Pro Cycling Offseason: The Quiet Time

We are now at the point in the professional cycling season that I call "the quiet time." Between now and January, there are far fewer events on the cycling calendar, and most of the world's best riders are on well-deserved vacations, as they each recharge their batteries for 2009. In fact, after Ivan Basso makes his comeback at this weekend's Japan Cup, professional cycling will truly go into hibernation, not to be seen again until January, at the Tour Down Under in Australia.

Basso's comeback should not be dismissed, as it will be an interesting glimpse into his potential for victory at the 2009 Giro d'Italia. Just watch. If Basso is dropped at the Japan Cup and can't keep pace with the leaders, the press will trumpet that he "looked rusty", and has "hit an early roadbump" in his comback attempt. However, if he rides at the front and contends, the headlines will read "Il Terrible Returns" or "Ivan the Destroyer." Either way, it is correct that Basso should receive another chance to ride, as he has served the complete two year sentence for attempted doping. Meanwhile, the real indicator of the Italian's form will be seen in California in February, as Basso lines up against some of the best stage racers in the world, including two-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer.

Speaking of Leipheimer and the Tour of California, the two-time defending champion of the top stage race in America will, hopefully, be gunning for a third straight title. Lance Armstrong, realizing that he will need help at the Giro, will surely work for Levi to ensure that the Santa Rosa, CA native takes his home tour for the third year running. Right? Right???!!? Armstrong will be big enough to support Levi for a third ToC win so that Big Tex can command the troops in Italy in May for sure . . . . well, any way, here's hoping.

After the Tour of Clalifornia, we'll be into the classics season, starting with the early season semi-classics like Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and Het Volk. Then the season's first classic Milan-San Remo, la primivera. Will Cancellara be able to win again in Italy, or will Bennati finally get it done for the Liquigas squad . . . man, we're getting ahead of ourselves!! So reluctantly, I'll stop looking too far into the future, and wait patiently until the 2009 season actually starts. With multiple comebacks and a robust schedule on tap, 2009 should be one of the best pro cycling years yet!