It's official. At 11:30 this morning (EDT in NorthAmerica) Davide Rebellin of Italy, the World Cup Leader, recieved an Argentinian passport. He will leave Buenos Aires tomorrow (Thursday) and arrive in Milan Friday morning, where the Gerolsteiner rider is slated to start in the Giro dell'Emilia, the last race he will ride as an Italian. For the World Championships in Verona (Italy) next month, he will wear the Sky Blue Argentinian jersey. Current World Cup Standings: 1 Rebellin 314 2 Bettini 308 3 Freire 198 4 O'Grady 150 5 Boogerd 146 6 Flecha 140 7 Dekker 137 8 Wesemann 131 9 Zabel 108 10 Backstedt 100 (Source: Inter Press Service)Profiling Davide Rebellin
Cyclo Cross Links
Wed Sep 22 20:50:37 2004
The Cyclo Crossers are getting ready for the 2004 - 2005 season and below are some Links thoughtfully provided by a regular in rec.bicycles.racing on the Usenet. Thanks TritonRider. (Source: TritonRider on UseNet)Cyclo Cross World
Tour des Flandres 2005
Wed Sep 22 19:54:18 2004
Making sure that they get the best possible Return On Investment out of their latest signing, Mr. Bookmaker has already opened the Book on where Frank Vandenboucke will finish in the Ronde (Ronde van Vlaanderen/Tour of Flanders) next year. Here are the odds on the various scenarios: Win 14.00 2nd - 10th 2.75 11th - 20th 3.50 21st - 30th 6.00 31st - 40th 8.00 41st - Last 6.00 Abandons 10.00 Now that is an interesting Odds List. With a sufficiently large wager, and Frank's cooperation, betting on an ``Abandon`` could be a profitable proposition. (Source: Mr. Bookmaker)Mr. Bookmaker
Circuit Franco-Belge - Belgium - Cat. 2.3
Wed Sep 22 19:33:08 2004
Starting Tomorrow (Thursday) is the 64th. Circuit Franco-Belge a semi-classic Belgian event running from Sept 23 to Sept 26. The Stages 23.09.04 - Stage 1 - Dunkerque-Quiévrain 213.8 km 24.09.04 - Stage 2 - Estaimpuis-Ploegsteert 154.4 km 25.09.04 - Stage 3 - Maubeuge-Mons 196.2 km 26.09.04 - Stage 4 - Beloeil-Tournai 149.0 km The Posties will be there as will Mr. Bookmaker but there is no indication as yet whether their new equipier, Frank Vandenbroucke, will be on the start line. Quick Step-Davitamon's Paolo Bettini however will be there The Squads engaged: Bankgiroloterij (Ned), Belgium Espoirs, Brioches la Boulangère (Fra), Chocolade Jacques (Bel), Cofidis (Fra), Crédit Agricole (Fra), FDJeux.com (Fra), Jong Vlaanderen 2016 (Bel), Landbouwkrediet (Bel), Lotto-Domo (Bel), MrBookmaker.com (Bel), Quick Step-Davitamon (Bel), Rabobank (Ned), Relax-Bodysol (Spa), Team T-Mobile (Ger), US Postal & Berry Floor (Usa), Vlaanderen-T Interim (Bel) (Source: Cycle Racing)
52nd. Coppa Sabatini - Italy - 197.7 km - Cat. 1.2
The 52nd edition of this old established event will be run off tomorrow (Thursday) Here are the 16 Teams engaged: Acqua & Sapone (Ita), Alessio-Bianchi (Ita), Ceramiche Panaria (Ita), De Nardi (Ita), Fassa Bortolo (Ita), Gerolsteiner (Ger), Lampre (Ita), Landbouwkrediet (Bel), Phonak (Swi), Rabobank (Ned), Saeco (Ita), Team CSC (Den), Team L.P.R. (Ita), Tenax (Ita), T-mobile Team (Ger), Vini Caldirola (Ita) (Source: Cycle Racing)Coppa Sabatini Site
Hamilton in Switzerland awaiting ``B'' Sample results
Wed Sep 22 18:59:51 2004
Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton has been suspended by his Phonak team after failing a dope test. The American, who tested positive for blood doping at the Olympics and the Tour of Spain, is waiting for the results of his "B" samples. "We have to concentrate on the facts. These seem to speak against Tyler," said Phonak boss Andy Rihs. Rihs added that if Hamilton could not prove his innocence then he would be sacked by Phonak. Phonak's stance is a complete U-turn from their position on Tuesday, when they gave their full backing to the American. Hamilton claims he is innocent and says his "B" test results, which are expected on Wednesday, will clear him. BLOOD DOPING EXPLAINED What is it? The administration of red blood cells to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity Examples include: Injecting someone else's red blood cells; removing own blood and returning it once body has compensated by making more blood Why would athletes do it? The better the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, the better an athlete's endurance Side effects can include: Blood clots, overload of circulatory system, kidney damage, transmission of infectious diseases Chances of being caught: A new test can only detect the practice if the blood comes from a donor Meanwhile Hamilton has returned to Switzerland to await the results. (Source: BBC)The Full BBC Story
The ``B'' Sample
Wed Sep 22 17:39:23 2004
Responding to the numerous emails about the Hamilton affair, SixDay will be reporting the results as soon as they become available. As of now,though, we have no information whatsoever and do not want to speculate about the delay. It was, however, our understanding that the sample was to be analyzed yesterday (Sept 21)
Phonak Boot Hamilton
Wed Sep 22 11:37:07 2004
Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton has been suspended by his Phonak team after they were informed he had failed dope tests. "As a first consequence, the team leader (Hamilton) has been suspended pending further notice," the team said on Wednesday. "He will remain so until the proceedings are completed. If Hamilton is not able to prove his innocence, then the contract will be cancelled effective immediately." (Source: EuroSport)EuroSport Website
Vuelta - Stage 17 - Plasencia - La Covatilla (Bejar)
Wed Sep 22 12:02:40 2004
Felix Cardenas (Cafes Baque) was first on the line after a brutal stage. Santiago Perez (Phonak) crossed the line next 29 seconds back of Cardenas. Heras was a further 32 seconds back but now has a solid hold on the Leader's jersey. Valverde crosses well down and most certainly has lost second spot overall, and probably third spot too (Source: Marca)Vuelta - Official Site
Vuelta - ``AutoTransfusion'' etc. Explained
Wed Sep 22 10:54:01 2004
The topic is buzzing round the peloton at the Vuelta Get the inside scoop on what it is and how it's done (Source: EuroSport)Autotransfusion
No Worlds for Germany's Sinkewitz
Wed Sep 22 10:30:11 2004
Germany's Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick Step), still suffering from the Stomach Problems that forced him to quit the Vuelta a Espana recently, has apparently not recovered sufficiently and will not contest the World Championship in Verona (Italy) on October 3 this year. (Source: L'Equipe)L'Equipe
Rebellin - Green Light from UCI
Wed Sep 22 10:09:13 2004
Italian Davide Rebellin, in Buenos Aires to complete the formalities required for him to gain Argentinian citizenship is today getting the final paperwork in order. The Argentinians are reported to be delighted to have Rebellin and the Minister of Sport, Claudio Morresi, is hoping that with a rider of the calibre of Rebellin, many young people will be attracted to the sport. Rebellin himself is bubbling over: ``I feel Argentinian in my Heart,'' said Rebellin today. Rebellin, World Cup leader, notes that since Ballerini consistently refuses to include him in the Italian teams for major events such as the Worlds and Olympic Championships, he feels that it is time to move on. The UCI has already approved Rebellin's inclusion in the Argentinian team. Whilst not overly prominent on the Road, the Curuchet Brothers have been prolific Track Racers and there is much interest in bicycle racing in the country. Rebellin, 34, and close to the end of his racing career, has possibly made a strategic career move by joining the Argentinian Cycling Elite where he will undoubtedly be in demand when his racing days are over. (Source: L'Equipe)L'Equipe
Bartoli - Not retiring
Wed Sep 22 09:54:30 2004
Italian Michele Bartoli (CSC), has decided not to retire at the end of the current 3004 season despite not being selected to contest the Worlds on his home turf in Verona early next month. He will, it seems race in 2005. ``I have told Ballerini (Italian CappoSquadra) that I would have been in terrific form in Verona and I hope he has confidence in me,'' said Bartoli. ``My exclusion has not crushed me, but I am upset because I felt that I was in top form.'' (Source: L'Equipe)L'Equipe
Men Only
Wed Sep 22 09:22:47 2004
Here's Stéphane Augé......... (Source: Six Day staff. Photo Courtesy Cyclisme féminin)Stéphane
Ladies Only
Wed Sep 22 09:18:50 2004
Here's Catherine Cardwell......... (Source: Six Day staff. Photo Courtesy Cyclisme féminin)Catherine
Blood Doping - Not a new technique
Wed Sep 22 06:50:12 2004
Blood Doping has only recently become detectable, but was practiced already in the 1970's. The Finnish runner Lasse Viren (gold on 5,000 and 10,000 meters in the Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 Olympiads), is considered to be the very first blood doping sinner. Doctor Peter Van Eenoo, professor in Ghent explains what blood doping is exactly (Flemish Link below). (Source: Het Volk)Het Volk Website
Ullrich - Yes to Verona Worlds
Jan Ullrich will ride in the cycling world championships in Verona, Italy, next week. The German's participation was in doubt after a miserable season which has seen him finish fourth in the Tour de France and lose his Olympic road race title. But a third-place finish in the recent Giro del Lazio has persuaded the 30-year-old to compete in the 28 September-3 October event. "I feel strong enough and I will give it my best," said the T-Mobile rider. "The last few races in Italy have proved to me that I am in good shape and that was very important." Ullrich had been one of the favourites for the Olympics road race gold medal in Athens but finished a disappointing 19th. (Source: BBC)BBC Website
Hamilton Redux
Wed Sep 22 06:07:35 2004
A Cycling Medalist Denies Evidence of Doping By SAMUEL ABT Published: September 22, 2004 Keystone, Steffen Schmidt/Associated Press Tyler Hamilton of the United States defending himself Tuesday against accusations of blood doping. PARIS, Sept. 21 - Tyler Hamilton, the American bicycle racer who won a gold medal in the individual time trial at the Olympics last month in Athens, is suspected of receiving illegal performance-enhancing blood transfusions for that event and for a major race in Spain. Hamilton strongly denied Tuesday that he had received blood transfusions, which can aid an athlete's performance because they increase the amount of oxygen-transporting red blood cells. The practice has been illegal in cycling since the late 1980's. "I am 100 percent innocent," Hamilton said Tuesday at a news conference held in Regensdorf, Switzerland, by his Phonak team. Hamilton added, according to The Associated Press, that he would "fight this until I don't have a euro left in my pocket." Follow-up tests, which are mandated to confirm the first findings, were started Tuesday and will be finished Wednesday, but it was not known when the results would be announced, Hamilton said. A spokesman for Phonak said that the sport's governing body, the International Cycling Union, or U.C.I., had told the team Monday that tests Aug. 19 at the Olympic Games and Sept. 11 at the Spanish Vuelta showed evidence of blood from another person. Both tests followed victories by Hamilton, 33, a rider ranked behind only Lance Armstrong in the United States. If the results are confirmed by second tests, he faces the loss of his Olympic medal and a possible two-year ban. "I worked hard for that gold medal and it isn't going anywhere," Hamilton said at the news conference. "I have always been an honest person. I am devastated to be here tonight." He added, "I have been accused of taking blood from another person, which anybody who knows me knows is completely impossible." He explained that he was afraid of acquiring AIDS from a blood transfusion and passing it on to his wife, Haven. According to a Spanish news agency, E.F.E., the cycling union notified the Phonak team doctor, Iñaki Arratibel, that Hamilton's blood revealed what it termed inconsistencies in screenings. Andy Rihs, chairman of the board of Phonak, said that he stood behind Hamilton and that he did not trust the blood test, which was introduced this year and used at the Tour de France, the Olympics and the Vuelta. The test is more sensitive than previous ones used to detect blood doping, said Dr. Don H. Catlin, director of the Olympic drug-testing lab at U.C.L.A., in a telephone interview Tuesday. The test, which was developed in Australia, can detect even smaller amounts of another person's blood cells in a sample. A person normally has only one type of red blood cell. "What you are trying to do is identify whether all the red cells in that sample are one type, or whether there could be a population of other red cells that don't belong there," said Catlin, who was in Athens performing drug tests. The director of Phonak's riders, Alvaro Pino, told Radio Marca in Spain on Tuesday: "I spoke with the rider and, knowing him as I do, I'm relatively calm. He told me, 'Be calm, because this will work out in my favor and I'm telling you that sincerely, because there's absolutely nothing in this.' " Hamilton, a quiet-spoken and polite person, captured many hearts during the Olympic time trial, a race against the clock, because he had a red dog tag affixed to the inside of his helmet. It had belonged to his beloved golden retriever, Tugboat, who died of cancer in July during the Tour de France. Hamilton, who was injured in an early crash in the Tour, withdrew from the race and began preparing for the Athens Games. After the Olympics, he competed this month in the three-week Vuelta and won its eighth stage, a time trial, on Sept. 11. But he withdrew late last week, blaming an upset stomach that had hindered him in the mountains. Blood doping, as the practice is called, first received publicity after some members of the successful United States cycling team admitted after the 1984 Olympics that they had received transfusions of blood previously removed and stored. Blood doping was not yet illegal. The use of transfusions has been virtually replaced by the use of the blood-boosting drug EPO, Catlin said. "It is much easier to take a shot and get more red cells," he said. But in the last couple of years, better tests for the use of EPO may have led some athletes to return to blood doping. "If that avenue is blocked, you could go back to the old style, like blood doping," Catlin said. He added that from what he had seen, athletes who used blood doping used blood from a relative or someone they knew well. Catlin also said that the average life span of red cells was 180 days. "Transfused blood does not last that long, but it lasts for a while," he said. If Hamilton's follow-up tests are positive and he is disqualified from the Olympics, the three riders who finished behind him would move up. The gold medal would go to Vyacheslav Ekimov of Russia, who won the event at the 2000 Games; the silver would go to Bobby Julich of the United States; and the bronze would go to Michael Rogers of Australia, who was the 2003 world champion in the time trial after David Millar of Britain was disqualified after testing positive for doping. Three athletes lost their gold medals because of doping during the Athens Games. Hamilton became the leader of the Phonak team this year, after he finished fourth in the 2003 Tour de France despite a broken right collarbone he sustained in a crash on the first day of the race. He is known for persevering through pain. In his nine Tours, he has finished stages despite dehydration, stomach problems and reactions to medicine. He finished second in the 2002 Giro d'Italia and 15th in that year's Tour de France despite a broken shoulder; he said the pain so severe that he kept grinding his teeth and needed nearly a dozen caps from his dentist afterward. In the latest listing of riders by the cycling union, issued late last month, Hamilton ranked 23rd in the world. Some other articles - Click Links Below... (Source: Sierraman on UseNet)USA Today