5:
1. Francisco Ventoso (Carmiooro-NGC) 4:20:05
2. Simon Gerrans (Team Sky) m.t.
3. Michael Rogers (Columbia-HTC) a 2
4. Bauke Mollema (Rabobank) m.t.
5. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) m.t.
6. Simon Geschke (Skil) m.t.
7. Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro-NGC) m.t.
8. Manuel Vázquez (Andalucía-CajaSur) m.t.
9. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto) m.t.
10. Johnny Hoogerland (Vancasoleil) m.t.
11. Jan Bakelants (Omega Pharma-Lotto) m.t.
12. Maxime Monfort (Columbia-HTC) m.t.
13. Linus Gerdemann (Milram) m.t.
14. Marco Marzano (Lampre) m.t.
15. Gustav Larsson (Saxo Bank) m.t.
General:
1. Michael Rogers (Columbia-HTC)
2. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto) a 19
3. Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro-NGC) a 30
4. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) a 31
5. Bauke Mollema (Rabobank) a 35
6. Maxime Monfort (Columbia) a 38
7. Gustav Larsson (Saxo Bank) a 44
8. Manuel Vázquez (Andalucía-CajaSur) a 46
9. Linus Gerdemann (Milram) a 46
10. Thomas Lovkvist (Sky) a 50
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Giro is Sastre's first objective in 2010
By: Cycling News
Carlos Sastre has described his decision to ride this year's edition of the Giro d'Italia in addition to the Tour de France as 'masochistic' but is relishing the challenge of another assault on Italy's national tour.
Speaking in a video chat where fans asked questions through Facebook and Twitter, the 2008 Tour de France champion explained that his experience in the 2009 Giro prompted him to return to the race. Last year he finished third overall following the suspension of runner-up Danilo Di Luca.
"Last year left me feeling good and I wanted to start like this in 2010," said Sastre. "I think the Giro is the most dramatic race and therefore this year I have opted for it again."
Whilst Sastre went into last year's Tour de France as the title holder, he faded in the final week of the race to finish 17th overall in Paris. He refuted suggestions that his Giro effort - which earned him two stage wins - hurt his campaign in July.
"This year I will do what I did last year. There were people who said I had gone too well in the Giro which took its toll in the Tour, but I think they are two completely different competitions, which have nothing to do [with each other]," said Sastre.
"I think I'm a little masochistic, I like to be hit twice with the same stone and I want to try [to ride both races]," he added.
The 34-year-old Madrileño believes he can capitalise on his performance in last year's Giro and earn another podium spot because the course for this year's edition "benefits climbers, so there's the motivation and desire to do something important," he explained.
"Without thinking too much about the Tour, I am aware that the Giro is my first goal of the year," continued Sastre. "I'm preparing well and want to get in the condition necessary for a race of this category."
Sastre stressed that his focus is primarily on the Giro for the time being but said that there are elements to each of the three grand tours that he likes this year.
Carlos Sastre has described his decision to ride this year's edition of the Giro d'Italia in addition to the Tour de France as 'masochistic' but is relishing the challenge of another assault on Italy's national tour.
Speaking in a video chat where fans asked questions through Facebook and Twitter, the 2008 Tour de France champion explained that his experience in the 2009 Giro prompted him to return to the race. Last year he finished third overall following the suspension of runner-up Danilo Di Luca.
"Last year left me feeling good and I wanted to start like this in 2010," said Sastre. "I think the Giro is the most dramatic race and therefore this year I have opted for it again."
Whilst Sastre went into last year's Tour de France as the title holder, he faded in the final week of the race to finish 17th overall in Paris. He refuted suggestions that his Giro effort - which earned him two stage wins - hurt his campaign in July.
"This year I will do what I did last year. There were people who said I had gone too well in the Giro which took its toll in the Tour, but I think they are two completely different competitions, which have nothing to do [with each other]," said Sastre.
"I think I'm a little masochistic, I like to be hit twice with the same stone and I want to try [to ride both races]," he added.
The 34-year-old Madrileño believes he can capitalise on his performance in last year's Giro and earn another podium spot because the course for this year's edition "benefits climbers, so there's the motivation and desire to do something important," he explained.
"Without thinking too much about the Tour, I am aware that the Giro is my first goal of the year," continued Sastre. "I'm preparing well and want to get in the condition necessary for a race of this category."
Sastre stressed that his focus is primarily on the Giro for the time being but said that there are elements to each of the three grand tours that he likes this year.
Purito Rodríguez sees more liberty at Katusha
Joaquín Rodríguez wants to be known more than just having one of the most unusual nicknames in the peloton.
They call him “Purito” (there are a lot of different versions of the story on how he got that moniker) and his move to the Russian-backed Katusha squad in 2010 will see him get a chance to race the Tour de France for the first time.
“I was ready for a change and Katusha offered me the chance to race the Tour, something I’ve never been able to do so far in my career,” Rodríguez told VeloNews last week at the Volta ao Algarve. “Racing the Tour is always the dream of any pro and so far it’s eluded me. I hope to race this year.”
The 30-year-old Rodríguez raced for Spanish teams since his pro debut in 2001, first with ONCE, then Saunier Duval before moving to Caisse d’Epargne in 2006.
Throughout his career, he’s raced six Vueltas a España and four Giros d’Italia, but never the Tour. The chance to race in July with Katusha was a big reason why he wanted to make the change.
“Caisse d’Epargne always had different plans for me and it never worked out when I could race the Tour,” he said. “Katusha is offering me more of a chance to ride as a captain throughout the season and then have a shot at the Tour. That gives me even more motivation.”
Rodríguez is a reliable performer in one-day classics, and proved his worth in 2009 with second at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and third in the world championships.
“This year, the classics are a big goal for me. I’d like to change that second for first at Liège, but winning any of the big races during Ardennes week would be fine with me,” he said with a smile. “Last year was an important season for me in the classics and I think I can go even better this year with support from the team. Of course, we have other strong riders here for the classics, but that’s even better.”
A winner of a Vuelta stage and the former Setmana Catalana, Rodríguez is perhaps best-known for winning the hilltop stage at Montelupone in the past two editions of Tirreno-Adriatico. After winning last year, he joked it should be changed to Monte-Purito.
On Tuesday, Rodríguez announced he will be skipping Tirreno this year in favor of Paris-Nice, in part because the emblematic climb isn’t part of this year’s Tirreno route.
Rodríguez also brushed off a crash during the team’s training camp at Calpe earlier this month that left him with cuts and contusions to his thigh and hip.
The Catalunya-based rider is heading to Tenerife to train ahead of Paris-Nice.
by Andrew Hood (Velonews)
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Oscar Freire wins again in Vuelta de Andalucia (Ruta del Sol)
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Of 5 sprints he has disputed this year he won 3. The last time he started so well he went to win his second Milán-San Remo in 2007.
...and some said he was too old....a three times world champion is never too old. Looking forward to his 4th this year!
Etapa 3:
1. Oscar Freire (Rabobank) 4:33:36
2. Grega Bole (Lampre) m.t.
3. Simon Gerrans (Sky) m.t.
4. Fabian Wegmann (Milram) m.t.
5. Angel Vicioso (Andalucía-CajaSur) m.t.
6. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) m.t.
7. Marco Marcato (Vacansoleil) m.t.
8. Paul Martens (Rabobank) m.t.
9. Maxime Monfort (Columbia) m.t.
10. Markus Fothen (Milram) m.t.
Freire battles back from puncture to go three-for-six
By: Susan Westemeyer (Cyclingnews)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) wins in Ruta del Sol
Spaniard Óscar Freire is on a roll, having won not only two consecutive stages in the Ruta del Sol, but also three of the six races he has ridden this season. His 2010 tally is already more victories than the Rabobank rider had all of last season, when he won just two stages at the Tour de Romandie.
The Spaniard won the Ruta's third stage on Tuesday the hard way, coming back from a puncture with around 30km to go. Milram attacked on the penultimate climb of the day, splitting the peloton, and although six Rabobank riders were able to go with them, Freire's puncture broke the momentum.
Only Bauke Mollema stayed in the first group, while the others were ordered to wait for their captain. Freire took a wheel from teammate Paul Martens and continued on. Both he and Martens were able to rejoin the lead group with 15km to go.
Martens then turned lead-out man for Freire. The Spanish rider obliged his Dutch colleague's efforts to cross the finish line first, by a half a bike length, on an uphill finish in Benahavis.
As Freire's fortunes continue to improve, so has the condition of his teammate Laurens ten Dam. The Dutchman suffered a cracked pelvis in a crash near the end of the second stage Monday. He was able to leave the hospital in Córdoba on Tuesday and joined the team at their hotel that evening. Ten Dam is expected to return to the Netherlands on Wednesday for further examination and to begin his rehabilitation.
Of 5 sprints he has disputed this year he won 3. The last time he started so well he went to win his second Milán-San Remo in 2007.
...and some said he was too old....a three times world champion is never too old. Looking forward to his 4th this year!
Etapa 3:
1. Oscar Freire (Rabobank) 4:33:36
2. Grega Bole (Lampre) m.t.
3. Simon Gerrans (Sky) m.t.
4. Fabian Wegmann (Milram) m.t.
5. Angel Vicioso (Andalucía-CajaSur) m.t.
6. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) m.t.
7. Marco Marcato (Vacansoleil) m.t.
8. Paul Martens (Rabobank) m.t.
9. Maxime Monfort (Columbia) m.t.
10. Markus Fothen (Milram) m.t.
Freire battles back from puncture to go three-for-six
By: Susan Westemeyer (Cyclingnews)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) wins in Ruta del Sol
Spaniard Óscar Freire is on a roll, having won not only two consecutive stages in the Ruta del Sol, but also three of the six races he has ridden this season. His 2010 tally is already more victories than the Rabobank rider had all of last season, when he won just two stages at the Tour de Romandie.
The Spaniard won the Ruta's third stage on Tuesday the hard way, coming back from a puncture with around 30km to go. Milram attacked on the penultimate climb of the day, splitting the peloton, and although six Rabobank riders were able to go with them, Freire's puncture broke the momentum.
Only Bauke Mollema stayed in the first group, while the others were ordered to wait for their captain. Freire took a wheel from teammate Paul Martens and continued on. Both he and Martens were able to rejoin the lead group with 15km to go.
Martens then turned lead-out man for Freire. The Spanish rider obliged his Dutch colleague's efforts to cross the finish line first, by a half a bike length, on an uphill finish in Benahavis.
As Freire's fortunes continue to improve, so has the condition of his teammate Laurens ten Dam. The Dutchman suffered a cracked pelvis in a crash near the end of the second stage Monday. He was able to leave the hospital in Córdoba on Tuesday and joined the team at their hotel that evening. Ten Dam is expected to return to the Netherlands on Wednesday for further examination and to begin his rehabilitation.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Another one for Spain! Freire wins in Andalucia!!
Etapa 2:
1. Oscar Freire (Rabobank) 4:53:06
2. Robert Wagner (Skil-Shimano) m.t.
3. Alex Rasmussen (Saxo Bank) m.t.
4. Mark Cavendish (Columbia-HTC) m.t.
5. Francisco Ventoso (Carmiooro NGC) m.t.
6. Marco Marcato (Vacansoleil) m.t.
7. Greg Henderson (Sky) m.t.
8. Paul Martens (Rabobank) m.t.
9. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) m.t.
10. Fabian Wegmann (Milram) m.t.
11. Borut Bozic (Vacansoeleil) m.t.
12. Mirko Lorenzetto (Lampre) m.t.
Glad that Contador won Vuelta al Algarve. First of the season.
Clasificación general
1. Alberto Contador (ESP-Astana) 19h57:48
2. Luis León Sánchez (ESP-Caisse D'Epargne) a 30
3. Tiago Machado (POR-RadioShack) a 32
4. Levi Leipheimer (USA-RadioShack) a 37
5. Samuel Sánchez (ESP-Euskaltel-Euskadi) a 57
6. Rui Costa (POR-Caisse D'Epargne) a 1:11
7. Frantisek Rabon (CHE-Team HTC-Columbia) a 1:16
8. Andreas Klöden (ALE-RadioShack) a 1:25
9. Tejay van Garderen (USA-Team HTC-Columbia) a 1:33
10. Peter Velits (ESL-Team HTC-Columbia) a 1:45
Contador: Victory important for team morale By: Cycling News
After enduring a much-publicised, off-season war of words with Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador has made his latest statement on the road, winning the Volta ao Algarve against the likes of Team RadioShack's Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Klöden.
Contador took second in the stage five time trial to win by 30 seconds overall, ahead of countryman and early-season pacesetter Luis Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne), with another RadioShack rider, Tiago Machado, finishing third. Leipheimer and Klöden finished fourth and eighth, respectively.
Whilst the next-best Astana rider on the overall standings was Daniel Navarro - in 58th overall - Contador said that the win has boosted team morale ahead of Paris-Nice and eventually the Tour de France, where he enters the 2010 edition as reigning champion.
"This race has a very great importance, especially for my team because it has done an excellent job throughout the tour. We had to take responsibility knowing that other riders that were more covered could win the race, but every one has ridden out of their skin. They finished very tired but we are very happy," said Contador.
Contador added that the result had even more importance given the drama surrounding the ineligibility of his Specialized Shiv time trial bike for use in the final stage. "I had my doubts, especially yesterday, when I tested the bike and I had really bad feelings," said the Spanish ace.
"This morning we made some adjustments and went a little better but still had my doubts. Especially when I stood up on the pedals, the bike was very different, but I felt very good and at the end result was good and I could keep the jersey."
During January Contador had stated that he felt good in pre-season training, although he wasn't sure how this would compare to the form of his competitors as the first race of the year approached; therefore his assured victory carries added meaning. "I was OK, but did not know how I was in respect to other riders who arrived more trained. I'm very happy because this always gives confidence, especially to my team," he explained.
As expected, Contador will "continue working towards the Tour". With the focus on his candidacy as a potential triple Tour champion, he has his work cut out in the next few months. "I hope to get good shape, but other riders and other teams are also very interested in this race. I'll go and do the best I can," he said.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Grande Contador!! Volta ao Algarve.
David de la Fuente could not be a better complement for Contador. What a great hire!
Stage 3 results:
1 Alberto Contador (Astana) 5:02:55
2 Tiago Machado (RadioShack) :11
3 Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) :22
4 Peter Velts (HTC-Columbia) :25
5 Tejay van Garderen (HTC-Columbia)
6 Jean Christophe Peraud (Omega Pharma-Lotto) :29
7 Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) :31
8 Rui Costa (Caisse D'Epargne) :33
9 Luis Leon Sánchez (Caisse D'Epargne)
10 Andreas Kloden (RadioShack)
General classification after stage 3
1 Alberto Contador (Astana) 15:20:17
2 Tiago Machado (RadioShack) :15
3 Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) :28
4 Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) :35
5 Tejay van Garderen (HTC-Columbia)
6 Rui Costa (Caisse D'Epargne) :43
7 Luis Leon Sánchez (Caisse D'Epargne)
8 Matthew Lloyd (Omega Pharma-Lotto)
9 Andreas Kloden (RadioShack)
10 Joaquín Rodríguez (Katusha)
Friday, 19 February 2010
Arrieta: ‘Today’s leaders don’t have same charisma’
by Andrew Hood - Velonews
José Luís Arrieta (Ag2r-La Mondiale) is one of those old-school riders who enjoys working in the trenches and is simply content to live for the bike. A dying breed, perhaps, but Arrieta is glad to still be racing his bike.
“I am privileged to earn a living doing what I enjoy,” Arrieta told his hometown paper, El Diario de Navarra, in Pamplona, Spain. “Maybe I haven’t won a lot of races, but if I am still here after 18 years, there’s a reason for it. Maybe I wasn’t as ambitious as others, but I quickly knew what my place was and what I had to do.”
At 38, Arrieta is entering his 18th season as a professional and is one of the oldest active racers in the peloton. He’s only won two races in his career — a stage in the 2006 Vuelta a España and a stage in the 2002 Vuelta a Asturias.
The rest of his career has been spent in the service of others, but he concedes the end of the road might be near.
“I decide every July of each year and I know that retirement is coming sooner than later,” he said. “The hard part is finding the motivation to train. A cyclist doesn’t have one great year then is suddenly bad. The decline is gradual. Last year was great because it was the first time that I’ve worked to defend the yellow jersey (in the Tour de France with teammate Rinaldo Nocentini). This can likely be my last year, but we’ll see.”
Arrieta served as a loyal domestique across two generations of riders, dating back to Miguel Indurain in the mid-1990s, to Alex Zülle in the late 1990s, to Alejandro Valverde and Christophe Moreau into this decade.
Of today’s riders, Arrieta says the younger generation just doesn’t have the same star power as the big riders in the past.
“Miguel (Indurain) was above all, in terms of charisma, and that’s why he’s still respected today,” he says. “That’s what’s changed the most for me. If we’re losing a lot as cyclists it’s because the leaders today aren’t like they used to be. Today the leaders don’t carry the same weight, the same charisma, and in this sport, everyone else is calling the shots and least of all the cyclists.”
Contador feeling good after testing legs in Algarve
Spaniard believes rebuilt Astana still has strong core
It’s been six months since Alberto Contador last turned a pedal in anger, apart from criteriums and invitation races. This week’s Tour of the Algarve has seen the Spaniard making his first competitive steps towards the defence of the Tour de France title he claimed last July in what promises to be an epic Tour pitting him against Lance Armstrong, the brothers Schleck, Bradley Wiggins and a number of dark horses.
Speaking to Cyclingnews after his first day of racing at the Algarve, the 27-year-old Astana rider said he is pleased to be back. An attack very late on in that first stage as the sprinters were preparing for their final fling underlined the relish Contador clearly feels about being back in the saddle after some very difficult times for his Astana team.
“It was just a test, just a way of seeing how my legs felt, to find out what the sensations were,” he said. “I felt very good.”
Good is also how he feels about the latest reincarnation of the Astana team. Apparently on its last legs when Armstrong and team manager Johan Bruyneel secured backing from RadioShack and took many of Astana’s riders along with them as the Kazakh-backed outfit looked set to implode, the team has undergone its second major overhaul and Contador is pleased with how it is shaping up.
“The atmosphere in the team is great, it’s very relaxed, there are lots of new guys but we all get on very well. There’s lots of joking and laughing between us. On the road too I’m very happy with them,” said Contador.
Asked about the widely stated observation that the team lacks strength in depth, Contador admits: “We may not have the riders here to enable to us to compete in all the major tours, but we have a very strong core group for the Tour. And it was good on today’s stage to see how well the team worked. I was pleased to see how well they worked for me, keeping me out of the wind, keeping me well placed in the bunch. It was a really good start for us.”
It’s been all change too on the management side. Former Festina boss Yvon Sanquer has steadied what was undoubtedly a sinking ship. “He has brought a feeling of tranquility to the team,” Contador said.
At the same time, highly experienced Italian directeur sportif Giuseppe Martinelli has started to mould what he expects to be a Tour-winning outfit. “Things have started very well with Martinelli. He likes his teams to be organised in a typically Italian way where there is one clear leader and all of the other riders understand that they will be working for that man. He also listens closely to what the riders want. I’m not lacking for anything at all,” explained Contador.
Of course there is no escaping the Armstrong question, but absolutely no chance of luring Contador into saying anything the slightest bit controversial about his former team-mate. Contador is well aware that the media want to stoke up the rivalry between the two riders, but won’t be drawn into that. He has huge respect for Armstrong, he says, and for former boss Bruyneel.
Pushed for his thoughts on what he makes of Armstrong’s comments about the wholesale exodus of last year’s Astana Tour de France team from this year’s roster, including Contador’s room-mate Sergio Paulinho, the Spaniard is diplomatic. “I understand all too well the way that cycling works. The future was very uncertain at Astana last summer and many of the riders had offers from RadioShack and took them,” he said. “At that point I didn’t have anything that I could offer them and of course racing is job like any other so it is no surprise when riders move. I understand that they are doing what is the best thing for them.”
For Bruyneel he has nothing but positive words. “I learned huge amounts about the sport and racing from Johan,” he said. “He was always an excellent director in the years that I spent with him. I realise how hard it was for him to balance the needs of riders on the team last year, and I still have a very respectful relationship with him.”
In fact, the only thing that is able to disturb Contador’s serene start to what does look like to be an epic season is the weather that has dogged pretty much every European-based professional so far this year. Day two at the Algarve brought a day more suited to the Belgian Classics than southern Portugal.
“Uffff, a very difficult day,” Contador Tweeted after the stage. “These days make cycling epic. Congratulations to my team who take responsibility [for chasing] during the race.”
Even in the midst of a freezing downpour, Contador reflects on the positive aspects of the stage. It’s been a hard six months for the Spanish champion and it’s going to take an awful lot more to knock him out of his confident stride than a day of dismal weather.
Source: CyclingNews
It’s been six months since Alberto Contador last turned a pedal in anger, apart from criteriums and invitation races. This week’s Tour of the Algarve has seen the Spaniard making his first competitive steps towards the defence of the Tour de France title he claimed last July in what promises to be an epic Tour pitting him against Lance Armstrong, the brothers Schleck, Bradley Wiggins and a number of dark horses.
Speaking to Cyclingnews after his first day of racing at the Algarve, the 27-year-old Astana rider said he is pleased to be back. An attack very late on in that first stage as the sprinters were preparing for their final fling underlined the relish Contador clearly feels about being back in the saddle after some very difficult times for his Astana team.
“It was just a test, just a way of seeing how my legs felt, to find out what the sensations were,” he said. “I felt very good.”
Good is also how he feels about the latest reincarnation of the Astana team. Apparently on its last legs when Armstrong and team manager Johan Bruyneel secured backing from RadioShack and took many of Astana’s riders along with them as the Kazakh-backed outfit looked set to implode, the team has undergone its second major overhaul and Contador is pleased with how it is shaping up.
“The atmosphere in the team is great, it’s very relaxed, there are lots of new guys but we all get on very well. There’s lots of joking and laughing between us. On the road too I’m very happy with them,” said Contador.
Asked about the widely stated observation that the team lacks strength in depth, Contador admits: “We may not have the riders here to enable to us to compete in all the major tours, but we have a very strong core group for the Tour. And it was good on today’s stage to see how well the team worked. I was pleased to see how well they worked for me, keeping me out of the wind, keeping me well placed in the bunch. It was a really good start for us.”
It’s been all change too on the management side. Former Festina boss Yvon Sanquer has steadied what was undoubtedly a sinking ship. “He has brought a feeling of tranquility to the team,” Contador said.
At the same time, highly experienced Italian directeur sportif Giuseppe Martinelli has started to mould what he expects to be a Tour-winning outfit. “Things have started very well with Martinelli. He likes his teams to be organised in a typically Italian way where there is one clear leader and all of the other riders understand that they will be working for that man. He also listens closely to what the riders want. I’m not lacking for anything at all,” explained Contador.
Of course there is no escaping the Armstrong question, but absolutely no chance of luring Contador into saying anything the slightest bit controversial about his former team-mate. Contador is well aware that the media want to stoke up the rivalry between the two riders, but won’t be drawn into that. He has huge respect for Armstrong, he says, and for former boss Bruyneel.
Pushed for his thoughts on what he makes of Armstrong’s comments about the wholesale exodus of last year’s Astana Tour de France team from this year’s roster, including Contador’s room-mate Sergio Paulinho, the Spaniard is diplomatic. “I understand all too well the way that cycling works. The future was very uncertain at Astana last summer and many of the riders had offers from RadioShack and took them,” he said. “At that point I didn’t have anything that I could offer them and of course racing is job like any other so it is no surprise when riders move. I understand that they are doing what is the best thing for them.”
For Bruyneel he has nothing but positive words. “I learned huge amounts about the sport and racing from Johan,” he said. “He was always an excellent director in the years that I spent with him. I realise how hard it was for him to balance the needs of riders on the team last year, and I still have a very respectful relationship with him.”
In fact, the only thing that is able to disturb Contador’s serene start to what does look like to be an epic season is the weather that has dogged pretty much every European-based professional so far this year. Day two at the Algarve brought a day more suited to the Belgian Classics than southern Portugal.
“Uffff, a very difficult day,” Contador Tweeted after the stage. “These days make cycling epic. Congratulations to my team who take responsibility [for chasing] during the race.”
Even in the midst of a freezing downpour, Contador reflects on the positive aspects of the stage. It’s been a hard six months for the Spanish champion and it’s going to take an awful lot more to knock him out of his confident stride than a day of dismal weather.
Source: CyclingNews
SMILEKERS, CARLOS SASTRE’S NEW CHARITY PROJECT
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Along with preparing for his cycling goals this season, Carlos Sastre has made the most of the winter months by kick-starting a great project that he has been planning for some time now. This project is called Smilekers: it is a virtual shop that will go on-line at the beginning of May selling exclusive, high quality, special edition products, many of which are linked to the cycling world.
"Smilekers is a non-profit company and the majority of profits raised from selling their products will go to social works," explained Sastre, whose commitment to social works is well known.
"The English name comes from the verb "to smile" and that is what we aim to do - make the neediest smile. Smilekers aims to be a vehicle to channel charitable feelings. It has been created under my guardianship and my image, with the firm aim of collaborating with different social works: charities, foundations, sporting associations, events and the needy."
From Smilekers, the winner of the 2008 Tour aims to change the philosophy of sponsorship, by using it to help the needy and in particular, children in need. "To do this we need people's trust and collaboration. Smilekers will regularly provide information on all of its activities. We are sure that between us all, we can make a better world," concluded Carlos Sastre.
Visit Smilekers, the new solidarity project of Carlos Sastre: http://www.carlossastre.com/smilekers/
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Pedro "Perico" Delgado explains why he is leaving the Spanish Traffic Council
He was the main representative for all cyclist in Spain, and he was convinced that every new traffic policy is against cyclists rather than in favor of them.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Benjamín Noval & Dani Navarro will be with Contador in all races up the Tour de France
First race for the 3 Astana rides will be Vuelta al Algarve. Then París-Niza, Volta a Catalunya, Vuelta al País Vasco, Dauphiné Liberé and finally the Tour.
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