Maglia Rosa for Vande Velde as Slipstream Wins Giro TTT

Vande Velde used his and his team's time trialing skills to take the first leader's jersey of the 91st Giro d'Italia

The Slipstream team accomplished its' only major goal for the Giro d'Italia, as they won the stage one team time trial and put American veteran Christian Vande Velde into the pink leader's jersey. In what was a monumental moment for the American squad, team leader David Millar played a big role in pacing the team to the win. American time trial champ David Zabriskie was valuable too, but Vande Velde went over the line first, taking a much deserved win and the first maglia rosa of the 2008 Giro.

For team director Jonathan Vaughters, it was a best case scenario, as all of the pressure on the American team goes away now that they have the jersey. Their victory in the event marked the second time they've won a TTT, the other being at the Tour of Georgia. Looking ahead, Slipstream probably won't be able to hold onto the jersey for very long, as the Italians in the race who are close on time will be hungry to steal it away over the next few days.

Best of all is that Slipstream really validated themselves as a top-flight cycling team. No longer will pundits be able to claim they are inexperienced or unworthy of being in a given race. And for the Tour de France in July, they'll have confidence that they belong in the event, and can thrive, if only on the time trial stages. Gone also will be their underdog status; they'll no longer be able to take anyone by surprise, and will be marked as a dangerous team in any race they attend.

Now that Vande Velde has the pink tunic, expect him and the Slipstream team to do all they can to keep it within the argyle kit. History tells us that once a rider takes a leader's jersey, they have just that little bit more motivation within them, which allows them to do great things. Vande Velde won't be keen on giving up his jersey without a fight, and he possesses the all-around skills to remain at the front of the race in any given stage. It on't be easy though, as the stacked Giro field will be breathing down his neck around every corner and on every climb.

Giro Off and Running with TTT in Palermo

Liquigas took the stage one TTT in 2007, and team leader Danilo Di Luca went on to win the overall

The Giro d'Italia, the season's first grand tour, will begin like it did last year: with a team time trial that will establish the initial GC. There are several favorites for the win, and the day should be action packed and exciting. So which teams are most likely to contend? See below for Euro Peloton's views . . .

Slipstream

The Slipstream team will not contend for the overall in the Giro d'Italia, but that doesn't mean they can't take the maglia rosa for a few stages. They bring a powerful line up to the time trial, full of big engines and experience. Two national champions (Millar, Zabriskie) will be on hand to take the time trial reins, along with two big roulers (Backstedt, Dean), an experienced top American time trialist (Vande Velde), and a former junior time trial champion (Pate). They have a very good shot at the win, providing they can perform as well mentally as they do physically. Considering the performance they put in recently at the Tour de Georgia, the 'Argyle Gang' should be considered the most dangeous team in the fight for the TTT title.

Former maglia rosa Pinotti is a respected rider recognized for his integrity and fair play

High Road

Like Slipstream, High Road probably won't be in the picture for the overall Giro title, but they have some excellent time trialists attending the Giro, and if they can send one of the top sprinters over the finish line first, they may be able to keep the jersey for a few stages. Look for Bradley Wiggins to lead the American registered team, as they attempt to put Italian veteran Marco Pinotti into the pink again, like they did in .

Astana

Why can't they? Everyone seem to want to put Astana at a disadvantage because they weren't notified ahead of time for the Giro. What's the big deal? Kloden is on great form, Levi was decent in Georgia, and Gusev is on the upswing following a broken clavicle at the Tour of California. Contado is Contador, the defending Tour de France champ. The four above mentioned riders are all excellent time trialists, and together are more than capable of putting in a great time against the clock. They'll go top five, minimum.

CSC

Bjarne Riis' Danish squad is young and inexperienced, but also very talented. The 1996 TDF winner (no matter what Prudhomme says) Riis always has his troops ready for battle, so expect CSC to put in an excellent ride in the TTT. They may not win it, but they'll knock on the door, as they do in every race they enter.

While the above four teams all have an excellent chance at victory, don't count out Danilo Di Luca and his LPR Brakes team. His teammate, "il falco," Paolo Salvodelli, is a better than average time trialist capable of long pulls at the front. Di Luca realizes the importance of the opening time trial, and will be urging his team on throughout. They may not win, but they won't lose by a ton either. The Giro d'Italia is on tap, the most beautiful stage race in the world!

Euro Peloton Extra: Cycling Super Kid

There is a promising new junior rider coming up through the ranks of road cycling, who is making a real name for himself as he uses an unheard of method: he rides a mountain bike for road races. This youngster, Jimmy Falloon, is able to stay with the world's best juniors on major climbs, and is faster on the descents due to his amzing bike handling skills and the sheer weight of his machine. You have to see it to believe it, so here it is, a first look at the cycling super kid.

"Put Up Or Shut Up," Says Steegmans to UCI; Liquigas to Philly

Steegmans, perhaps in anticipation of becoming a team leader next year, has called out the UCI for their veiled report of doped cyclists

Quick Step sprinter Gert Steegmans, 27, channelled wisdom far beyond his age in calling out the UCI over their announcement that 23 riders and "one top rider" are under suspicion for doping after test analyses from the new anti-doping passport program. An angry Steegmans declared, "It is a perfect example of how not to deal with such things. Why was that announced in this way? Either you say the full names, or you shut up and go about your business."

Bravo.

Steegmans, speaking on behalf of other riders, wondered aloud why the UCI has absolutely no professionalism when it comes to dealing with the sanctioning process. As usual, they have decided to create an environment of fear and uncertainty just days ahead of a grand tour. And like in the 2006 Tour de France, the peloton waits anxiously to learn who the suspected riders are, and which teams may face repercussions as a result of the allegations. In what is sure to be a long Friday, teams will wait for an announcement to be made the day before the Giro begins in Palermo.

If one of Liquigas' big three (Bennati, Pozzato, Pellizotti) take the start at the Triple Crown, fans will be ecstatic

Meanwhile, in America, positive news for the Triple Crown of Cycling event in Pennsylvania, as the Italian Liquigas team is confirmed as a late addition for the three race series. The acid green and blue squad, who recently signed new anti-doping ambassador Ivan Basso, will be on hand to contest the legendary Liberty Classic race on Sunday, June 7th in Philadelphia. American fans will remain hopeful that Daniele "Benna" Bennati, the recovering Italian sprinter, will be on hand to contest the series ahead of his bigger objective for 2008, the Tour de France. The addition of the Pro Tour squad is good for the race, it's organizers and the fans, as the inclusion of the Italian outfit will add color and talent to an already strong field.

Basso to Become Anti-Doping Ambassador for UCI

Basso volunteered just enough to get the heat off of him, and now looks poised to come full circle, even though he never really admitted to anything

What the hell is happening to cycling? As reported by Eurosport and other outlets, deposed Italian cyclist Ivan Basso has been brought on board by the UCI to become an anti-doing ambassador after his suspension ends. Shouldn't his official title instead be "Attempted Anti-Doping Ambassador?" Basso never admitted to doping, only "attempted" doping. If Basso only "attempted" to dope, then Bill Clinton never inhaled and didn't f*!# Monika Lewinsky.

Don't get me wrong here either, I'm all for second chances. I rode with Basso in 2005, and found him to be a pretty cool dude. But I have a huge problem with someone who is unable to out and out admit that they did something wrong. Basso doped. Period. He may not have ever tested positive, but Simoni was right to call him an "extra-terrestrial" as he was dominating the 2006 Giro, riding away from the world's best climbers with ease.

When he was finally nailed to the wall by CONI and the UCI, he still didn't admit what he did, but chose to take the coward's way out and admit only what he had to admit. Meanwhile, riders like Andre Kashekin, Roberto Heras, and Jorg Jaksche can't find a contract after having admitted that they actually doped. What gives here? Why are the honest athletes being blacklisted while the slimier ones (Basso, Hondo, VDB, Di Luca, Valverde) roam free? Is there no justice in the sport of cycling? Apparently not.

Increasingly, Basso is looking more like a politician and less like an athlete. And if he spoke English just a bit better, I would think he was an American. I'm sure he and Roger Clemens could spend a nice evening talking about the millions of dollars they have made over the years for their lies and deception. I hope Basso comes back, races clean, and wins. But I fail to understand why Jaksche and the other honest, transparent names above can't do the same. It is time for cycling to reward honesty, and punish deception, instead of the other way around.

Petacchi Suspended, Vila Positive, But Do Fans Care?

Petacchi wasn't planning on riding the Giro this year, but his suspension will affect his planned participation in this year's Tour de France

Alessandro Petacchi lost his appeal to the CAS yesterday for his non-negative test in last year's Giro, and is now suspended until August of this year. The CAS panel determined that the Italian did in fact break the rules, but did not do so maliciously, so he faces only a one year ban.

Meanwhile, Patxi Vila, the Spaniard of the Lampre team, has reportedly tested positive for abnormal testosterone levels. He faces a two year ban if found guilty. Lampre is standing behind their rider, and urging all to suspend judgment until the counter analysis has been completed.

With more doping related news sweeping through the peloton, the question of how the sport will be affected is top of mind. Fans seem not to care about doping in the peloton. A recent survey here on Euro Peloton revealed that fans will never stop following cycling, even if convicted dopers return to cycling. Most fans seem to be jaded by the myriad problems affecting the sport. They have become numb to the doping issue, and seem perpetually ready to forgive and forget.

Vila, here shown winning a stage in Paris-Nice ahead of Floyd Landis in 2006, faces a two year ban for abnormal testosterone, just like Landis

All of this is good news for Petacchi and others, who can expect to recieve huge support from their fans as they make their comebacks. Indeed, a rider like Ivan Basso seems to be more popular than he was before his doping confession. When riders cheat, it would seem, they become more human to fans, more vulnerable. This underdog factor tends to galvanize their fan base instead of alienating it. And as long as a sponsor like Liquigas or LPR are willing to sign tainted riders, all ends well for an accused/guilty cyclist.

Slipstream to Giro: All for TTT

The "Argyle gang" will look to pour the bubbly after stage one of the Giro

The Slipstream team will have a golden opportunity to take a grand tour leader's jersey this Saturday at the 91st Giro d'Italia. At 23.6 kilometers long, the team time trial course in Palermo, Sicily will give the "Argyle Gang" a real shot at winning the first stage and putting one of their guys into the Maglia Rosa of race leader. Although a technical course, the team time trial should suit Slipstream well.

British time trial champ Milar will lead Slipstream's efforts in the Giro TTT

If they can manage to take the win on stage one, Slipstream could presumably hold the jersey until stage seven, when the road really begins to turn upward. Stages two through 6 are no cakewalk though, so defending the jersey will be difficult. Expect Slipstream to let the jersey go before stage seven should they be lucky enough to win stage one.

Zabriskie will be a huge part of Slipstream's team time trial team at the Giro

In looking at the team's chances for the entire Giro, there doesn't seem to be anyone riding for the team that can hang tough in the high mountains. Danny Pate and Christian Vande Velde are good climbers, but neither has ever shown themselves capable of following the world's best. Expect the Giro as a whole to be a primer for the young American squad, as they gain valuable knowledge ahead of the July Tour de France.

No Garzelli at Giro: An Italian Travesty

No Garzelli at the Giro is like not having Christophe Moreau at the Tour de France

Stefano Garzelli burst onto the scene of professional cycling in the year 2000, taking the overall title at the Giro with the support of his teammate, Marco Pantani. He climbed well in the high passes, and distanced his rivals further in the time trials. In 2003 he finished a second overall to a then dominant Gilberto Simoni, and netted the sixth overall position in thew 2004 edition, behind the other Saeco stage racer, Damiano Cunego. Over the years, Garzelli has shown himself at the front of the Italian stage race, and even took two stages in last years Giro.

How can a former Maglia Rosa (2000) not be invited to compete in the Giro???

But Garzelli won't be at the 2008 Giro d'Italia. One of the top Italian riders, both a stage and overall threat, will not be able to ride the event as his team was not invited. Aqua & Sapone goes way back, all the way back to the "Lion King," Mario Cipollini. Any sponsor that is more than five years into their role as financier, shouldn't one assume that they would be invited to their country's home tour? And who deserves to race more than Garzelli? A former winner and constant animator, who could be better for the overall Giro d'Italia experience? If Garzelli can't ride, then you may as well take away the other Italian fixtures over the last few years, names like Simoni, Di Luca, Salvodelli, and Pinotti.

Garzelli has had success throughout his career, and has ridden almost exclusively for Italian sponsored teams

Stefano Garzelli has only a few more years as a top cyclist, as he is fast approaching his 35th birthday this July. As a former stage and overall winner, Garzelli should get his chance each year to contest his country's home stage race. When his time is up, Garzelli will be remembered as an excellent all-around rider who was capable of winning many different types of races. He can time trial, climb, and sprint, and he has a good nose for the front of a race. When the Giro heads into the high mountains, Garzelli's big engine and tactical prowess will be missed.

Astana Giro Bound After Late Invite Comes Through

Trek bikes will once again be at a grand tour, as will Levi, Alberto, and Andreas

RCS Sport, organizers of the Giro d'Italia, have reportedly extended a last minute invite to the Astana team for the upcoming Giro d'Italia. Astana, although not ideally prepared, will still be a great addition to the race. Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and recent Tour of Romandy winner Andreas Kloden will all be in Italy for the start, to contest the three week grand tour.

Of the three big guns on Astana that will be racing in Italy, Kloden is probably on the best form currently. But expect Johan Bruyneel's team to keep all of their options open, until one of thier star riders definitively shows they are the best for the overall. Kloden will be motivated and confident after his Romandy win, while Leipheimer and Contador will no doubt ride into form during the race.

The introduction of the Kazakstani team creates an entirely new dynamic for the Giro, as race tactics will change drastically with their inclusion. The peloton will have to mark each Astana rider closely, as all three of their team leaders are capable of changing a race on one stage. When the road tilts upward, it will be a real chore for the other teams to control the race, as Contador, Leipheimer and Kloden are all explosive talents. Each will be able to play their own hands on the high mountains, to the peril of the other teams.

So the only remaining question is why did RCS change their minds and suddenly invite Astana? Could this have to do with the UCI's recent announcement that a 'top rider' failed the biological passport program? Could the rider in question be one of the protagonists for the Giro? And if so, will one of the teams invited to the Giro be suddenly uninvited? The next few days should answer most of these questions, as the year's first grand tour prepares to commence this coming weekend.

UCI Reveals 'Top Rider' is Positive . . . But Who?

Science is finally starting to catch up with today's cheats as the war against doping continues

UCI head Pat McQuaid and colleague Anne Gripper announced yesterday in Switzerland that a 'top rider' has been found with abnormal blood values, and will face sanctioning for the positive test. With the lack of a positive ID, the speculation can begin for who the big name is that will face sanctioning. Although innocent until proven guilty, below are the most likely suspects.

Alejandro Valverde, Caisse d'Epargne

"The Green Bullet," or "valv.piti" according to the Operacio Puerto documents, has long been under suspicion for doping, even if he has never been convicted. A talented rider, Valverde was referenced numerous times in the Puerto documentation, and was saved by his country's governing body closing the case on Puerto, effectively ending any chance at disclosure, which was a shame for the sport of cycling. He had a very quiet early season until his win at Liege, which may point to the fact that he was lying low trying to avoid further suspicion. Should the Spaniard be 'the one', the LBL title would go to a much deserving Davide Rebellin.

Danilo Di Luca, LPR Brakes

Di Luca too has been suspected of foul play, and the 2007 Liege-Bastogne-Liege winner even served a three month sentence in the "Oil for Drugs" case from a few years ago. Always calm, the sauve Italian says he has nothing to worry about. He has logged very few results thus far in 2008, much like Valverde. With the Giro right around the corner, Di Luca must hope he'll not be kept from riding in defense of his 2007 title. A suspension at this point in his career would effectively end his tenure as a pro cyclist.

Andreas Kloden, Astana

Kloden has made strange choices recently that have drawn suspicion to the aging German stage racer. He decided to leave team High Road (then T-Mobile) just as they began their exhaustive anti-doping program, and then he was "sick" for the majority of the early season. Recently, German authorities have alleged that he was among the T-Mobile riders that blood doped in the 2006 Tour de France, but no charges have been formally filed. If Kloden is found guilty, the Astana team would fall even further out of grace with ASO and RCS Sport, the organizers of many of the important European races. Needless to say, Astana can't afford any more doping cases as they try to rebuild their credibility.

Allessandro Petacchi, Milram

"Ale-Jet," like all of the other riders on this list, has already been accused of doping, either frormally or informally. In fact, the Italian sprinting ace is waiting for judgement to be passed down for a non-negative test in last year's Giro. Also, like the others above, a two year sanction for Petacchi will no doubt spell the end to his career. Once one of the most feared sprinters in the peloton, Petacchi has not been able to harness his winning form since injuring his knee cap two seasons ago.

Whomever is named as the rider guilty of doping, it can't be good for cycling, and the bigger the name, the worse the sport will suffer. But it's like they say, "you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs." Hopefully the rider found guilty will serve as one more warning to riders thinking of doping. As time goes on, the biological passport system will make it more and more difficult to cheat, which is just how most fans and riders want it.