Upcoming: 63rd Omloop Het Volk, March 1, 2008

Het Volk signals the true beginning of the spring Classics season. A highly coveted prize among cycling's elite, past winners of the semi-Classic include "Pippo" Pozzato, Peter Van Petegem, Johan Museeuw, Roger De Vlaeminck, and of course, the great Eddy Merckx. Pozzato won the race last year after riding away from Rabobank's Juan Antonio Flecha and Stuey O'Grady, the Australian from CSC that would go on to win Paris-Roubaix later that year. Het Volk and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne are always good indicators for the upcoming Tour of Flanders and Parix-Roubaix races. Riders will face eleven tough climbs and bumpy cobbles throughout en route to the finish line.

The Het Volk cobbles are brutal in certain sections

The course follows a circuit through Belgium, starting and finishing in the town of Gent. Strong Belgian Classics riders like Tom Boonen (who has yet to win the event in his career), Leife Hoste, Nick Nuyens, Stijn Devolder, and Nico Eeckhout will be keen to place high on the day, but the contenders are not limited to Belgians.

Often, the weather for the race is nasty and cold

Last year's winner Pozzato, building his form for the Milan-San Remo race, could show well again in 2008, if he races, and Robbie McEwin, the dimunitive Aussie of the Silence-Lotto team, counts himself as half Belgian (he lives there and speaks fluent Flemish) and is a threat in any race he enters. Bernhard Eisel of the High Road team could make a good result after his win last week in the fifth stage of the Volta ao Algarve, or perhaps his teammate and High Road elder statesman Roger Hammond could emerge as the winner. Stuey O'Grady, last year's winner of Paris-Roubaix is always dangerous, as is Fabian Cancellera, the two-time defending world time trial champ and 2006 Roubaix winner. Also, the Belgian Philippe Gilbert could impress, after netting an early season win in the Tour of Mallorca.

Boonen rolling over the Het Volk cobbles in last year's edition. He'll be a favorite again this year

For wildcards, look no further than "il grillo" Paolo Bettini. The cagy Tuscan from La California posseses tactical prowess that is unsurpassed, and he's riding good form after a solid build up at the Tour of California. Servais Knaven of team High Road has won on the cobbles before (Paris-Roubaix 2001), and as a veteran, he should be given a chance to ride for himself if the opportunity arises. Finally, look out for young Steven Cozza of team Slipstream. The Californian had an excellent Tour of California, and will be motivated to show himself at the front of the race at Het Volk.

Thousands of rabid Belgians will be on hand to cheer on their heroes

Weather for the event calls for rain showers and temps in the mid-fifties, so bike handling skills will be important, as will old-fashioned luck. The cobbles can be fearsome under poor conditions, and Het Volk often becomes a race of attrition as riders crash their bikes, chase back, and crash again. The man who stays upright the longest will put himself in position for a big win in the first Classic of the season.

Last year's podium: Boonen, Pozzato, Flecha

Tour of California Grades: Continental Teams

The second in our two part series, Euro Peloton looks at the continental teams of the 2008 Tour of California, and grades each on their exploits in the eight day event.

Bissell Pro Cycling: B

The Bissell team came into California with a solid team of domestic veterans that were prepared to mix it up with the best throughout the week. They were, however, completely overmatched and just didn't have the fire power to measure up against the Pro Tour juggernauts. Tom Zirbel, in a rousing effort, attacked from a small group down the stretch in the final stage of the Tour, but couldn't stay away and had to settle for fourth on the stage. All in all though, Bissell should be proud of their effort, and will have good momentum heading into the upcoming NRC calendar.

BMC Racing Team: A+

The BMC team was the revelation of the Tour, winning the mountains classification with Scott Nydam, and the most aggressive rider award in stage seven, when the entire team was bestowed with the honor. Their performance as a team was so good in fact, that they have secured an invite to the prestigious Criterium International in France, a three day stage race dubbed the "Mini Tour de France." While they probably won't make quite as much noise in France, just being invited to such an event speaks volumes about what they accomplished as a team in California.

Nydam's winter regimen with Leipheimer paid off big time for the small climber

Health Net presented by Maxxis: D

Once America's most powerful team, Health Net was a shadow of their former selves in the 2008 TOC. They managed a podium spot in the final stage when Rory Sutherland placed third, but besides that they were nowhere to be found. Sure, Sutherland received the most aggressive rider jersey after stage five, but it was a largely ceremonial gesture, as Health Net happened to be the title sponsor of the award for that particular stage. They have plenty of time left in the season to improve, but California will not be remembered as a successful race for the proud green and black team.

Jelly Belly Cycling Team: F

Jelly Belly did very little in the 2008 Tour. They had no podiums, did not contend for any jerseys, and got into only a few breaks. Their best rider on the final GC was Michael Lange in 35th place at almost twenty minutes down. Enough said.

Kelly Benefit Strategies / Medifast: B

Kelly Benefit Strategies, as one of the smaller teams in the race, had their hands full staying with the big boys. But they still performed admirably. Alex Candelario, their mutton-chopped sprinter, had a few top tens and rode well while following the more powerful trains in the sprints. Director Sportif Jonas Carney managed his team well, and they'll feel good heading into some of the smaller races in the NRC calendar. Expect this team to surprise some folks this year.

Candelerio is one cool cat, on and off the bike

Rock Racing: B

If we were grading on exposure, Rock Racing would have received an A+. But we're talking about results in the Tour, so instead they receive a B. Mario Cipollini, the old Italian sprinter, had a podium in stage two, but besides that there weren't many other great Rock moments. Mike Creed, sick for the first few days of the Tour, came back admirably in the final stage with a respectable fifth place, but the team was star-crossed from the start. Three of their GC threats (Botero, Hamilton, Sevilla) were denied the start, and the remaining members all were involved in a stage five crash at the end of the race. Rumor has it that Cipo may be gone from the team soon, which would be a big PR blow to the hipsters from Los Angeles.

Creed got well and impressed late in a key breakaway in stage 7 for the R&R team

Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30: A+

Slipstream needed a strong TOC to bolster their hopes for a Tour de France invite, and they got it. Steven Cozza was a constant animator throughout the week, and both Christian Vande Velde and David Millar made it onto the final GC podium. The argyle gang also won the team classification, a testament to the depth they brought to the race. They'll head to Europe now for the spring Classics with an eye on the biggest race in the world in July.

Vande Velde sprays his teammates after they receive the team classification award

Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team: A


Like in 2006 and 2007, the Toyota United team showed that they belong with the big boys. Ivan Dominguez, previously the big gun for the team, abandoned early, but another talented United rider stepped up. Dominique Rollin, the hulking Canadian strongman, flew clear of a select group in the stage four queen leg, and soloed home for he victory. In doing so, he netted the most aggressive and sprinter jerseys for the stage, and he held the green sprinter's jersey until the end in Pasadena. This is a team on the rise, and they should expect to make a splash in Europe in the very near future.

Rollin will no doubt have big contract offers from Europe in the next few years

All in all, the continental teams in the 2008 Tour of California held up very well against the bigger budgeted Pro Tour outfits. Perhaps the only team that should have been left out were the Jelly Belly riders. Somewhere in Canada, the Symetrics squad are hoping they get the chance to prove their worth instead of Jelly Belly next year.

Tour of California Grades: Pro Tour Teams

With the Tour of California gone for another year, Euro Peloton takes a two part look back at each team to see who had the best and worst performances during the eight day event. Below are our TOC grades for the nine Pro Tour teams. Tomorrow will follow the remaining continental teams from the 2008 edition.

Astana: A

The Astana team came to the Tour of California with one goal: Bring Levi Leipheimer to Pasadena with the leader's yellow jersey on his back. And the Kazak team delivered in spades. Levi won the TOC with an almost preternatural ease. He was never really in trouble at any point in the race, and dominated an extremely talented field on the flats in the time trial and in the mountains on the steep climbs. His team was sublime, controlling breakaways throughout the Tour, and neutralizing dangerous attacks on each stage. They'll take momentum into their other objectives for the season, whatever those may be.

Levi shrewdly managed the race and made it his throughout, thanks in large part to the excellent team supporting him

Bouygues Telecom: D

With exception to a late Thomas Voeckler attack in stage five, the Bouyges team was nowhere to be found for almost the entire Tour. Although they were a part of a few select breakaways here and there, they were consistently dropped when the pace racheted up, and failed to even contend for a win the duration of the Tour. Even so, they were a fan favorite amongst true cycling fans, so you can't give em' and F.

Little Tommy Voeckler was a fan favorite throughout the Tour

Credit Agricole: D

Like their French counterpart, the Credit Agricole team was seldom seen throughout the Tour. Thier top rider on the GC was Chritophe Le Mevel, who distinguished himself in a few breakaways, but like Bouyges they didn't really contend on any of the stages. Even their team leader, Patrice Halgand, dropped out after stage five. Maybe they'll have better luck in Georgia in a few months.

CSC: A

Unlike last year, CSC didn't have any of their riders on the final podium. But they did manage to have one of their riders in the yellow jersey, as Fabian Cancellera won the opening time trial prologue and wore the jersey for stage one. Sprinter JJ Haedo went good again the the TOC, scoring a win in stage one, and a second on stage six. Jason McCartney's third place in stage seven capped a great week for the CSC team, who delivered two of their riders into the top five on the final GC.

Cancellera gave his team their first ever yellow jersey in the TOC

Gerolsteiner: C

Gerolsteiner had the most difficulty with the virus that swept through the peloton for the duration of the week, as the team finished with only three of it's riders. However, young German sprinter Heinrich Haussler showed himself at the front of the bunch in stages one and two, before he took sick and had to abandon while the leader of the sprint jersey competition. They garner a C grade due to the fact that the virus really neutralized any chance they may have had to affect the race in it's second half. Hopefully the mineral water sponsor will extend for 2009, and the team will return stronger for next year's edition.


High Road: B+

Bob Stapleton's team had to struggle to get their win, as George Hincapie outsprinted three of his fellow Americans for the stage seven win. They thought they had the win in stage six, but their young sprinter Mark Cavendish was relegated due to an illegal car draft that he received from his team director Rolf Aldag after crashing on the way to the finish in stage five. Bradley Wiggins, Hincapie, and Gerald Ciolek each had second place finishes, suggesting that with a bit more luck, this Tour could have been an A+ for the young team. Stay tuned until next year, when the High Road team will return to the TOC a year older, and a year wiser.

Hincapie won stage seven, saving High Road's 2008 TOC

Quick Step: B+

Quick Step had an excellent Tour, putting Tom Boonen on the top step of the podium in stage two into the Capitol, and Jurgen Vandewalle and "il grillo" Paolo Bettini into third on separate stages. Additionally, Boonen and Bettini promised to return to the race in 2009. It was hard for us not to give them an A based on their promises for next year alone.

Bettini, Boonen and the Quick Step team stop in for some coffee ahead of the rainy Queen stage from Seaside to San Luis Obispo

Rabobank: A

Rabobank got a stage win the the 2008 Tour, and they came away with a jersey. Robert Gesink took the young rider jersey for the second straight year, and was the only rider who could stay with Levi Leipheimer on the steep ramps of the Sierra Road climb. Super sprinter Oscar Friere Gomez couldn't quite get a victory, but did show himself toward the front of the group well in a few stages. This team clearly has bigger objectives, as Friere will hope to take Milan-San Remo and Dennis Menchov will try his hand at the Tour de France overall.

Saunier Duval-Scott: B

Saunier Duval-Scott' TOC was made in stage six when Mark Cavendish was relegated and Luciano Pagliarini was handed the stage win. It must have been a bitter-sweet moment for the Spanish team, but a win is a win. They did what many other teams would have hoped to, and for that their Tour was a success.

2008 Tour of California: The Best Yet

Levi becomes the first repeat TOC champ

As the sun set in Pasadena and the 2008 Tour of California came to a close, fans, cyclists, and organizers could all count the 2008 version as the best yet, despite poor weather throughout the week. The racing was lively, the crowds were huge, and each and every spectator was witness to one of the best fields ever to compete in the United States.

Despite the weather, the 2008 TOC crowds were Europe-huge

The final stage's celebration was truly a sight to behold, as the overall awards were doled out to the deserving individuals and teams that stood above all others throughout the course of the week. Levi Leiphemier became the first two-time champ of the event, and was in a great mood after closing the book on the overall classification. He'll take a bit of momentum into the rest of the season, even if he and his Astana team don't secure an invite to the Tour de France.

Gesink will be heard from for many years to come

Robert Gesink, the winner of the young rider classification for the second consecutive year, was considered the revelation of the 2008 Tour, as he was the only rider capable of following Leipheimer on the decisive Sierra Road stage three. He'll be a rider to watch for many years to come, and in fact may be back someday to try for the overall Tour of California title.

The final jerseys: Gesink (young rider), Nydam (climber), Leipheimer (leader), Rollin (sprinter), Moos and BMC (aggressive)

Dominique Rollin netted the sprint leader's jersey, and in a class gesture, presented the Rock Racing podium girls with roses from his own winner's boquet on the podium after stage seven. He'll do major damage in the coming years, and will probably secure a contract with a Pro Tour team in the near future.

Rollin will be getting kisses in Europe before his career ends

For the most aggressive rider jersey, race organizer decided to award the prize to the entire BMC team for their significant activity throughout the eight stage event. Alexander Moos accepted the jersey on behalf of the team, and enjoyed kisses from the podium girls.

The remaining members of team BMC received the most aggressive rider award

The climber's jersey fell to Scott Nydam, the Californian training partner of Levi Leipheimer who also rides with the BMC squad. Nydam held the jersey for almost all of the stages, and was visibly happy to have secured the award along side his friend and colleague Leipheimer.

Nydam pulls on the final KOM jersey

Finally, the team award, signifying the one team in the race with the highest overall individual ranking, went to the wild card Slipstream team. Steven Cozza was constanty off the front throughout the Tour, and the time trialists of the team, Vande Velde, Zabriskie, and Millar, ensured that the argyle-kitted American outfit secured the team win. In what will surely be a message to the Tour de France, Slipstream's team award will drastically help their cause in obtaining a start in the 2008 Tour de France in July.

The team award went to Slipstream, as well as the oversized $17,000 check

The 2008 Tour of California can be looked at only as a success. Top teams and exciting racing highlighted the week, and most of the big name riders, Boonen, Bettini, Voekler, Cipollini, have all promised to return in 2009. Although a year away, the 2009 Tour of California is already on the mind of cycling fans across America as a must see race, as the best of the best will once again descend on the golden state next February.

The final podium has some fun with champaign at the expense of the race anouncer

TOC Stage 7: High Road Gets Their Win, Fans Get Their Fill

Rainy Pasadena was host to the finish of the 2008 Tour of California

For the past week, the Tour of California has brought top-flight, Euro-syle bike racing to American fans across the state. With five world champions, and numerous Classics and stage race winners, the 2008 Tour has been by far the biggest and best in the three years it has been held. Attendance for the race this year approached 2 million, despite terrible weather throughout the week.

The crowds for the final stage were enormous despite the horrible weather

Stage seven, from Santa Clarita to Pasadena, promised more of the same as poor weather was predicted at the finish line in southern California. And although the rain held for awhile, in the end all were soaked as waves of water fell on both spectator and athlete alike. The funny thing was that it didn’t matter. Fans showed up in droves to watch the action, and the athletes in turn obliged the crowd with an exciting race from start to finish.

Hincapie was on good form, and would not be denied for stage seven

The day’s major break was a powerful one, filled with solid, talented riders. High Road’s George Hincapie was there, as was Rory Sutherland of Health Net, Oliver Zaugg of Gerolsteiner, Bouyges Telecom’s Dimitre Champion, Bissel’s Tom Zirbel, Slipstream’s Dany Pate, Rock Racing’s Mike Creed, CSC’s Jason McCartney, Yannick Talabardon of Credit Agricole, and BMC’s Taylor Tolleson. The group worked well together, and held the peloton at bay for much of the race.

Rabobank pushes through the rain, searching for the breakaway

But as the break approached the finishing circuits around the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the riders began to grow restless, and the cooperation that had existed between them melted away, as different riders began to attack the group, looking for a decisive gap. After several such attacks, Tom Zirbel of the Bissel team was able to go clear and make his play for the win.

Zirbel went off alone in search of the victory, but was unsuccessful

Pursuing Zirbel was a powerful group of four from the original ten man break: Hincapie, Creed, McCartney, and Sutherland. Taking turns at the front, they kept Zirbel in their sites, allowing him to have a twenty second gap for five of the six laps around the Rose Bowl stadium.

Hincapie leads the chase for Zirbel, who was 20 seconds up the road

Meanwhile, back in the peloton, Rabobank and Quick Step were riding at the front trying to reel in the break. Astana too rode tempo, as they tried to keep race leader Leipheimer at the front of the group and out of trouble. But as the bell rang for the final lap, it was apparent that the breakaway wouldn’t be caught, and so all of the pace-making duties fell to Astana.

Astana at the front, keeping race leader Leipheimer out of trouble

As Zirbel time trialed his way to the finish, Hincapie, McCartney, Sutherland, and Creed worked to close the gap. They seemed to purposely keep Zirbel just in front of them, until about half way through the final lap, when Sutherland and Hincapie passed the 29 year old American, effectively ending his bid for victory. Creed, Zirbel and McCartney were able to bridge back up to Sutherland and Hincapie, and the stage was set for a five-up sprint for the win.

As the group approached the finish line, they were all bunched together, marking each other and waiting for someone to initiate the sprint. Sutherland finally went, but Hincapie was able to come around him with ease, giving team High Road the victory they so desperately wanted---and needed, to make their 2008 Tour of California a success.

The stage seven podium: Sutherland, Hincapie, McCartney

Final Stage of 2008 TOC Off and Running

Santa Clarita hosted the final stage of the 2008 TOC

The seventh and final stage of the Tour of California left Santa Clarita today, as riders embarked on the 93 mile final leg of the American Tour. Intermittent rain mixed with sunshine throughout the morning, but by start time it had trailed off to a light spritzing, with moments of brilliant sunshine.

Boonen and Friere, happy ahead of the Tour's final stages

Riders were in good spirits at the start, despite the forecast for forty degree temperatures and steady rain. Astana was surely looking forward to the end of the race, as their team bus pulled out of the hotel parking lot earlier than any other team. Levi Leipheimer, pulling his suitcase behind him as he left the hotel, stopped for a few pictures and then hopped into the team camper, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Cipollini ahead of the start, in god spirits despite the wet weather

Team High Road, still without a win in the event after Cavendish’s relegation on the sixth stage, would be looking to put a rider in an early breakaway, and then hope for a sprint finish. Kim Kirchin, the Luxembourgian Classics specialist, wouldn’t be riding the final stage, but explained High Road’s plans for the day. “Yesterday we tried all we could for the win. Today, it is a tough climb so we’ll see. We’ll put a rider in the break if more than five go up the road, and then we’ll ride for Cavendish or Ciolek if it stays together. We’ll see who is best of the two at the finish. I’m not riding today, though, too much bad weather”

Bettini, ready to go at the Santa Clarita start line

Quick Step, already with two podiums in the race, would be working for Paolo Bettini, according to super domestique Matteo Tossato. “Today the stage will be for Bettini, and if not him, Tom Boonen. This race is very important for our team to build good condition, it’s very important for Milan-San Remo, Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix.” For their part, Bettini and Boonen were both relaxed, and each promised the Santa Clarita crowd that they would be back to race in 2009.

The bunch heads out for the final stage, led by Dominique Rollin (center), the sprint jersey leader

Steven Cozza, the energizer of the 2008 Tour, spoke a bit at the start about his handlebar mustache. “I’m thinking of joining the WWF after this, so I’m getting ready.” He also had a few moments to speak about his long breakaway in stage six. “Yesterday was a tough day. It was long and drawn out. It’s too bad we got caught with only three kilometers to go, but it’s good TV time for the sponsor and the team, and that’s what is most important. I had fun and was hoping to get the most aggressive jersey, but I lost out on that, so. . . .”

Steven Cozza on his way out of Santa Clarita for the final day's racing

With only one stage to go, Cozza still had a bit of fight left in him, providing that circumstances were to his liking. “Today I’m gonna go for it again. Be active again and try to get into the break ahead of the climb, and if I don’t, then that’s the end of the race for me probably.”

The sprinters: Cipollini, Bettini, Boonen, Friere

Speaking briefly about his upcoming schedule, he said, “Yeah, I go off next to do the Belgian Classics, so I’m looking forward to it.” Euro Peloton will be providing weekly updates on the young pro, as he attackes some of cycling’s biggest monuments. Bon Chance Steven, your fans will be watching!

Cavendish Relegated, Pagliarini Elevated in Stage Six of the TOC

Stage winner Pagliarini was gifted a win, and then a replica model of California's state animal, the grizzly bear

The Tour of California continued Saturday with the sixth stage, a hilly affair through the rolling agricultural center of the golden state. Levi Leipheimer, the race leader since stage three to San Jose, came to the start line with an air of confidence in himself and his team. Realizing he had only two stages left until he could be considered the final victor, one could see the anticipation on his face.

The stage six podium: Haedo, Pagliarini, Bettini

Sunny skies finally prevailed for a stage, and the riders were clearly happy that they would remain dry for the first time in a few days. Mario Cipollini was in good spirits, as he gave interviews and signed autographs for eager fans. All of the major sprinters in the race were confident ahead of the stage, claiming they were all ready to take a win for their teams.

Steven Cozza drives the day's decisive break through the town of Santa Clarita

In the day's major break, Slipstream's Steven Cozza, Saunier Duval's David Canada, Bouyges Telecom's Alexandre Pichot, Credit Agricole's Christophe Le Mevel, CSC's Karten Kroon and Health Net's Rory Sutherland built up a sizable lead on the stage, working together smoothly throughout the day's racing.

Fred Rodriguez tries to catch the peloton after his crash

As the breakaway group headed into the first of three laps around Santa Clarita, their gap was at two minuutes. But after the first of the three laps was completed, their lead had shrunk by half, to only one minute. Each rider began to steal glances over their shoulder for the main field, signalling the end of their long foray out front.

The jerseys after stage six: Rollin (Sprinter), Gesink (Young Rider), Sutherland (Aggressive), Leipheimer (Leader), Nydam (KOM)

Meanwhile, back in the bunch, things grew hectic when Mark Cavendish, of High Road, crashed with Rock Racing's Mario Cipollini. The entire Rock team, including Cipollini, was involved, and each could be seen trailing the main field at the beginning of the last lap. Cavendish too was trailing, sporting scrapes and clearly in pain from the fall. As the field re-organized, George Hincapie put in a super human effort to bridge closer to the breakaway group, who was now dangling out front with only a ten second gap.

What the hell? Michael Ball reacts to his entire team being involved in a crash towards the end of stage six

As the field bore down on the finish line, the catch was finally made. Slipstream's David Millar immediately had a dig, but was unable to create a gap and was quickly swallowed up. Quick Step drove hard at the front, with help from High Road. Cavendish and Cipollini, against all odds, made it back up to the front and began to position themselves to contest the final sprint to the line. 100 meters from the line, all the big sprinters were at the front ready to try their hand for the win.

Team Quick Step hunts down the break

Like an approaching stormfront, the field thundered toward the line, sprinting eight wide on the expansive boulevard. Quick Step began to lose control of the race, and the sprinters started their charge in earnest, realizing that it was now every man for himself. The bunch kick was a who's who in world class sprinters. Friere, Pagliarini, Bettini, Haedo, Ciolek, Cipollini . . . and Mark Cavendish, who shot out of the bunch to win the stage.

Cavendish (far right) blasted away from the field, but was later relegated for an illegal draft

Or did he? After an official review by UCI representatives, it was determined that Cavendish and Cipollini took illegal drafts from their team cars to get back to the group, and so both were docked with a time penalty. With the win taken away from the Briton, it then fell to the second-placed rider on the stage, Luciano Pagliarini, of Saunier Duval. As he was interviewed after the decision was handed down, Cavendish was clearly confused, and extremely disappointed with the decision of the officials.

In his sights: Levi is one day's ride from his second consecutive TOC overall title

Looking ahead to the final stage, Levi and Astana will hope to defend for one more day to seal the overall victory. Weather for the last day is expected to be cold at about forty degrees, and torrential rain is expected to pour down on the peloton. Expect mass abandons early on, and a war of attrition for the stage victory. The stage features some punchy climbs on the final circuits around Pasadena, and the hard men of the Classics, those who excel in the harshest conditions and are decent climbers, probably have the best chance at victory. Riders to watch include High Road's Kim Kirchin and George Hincapie, Slipstream's Steven Cozza, CSC's Jens Voigt and Karsten Kroon, Toyota's Dominique Rollin, and Kelly Benefit's Alex Candelerio. Whomever manages the win will have earned the victory, after having endured brutal conditions on th final day of the 2008 Tour of California.

Stage Six Pre-Race quotes at TOC

Alex Candelerio, Kelly Benefit Strategies

On team Kelly Benefit: "We’ve been trying, and hopefully today will play out in our favor. Each day the field is getting smaller and smaller, so that helps our team. And I’m feeling pretty good so we’ll see. I tend to do better when conditions aren’t good. There should be high winds and maybe some rain, so it won’t be a typical SoCal day. As a sprinter, I have to hope Astana and Quick Step will keep everything together. I think CSC and Slipstream will really take it to Astana today."

Jonas Carney, Director Sportif, Kelly Benefit Strategies

On Kelly Benifit's chances: "Our strongest rider is Alex Candelerio, he has incredible form right now. Unfortunately we are suffering from the same virus that the rest of the peloton has, so we have lost some guys and may lose more today. But Alex has been our strongest guy, 11th on stage 2 and 8th on stage 4, so he may be able to get onto the podium if it is a bunch kick. And he’s climbing well enough that even if there is a small group, he can still keep pace. We’ll be opportunistic and look for chances, but we are getting low on riders. It’s also tough as a division three continental team to compete against Pro Tour riders, so we’ll see."

Ignatias Konovalovas, Credit Agricole

On teammate Hivert: "Hivert is sick today, and the weather isn’t so good, so we’re all trying to stay healthy. We would like to get into a breakaway, so we’ll go for it!"

Thomas Voeckler, Bouyges Telecom

On stage six: "There will probably be a breakaway that may stay away, so we’ll try to put one guy at the front to try to win the stage. The race goes very fast and it’s bit hard for us, but we’ll see."

Mario Cipollini, Rock Racing

On, of course, himself: "Now that there is no rain, it is incredible. I’ll try today for the win and also tomorrow. It is the first time riding in California, it is an incredible race. I finished my career but now I come back and am happy to be here."

Thomas Petersen, Slipstream

Petersen's big plans: "I’m going more for the overall than the young rider jersey today."

Luciano Pagliarini, Saunier Duval

How Luca's feeling: "Yeah, I think maybe I have a chance for the win. We’ll wait for the stage to unfold and then try to grab the win if it is a bunch sprint. I feel good, so we’ll do our best."

Oscar Friere, Rabobank

Rounding into form: "Today we have maybe the best chance to win because the course in the beginning is a little hard. We have a chance actually for the next two days for the win. My condition is getting better so we’ll see. Today and tomorrow we have a good opportunity."

Juan Jose Haedo, CSC

Hopeful Haedo: "Probably it will be a sprint finish, but it will depend on who gets into the breakaway. We’ll see how the stage unfolds and also if the overall battle changes."

Mark Cavendish, High Road

Cav on the stage, his future: "It’s looking like a windy day ahead and it’s not the flattest stage, so maybe the race will explode today. If it does come down to a bunch sprint, I think we have as good a chance as any team for the win, and we need a win this week. My goal for this year is consistency. It won’t be as easy to win eleven times again, but I’ll try."

Janez Brackovich, Astana

On Astana's chances: "We’re gonna defend the jersey of course, and we’ll bring the jersey to the end. We’ll keep it tomorrow also. I’m confident we have a strong team. It will be hard but I think we can do it. I feel OK, actually better than the first few days."

Levi Leipheimer, Astana

Levi is cautiously opimistic: “Long way to go really. Yesterday was a huge day for us but it is far from over, that’s for sure.”

Karsten Kroon, CSC

On CSC's stage six plan: "Yeah, we’ll for sure make Astana hurt today. It’s a really hard stage and I think it will be a really exciting stage today. No giving up for us man!"

On his chances in the Wallonian Classics: "Last year I had really bad preparation for the season. First I broke my wrist snowboarding, and then I broke a few ribs here in California last year in a crash, so that was tough. Nothing like that this year though, so I think I’ll be ready for the classics."

Henk Vogels, Toyota United

Hendricus predicts: "I think we’re just gonna sit tight today and let those sprint points go up the road. I think High Road are really desperate for a win here today, so I think you’ll see them try to bring it back for Cavendish. I don’t think CSC can win the overall any more, so I think they’ll want to try to get a stage win as well. CSC and Slipstream will probably try to put Astana under pressure, but Astana is strong. They have only two more days to ride at the front and that’s it, so they should be able to win the Tour."

Steven Cozza, Slipstream

On Slipstream's and his chances for the day: "We definitely want to get into the break, and if I can do that I think I can win the stage. So we’ll see. I think we can count on High Road to help us out with attacking. We’re all getting better from the sickness. We have all hit rock bottom, and now we’re all improving each day."

TOC Time Trial: Levi Beats World Champ at His Own Game to Solidify Lead

Spoils of victory: more podium kisses for Levi

As it was in 2007, the small town of Solvang was host to the deciding stage of the 2008 Tour of California. Unlike 2007 however, the weather for this decisive stage was not as favorable as it was a year ago. Mostly cloudy skies and scattered rain showers fell throughout the early morning, as riders prepared for the 15 mile test against the clock.

World time trial champion Fabian Cancellera was on the course early, no doubt previewing the all-important stage. Team boss Bjarne Riis was close by, checking the big Swiss rider’s bike to make sure all was in order. Cancellera had a look of grim determination on his face as he set out to ride the course ahead of time.

Cancellera was dead serious ahead of the deciding time trial

Riis sounded less than confident in Cancellera, as he spoke in hushed tones about the day’s race. “If it is wet, the course will definitely be more technical, Fabian will have to be more careful than usual. I don’t know how good Levi is, so a lot will depend on that. But Fabian will go on the course now to see the route, and then the rest is up to him. If he can get a couple of seconds lead on the overall, that should be enough to win the race.”

Levi Leipheimer, equally focused, was also on his Trek TTX early in the day, leaving nothing to chance as he looked to solidify his lead in the overall classification. Director sportif Vatcheslav Ekimov was decidedly more upbeat that Riis, and thought Levi had a good chance of securing not only the stage victory, but the overall. “As long as the weather conditions are the same, it will be fine with us. I think our chances are good. Even if we don’t keep the jersey today, we still have many cards to play. Levi is going very good and every second will count for Cancellera. He won’t get anything for free.”

As riders took top the start gate at 12:00 pm pacific time, large dark clouds hovering over head and rain showers swept intermittently over the landscape. The day’s initial best time was set by world pursuit champ Bradley Wiggins of team High Road at 32 minutes and 16 seconds. But it was not until the last few riders that the final podium would be decided. The first man to go under the 32 minute mark was American Christian Vande Velde, who stopped the clock at 31 minutes and 35 seconds. A few rider’s later, Vande Vende’s teammate David Millar, the British time trial champion, went 16 seconds better at 31 minutes and 16 seconds.

The world champ could only come fifth for his CSC team

With only Fabian Cancellera and Levi Leipheimer still on the course, the crowd grew restless as they waited for the final results. Cancellera motored toward the line, but was unable to keep pace with either Millar or Vande Velde, and could manage only a time of 31 minutes and 52 seconds, which was good for fifth place on the day. Leipheimer, dressed in the leader’s yellow jersey and simple black shorts, made the final turn toward the finish line and jumped out of the saddle, looking for every second he could in the race against the clock. When he finally crossed the line, he was a full 29 seconds better than Millar and 65 seconds better than the world champ Cancellera.

Levi was gifted a beautiful sculpture for his beautiful victory

With only two stages left to race, the overall win looks all but guaranteed for the American from Santa Rosa. Barring a major mechanical failure or crash, Levi should be able to lean on his powerful Astana team to bring him to the final podium on Sunday in Pasedena as the overall winner for the second year in a row. But it won't be easy. None of the other teams will be willing to help the Astana squad, and several Slipstream riders (Millar, Vande Velde, Zabriskie) are within striking distance of the overall lead. If they contiune to hit Astana with attacks, one of them may be able to escape and gain time over the next few days. Astana will have to be hyper-vigilant throughout the next two stages. For CSC, it will be another year without a GC win, as their closest rider is Cancellera, in fourth place at one minute eighteen seconds. Bjarne Riis's tentative tone on the morning of the time trial may have predicted what Astana knew all along: Levi was just too strong.

Rollin Gets His Roll On in Queen Stage of 2008 TOC

Race leader Levi Leiphemier (white rain jacket) and the pack head out of Seaside under rainy skies

The Tour of California’s queen stage took the peloton from Seaside to San Luis Obisbo in blustery, rainy weather. Early in the morning, skies were cloudy, but the rain hadn’t begun to fall. However, by start time, fat droplets of water were pelting riders and fans alike as they waited for the race to begin.

Rollin was beside himself with joy after his solo stage win

Once under way, the pack rolled glumly along, and most camera views of the riders showed them frowning as they tried in vain to protect themselves from the biting cold. Abandons began almost immediately, as many riders decided that they had had enough. Among them were German national champ Fabian Wegmann, Slipstream climber Tom Danielson, TOC sprint jersey leader Heinrich Haussler, and BMC rider Jackson Stewart. Stewart was the worse off of the early abandons, as he suffered hypothermia and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

The stage four jerseys: Rollin (Agressive and Sprint), Nydam (KOM), Leipheimer (Leader), Gesink (Young)

As the field wound down the coast on highway 1, the pace remained molasses-slow at only about 15 miles an hour. An eight man break went off the front, headlined by High Road’s George Hincapie, Toyota United’s Dominique Rollin, Saunier Duval’s Iker Camano, Rabobank’s Bauka Mollema, and Jonathan Hivert of Credit Agricole. Their lead stretched to as much as three and a half minutes before the peloton finally began the chase with just over 20 kilometers left to race.

Another day of kisses for Levi, as he stays in yellow

Sensing the break away group weakening, Rollin (pronounced Roll-On) went clear from the group on his own, seemingly on a suicide attack. Moments later, he had a two minute gap. George Hincapie, realizing that the decisive move may have been made, attacked with Iker Camano and went out in search of the young Toyota United Canadian. Meanwhile, back in the pack, CSC took up the chase, but quickly realized that their efforts were in vain and gave up.

The stage four podium: Hincapie, Rollin, Camano

And so it was left to three riders to fight for the queen stage victory. Rollin, powering steadily toward the finish, never wavered in his commitment, and continued to hold Hincapie and Camano at arm’s length. For their part, the Saunier Duval and High Road riders worked together to bridge the gap to Rollin, but it was not meant to be.

Rollin scores victory for Toyota United in the queen stage of the 2008 TOC

Rolling carefully around the final corner ahead of the finish line, Rollin knew he had the stage won, and took a moment to straighten his jersey before approaching the line. Holding his arms out, and with pure glee painted on his face, Rollin rolled over the line, letting out an emotional scream.

Reached for comment after the award ceremony, Rollin said about his win, “This is a great day for Toyota United. Being able to bring a stage win for the third year in a row to the team, and being the first US-based team to get a win this year is just amazing. This is the biggest win of my career, it’s just unbelievable! Now, I’ll take a hot shower, and after, maybe a sip of champaign!” Roll on Dominique, you deserve it!

Busy Cozza Improving By the Day at the TOC

Cozza in typically good spirits despite the terrible weather

Steven Cozza was on the front again in the Tour of California today, this time for stage three. Marking an early escape of Scott Nydam, the current KOM leader, Cyril Lemoine of Credit Agricole and Paul Martens of the Rabobank squad, Cozza did his share of work until he and his breakaway companions were dropped one by one on the way up the Mount Hamilton climb by Martens.

He explained just how it was out on the road. “I crashed in the beginning of the race. My teammate was trying to fix my radio. He reached into my back pocket and a Gerolsteiner rider (Bernhard Kohl) came up on my left side and hooked my bars and took me out. Kim Kirchin went down too, he was just layin’ there hurting.”

After getting back on his bike, Cozza was plain mad. “After the crash I was super-pissed, so I just started going with all the break aways and finally the one with the three guys (Lemoine, Martens, Nydam) went away and got a good gap. So I bridged up to them and saw they were just cruising. No one was driving any more than anyone else. Nydam was going for the KOM points and we let him have them, we didn’t care. Then we hit Mount Hamilton and Martens attacked. I couldn’t really hold his wheel so I just got in the zone and got into a good rhythm.”

Cozza didn’t like the Mount Hamilton and Sierra road climbs all that much. “Those were hard climbs, that stage was definitely not meant for me! I think the descent off of Hamilton is too long. We were descending for what seemed like forever. There was too much downhill on this stage.”

As for his teammate Tom Danielson, whom Tyler Farrar called out after stage two as a rider to watch, Cozza explained that “I think Danielson had some lower back trouble. You never know when you’re going to have a bad day. Unless you’re Lance Armstrong, you never know. But we have a bunch of other guys that can ride for the GC so that’s good.”

Cozza has had his share of bad luck with crashes in this year’s Tour, but didn’t seem too concerned with going to the ground. “I don’t know, I’m startin’ to feel kind of like a rag doll. At this point I may just keep it goin’ and not worry about crashing. It seems to be helping my motivation so I may just keep it up.”

After the race was over, the youngster headed back to his hotel room where someone special was waiting for him with a welcome surprise. “My girlfriend Kali is doing great, she brought me a whole pizza, and I ate the whole thing!”

For the rest of the evening, his plan was simple. “I think I’ll go back to my room, comb my mustache and put my legs up.” Rest easy Steven, your fans and Euro Peloton will be looking for the “Mustached Marauder” in tomorrow’s queen stage!

Stage Four Pre Race Quotes, Tour of California

Kim Kirchin, High Road

“It will be long stage and the weather isn’t so good, but we have to pay attention and try to keep control of the group and hope for sprint finish.”

In reference to his crash in stage three: “I’m OK. I suffered a bit yesterday, but it’s my first race, so it’s OK. My big objective will be the Belgian Classics, and then for sure the Tour.”

Taylor Tolleson, BMC

On his form and the team for stage four: “I feel pretty good, the team is riding very strong. The stage is a toss up for how it will unfold. We’ll try to get into the break and try to keep the KOM jersey.”

On his hot pink shades: “No story behind the shades, just trying to keep it fun!”

Mike Creed, Rock Racing

On recovering from his stage one sickness, and stage four predictions: “I feel better, but at the end we still rode 100 miles the past three days so I’m still tired. Today it will rain and there will be a headwind, so it will probably be a cold and boring day. But perhaps the headwind will turn to a cross wind, so it could become very exciting. If it comes into a bunch kick that’s good for Cipollini. I would like to try to get into an escape to kind of redeem myself. I’ve never been last overall in anything in my life, so that’s a new experience, so we’ll see. If they (team directors) give me the green light and the legs give me the green light, then for sure I want to show myself.”

Danny Pate, Slipstream

“I’m going to just try not to puke today! I’m feeling bad.”

Jurgen Van De Walle, Quick Step

On stage four: “We’ll decide in the race who to work for, but it depends on if other teams want to have a bunch sprint. If there are only two or three guys in front, then there is a good chance for a bunch sprint. If there is a bigger group away, who knows?”

On making the stage three podium: “It’s nice. Normally, you’re always working for the main guys. I was feeling good yesterday, so Lefevre told me to give it a go. It was very nice to come third and get the podium.”

Tom Danielson, Slipstream

On his back injury: “It’s OK, it’s going to take awhile before I feel better, but I’ll take it day by day and get a bit stronger each day. My fitness is good, but it’s taking me a bit of time to get back to speed. I don’t know, I’d like to go good in Paris-Nice, but if I have to wait until Georgia, then I’ll wait until Georgia. But one way or the other, I’m going to be stronger than I was last year.”

On racing in America and his adjusted early season schedule: “It’s great to be in America. I’m so happy that I was able to get my rehab back in time to race here!”