Tour of Romandy Favorites Battle for Swiss Glory

The 62nd Tour of Romandy carries much prestige and importance in the world of cycling, and is the last major stage race before the year's first grand tour, the Giro d'Italia. Riders will encounter good climbs and an individual time trial of 18 kilometers, more than enough of a distance to give each rider a good view into their own fitness level.

Happy go lucky defending champion Thomas Dekker is the favorite for the 2008 edition of Romandy

The favorites for the Swiss race include last year's winner Thomas Dekker of Rabobank, Rubens Bertogliati of the Saunier Duval-Scott, Juan Miguel Garrate of Quick Step, and Caisse d'Epargne's talented climber José Vicente Garcia Acosta. Perhaps more interesting than the battle for the overall however, is the fact that there are also a handful of high profile riders taking the start line that haven't been seen much thus far in 2008.

"Benna" (in Lampre's kit last year) will be sprinting for Liquigas this year instead of against them

Head lining the list is Andreas Kloden of the Astana team. Kloden has been ill and unmotivated so far in 2008, bitter over Astana's exclusion from the Tour de France. Perhaps he'll regain some momentum at Romandy. Rabobank's grand tour hope Dennis Menchov will also be riding at Romandy, looking to test his form ahead of the July Tour de France, which he has made a big objective for himself in 2008.

Kloden will don the shades again and grace the cycling public with his presence at the Tour of Romandy

Other notable riders that will be partor Romandy include Francaise des Jeux's young climber Remy di Gregorio, who has been very quiet in 2008, and Daniele Bennati, of the Liquigas team. "Benna" had an excellent 2007, winning stages in the Tour de France, Vuelta Espana and Three Days of De Panne stage races. He has been dealing with injuries so far in 2008, but he still has plenty of time to round into form ahead of the big stage races this summer. He'll start on his journey back to the top at Romandy.

FDJ's young climber di Gregorio will be on hand at Romandy

The Tour of Romandy is a nice distraction as the cycling world begins to anticipate the grand tour season. Challenging courses, lively racing, and nice weather tend to highlight the Tour of Romandy, and so it is a favorite race for cycling's elite. One rider not on the line is Chris Horner of the Astana team. Usually the Tour of Romandy is one of Horner's favorite races of the season, but for whatever reason, Astana team brass has left him off the squad.

Liquigas Kicked Out of Rund um den Henninger-Turm; Rasmussen, Vino to Follow Basso in 2009?

News trickled down today out of Germany that the Italian Liquigas team will not be at the start line of the upcoming German semi-classic Rund um den Henninger-Turm, as they would not agree to sign the "statement of honor" document required of all registered teams. Already Liquigas seems to be preparing for the arrival of Ivan Basso, as the tainted star was signed a few days ago by the Italian Pro Tour outfit. Liquigas is having to face scrutiny from race organizers literally the day after they announced the signing, and Basso's actual return is still a half year away. The alleged "statement of honor" must have asked Liquigas to admit something that they no longer can: that they are in compliance with cycling's world governing body rules. They are not.

Everyone deserves a second chance, right Vino?

The Pro Tour ethics code stipulates that if a rider is sanctioned for doping, he is not allowed to sign for a Pro Tour team for four years. After having withdrawn itself from the AIGCP, Liquigas has placed itself in a tough spot as it struggles to defend the choice to sign Basso. The way the situation is handled by other race organizers will have a huge effect on how future cases are dealt with. If Liquigas succeeds and Basso is able to start the Giro and other major races in 2009, what should stop another rider, either unsanctioned or done with his two year ban, from jumping onto a different Pro Tour team? Further, if Liquigas is eventually stripped of it's Pro Tour status, but still earns invites to the year's biggest races, won't other teams follow that same course and sign whomever they please?

The Pro Tour may go the way of the old cycling World Cup in 2008

Worse still, will cycling fans soon have to watch Michael Rasmussen, Alexandre Vinokourov, Andre Kashikin, and others be rewarded with lucrative high profile contracts from other Pro Tour teams in the near future? Perish the thought, but wouldn't Jan Ullrich, who is facing no sanction, at least consider returning if the price was right? In what could turn into a real mess, the above riders and others may soon be in the picture, as the fight against doping continues. Just don't necessarily expect their teams to be at the biggest races, as it looks like the race organizers, not the UCI's Pro Tour, will govern the sport into 2009.

2008 Tour of Georgia Outshined by Exciting Wallonnian Classics

On both sides of the Atlantic, big time racing wrapped up on Sunday as the American Tour de Georgia and European Ardennes classics came to an close to end a great month of April racing. However, it was the three races over the past week through France's Ardennes mountains that far outshined the Tour de Georgia for intrigue and interest.

The Ardennes classics began with a spellbounding victory by "Il Piccolo Principe," Damiano Cunego. The Italian rode clear of the bunch down the stretch, and took one of his biggest victories to date. Then on Wednesday, 29 year old Kim Kirchin of the High Road team won the mid week classic Fleche Wallonne, after outlasting a game Cadel Evans and several others in tough, rainy conditions.

Reason to smile: The pressure is off Valverde after his impressive LBL win

Meanwhile, at the Tour of Georgia, the 25 year old Konstantin Sivtsov won the Brass Town Bald stage to seal the overall win, outclassing American Levi Leipheimer and the formidable Astana team. In what was a surprising but welcome victory for team High Road, Sivtsov rode well on the steep sections of stage six, and showed that he is a rider to watch for future stage races.

The Tour de Georgia's problem though was that the rosters for the event weren't all that impressive. Besides the Astana juggernaut, there just wasn't a ton of stage racing horse power in the seven day event. Only the Rock Racing team brought some significant stage race style riders, as Santi Botero and Oscar Sevilla contested the event. Problem was that both iders were unhitched on climbs during the week, and finished out of contention for the over all.

Philly week is a chance to see some big time racing in June ahead of the Tour of Missouri

The final early season classic, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, ended dramatically in a three up sprint between Frank Schleck, Aljandro Valverde, and Davide Rebellin on Sunday. Rebellin seemed to be the strongest of the three, but it was the "Green Bullet" Valverde who had the best sprint after a long day out on the road. He easily out kicked Schleck and Rebellin for his second LBL win, and silenced his critics who have questioned his ability to win after being implicated in the Operacion Puerto affair.

Medalist Sports, the organizers of the Tour of Georgia, need to remember what made their other big event, the Tour of California, a success. Big teams, popular riders and dynamic race routes bouyed the TOC and as it stands now the February race sits high on all rider's priority list of key races to ride. Georgia, for whatever reason, has not been able to gather the same momentum. Only four Pro Tour teams were represented, and with excpetion to Astana, none of the Pro Tour teams brought their "A" squad. If the Tour of Georgia is to remain a success, they must find a way to attract some marquee names to their event.

Next up for cycling fans is the May Giro d'Italia, the year's first grand tour

So the spring classics season comes to a close, and attention now shifts to the grand tours. The Giro d'Italia is only a couple of weeks away, and the major protagonists for the race will use the final few days to perfect their form ahead of one of the most beautiful races in the world. Meanwhile, the next big series of races in America will take place in the first week in June at the three race Philly Week. Hopefully the field gathered in Pennsylvania in June will be better than in Georgia, for the sake of cycling itself, and it's fans.

Liege-Bastogne-Liege: Caught on Camera

The oldest classic of them all, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, runs today. A highly coveted race, LBL is always hotly contested by some of the best climbers in the world. Below, a look at some recent editions.

The great Michele Bartoli takes the 83rd edition in 1997

The 1993 edition, taken by Rolf Sorensen ahead of Tony Rominger

The field takes on the La Redoute climb in 2001

Another great view of the field climbing La Radoute, this time during the 2007 edition

Basso to Liquigas, Pro Tour Ethics Code Ignored

Ivan Basso has reportedly signed a contract to race for the Italian Liquigas team after his suspension ends later this year. His new sponsor Liquigas withdrew itself as a member of the Internationale des Groupes Cyclistes Professionnels (AIGCP) yesterday, headed by Cofidis' Eric Boyer. Like Discovery did last year, Liquigas cited lack of unity in the group as the reason for their leaving. Yeah right.

Basso has kept under cover the last few months, but is now plotting his return to cycling

They are withdrawing for one reason and one reason only: Ivan Basso. Additionally, expect them to disassociate themselves from the Pro Tour in the near future as well. The Pro Tour ethics code stipulates that any rider sanctioned for doping must serve an additional two year suspension from riding on a Pro Tour team. Basso will have served two years when he begins riding for Liquigas, who is currently a Pro Tour team.

Basso thinks he can win the Giro again in 2009 despite having been away from competition for two years

In what is a huge blow to Pat McQuaid and the Pro Tour, Liquigas is confirming what many already knew: the Pro Tour won't be around much longer. Following ASO and RCS Sport's decision to exclude select Pro Tour teams from their events, much of the Pro Tour's influence dissappeared. Liquigas signing Basso could prove to be the death blow to the Pro Tour, as teams are realizing that they don't need to be in the Pro Tour to get invited to the year's biggest races.

When Basso returns, will he still have the accelerations in the high mountains?

Meanwhile, all is falling into place nicely for Basso. After the initial firestorm over his semi-confession, the Italian has humbly built himself back up in his native Italy, positioning himself as a casualty in the fight against doping. When he was sanctioned, many thought he would never ride for a big time team again. With the news of Liquigas signing him, Basso has almost come full circle. Now all that is left is for the Italian to get back to racing. Whether he'll still be "Ivan the Terrible" however, remains to be seen.

Slipstream's Danielson at Crossroads at 2008 Tour of Georgia

Danielson hopes his next big result is right on the horizon

Slipstream's Tom Danielson signed with the team for 2008 with much anticipation and prognostication. Viewed as the most talented stage race style rider on the team, both fans and team representatives saw Danielson as a stage racing force to be reckoned with under the tutelage of Jonathan Vaughters.

But the early season saw Danielson's season schedule drastically changed. He was slated to ride in all of the early season European races, but instead returned home after the Etoille des Besseges race in France in January. From there, he raced the Tour of California, but was dropped on the toughest stage over Sierra Road, and then withdrew citing a back problem. Danielson hasn't been seen since. After taking an extensive break to address his chronic back problems, he has returned to competition at the Tour of Georgia with hopes of a high GC win.

As a neo-pro with the Fassa Bortolo team, Danielson was viewed as the next big American

Danielson hasn't been seen since. After taking an extensive break to address his chronic back problems, he has returned to competition at the Tour of Georgia with hopes of a high GC win. And he had better do just that. Danielson's time is running out as an elite rider. Already 30 years old, he hasn't much to show for himself in the victory category.

Sure, he took the win two years in a row at the Brass Town Bald stage of the Tour of Georgia, but the only other significant International result he has garnered was an excellent 6th overall and a stage win at the 2006 Vuelta Espana. 2008 is a swing year for Danielson. By the end of 2008, he'll either be firmly established as the undisputed stage race leader of Slipstream, or he'll be looked at as a veteran who can support the younger riders on the team in 2009.

It's Danielson's head, not his legs, that have been questioned over the years

Tom Danielson heads into this weekend's Brass Town Bald stage needing the win more than ever. If he can manage to outclass American road race champion Levi Leipheimer ad take the leader's jersey, Danielson will have proven that he can climb with the world's best. If however he is dropped, serious doubts will be raised about his ability to win big time stage races.

Liege-Bastogne-Liege: The Calm Before the Storm

The crowds will be huge at the world's oldest classic

The Amstel Gold and Fleche Wallonne races are in the books, won by Damiano Cunego, and Kim Kirchin respectively. Cunego outsprinted his foes on a slight uphill, while Kirchin climbed past his on the dreaded Mur de Huy en route to the biggest win of his career so far. Other names are in the mix for LBL this Sunday though, and the action should be fierce come race day on Sunday. If only the race turns out like the description below . . . . . . .

Imagine it: Cadel Evans, Frank and Andy Schleck, Davide Rebellin, Alejandro Valverde, Kim Kirchin, and Damiano Cunego work together to create the day's decisive breakaway. Some scrappers manage to follow, among them Riccardo Ricco of Saunier-Duvall, young Thomas Dekker of Rabobank, and perhaps the German national champion Fabian Wegmann, also of team Gerolsteiner. Finally, hanging on at the back of the break is "il grillo," Paolo Bettini. Hopping back and forth in the group, agitated, Bettini looks for the right time to escape as the announcers wonder how he has recovered so quickly from his bad crash a few weeks ago.

The race swings into the home stretch, and the stress level rises in the group. Kirchin, feeling good after his Fleche win, jumps off the front in hopes of soloing home. Valverde rises out of the saddle and gives chase, he won't lose Liege this way. On Valverde's wheel are Cunego, Rebellin, Evans, and Bettini. As the six power toward the finish line, Kirchin flies past Valverde and is the first to begin the sprint. 300 kilometers from the line, Cunego turns the screws. Behind Cunego, Bettini leads a fading Frank Schleck. It's down to the final 100 meters . . . Valverde, Cunego, Bettini, Kirchin, Evans,

and the winner is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vote in my poll on this page!

The Future of La Fleche Wallonne

There can only be one winner of the Fleche. After 200k in the saddle, a handful of riders will contest the win on the Mur de Huy. Others however, will be happy to finish with the main group as they continue to gain knowledge in their young careers. Euro Peloton takes a look at the future of cycling, and possibly at this year's late season stars.

Gesink, like his teammate Mollema, is rising fast in the sport of cycling

Robert Gesink probably won't win for his Rabobank team at the Fleche or Liege, but he is most certainly a rider to watch for the rest of 2008 and beyond. The 21 year old showed himself at the Tour of California, and then came within seconds of winning Paris-Nice, which signalled to the world that the young Dutchman is for real. Watch for him in the Tour de France.

Schleck hasn't shown yet this year, but he will soon

Andy Schleck finished second overall in last year's Giro d'Italia, but has yet to gain any results in 2008. He has targeted the Wallonnian classics, but as of yet has not shown himelf as a contender. Perhaps he is saving himself for Liege, but one thing is abundantly clear: Schleck is for real. Only 22 years old, Schleck's upside is limitless as he gains knowledge and confidence. He should show well at the Tour de Swiss or Dauphine, and then again at the Tour de France.

Mollema time trialing at this year's Tour of California

Bauke Mollema is probably a year away from big time results, but he resembles Andy Schleck one year ago in many ways. Like Schleck, Mollema had two wins as a 20 year old, including the prestigious Tour de l'Avenir. Thus far this season, the youngster has finished a very respectable 6th overall at the Vuelta a Castilla y León, behind race winner Alberto Contador. Look for him to impress at the Vuelta Espana, where he'll ride in support of Dennis Menchov.

Ignitiev has all the tools to be great rider in the near future

Mikhail Ignatiev arrives at the Fleche to continue to gain experience in his young career. And while he is only 22 years old, his nine pro victories over the past two years point to immense talent and potential. Ignatiev resembles CSC's veteran duo of Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara in that he likes to attack a few kilometes from the line in hopes of time trialing home for victory. Ignatiev will fly the flag for his mother Russia for many years to come. Watch him at this year's Giro, as he's sure to be in a ton of breaks and will contend for a stage win at some point.

Today, as the peloton winds through the Belgian country side, the crowd will call out names like Evans, Valverde, Rebellin, and Cunego, but the above riders too will pass by. By 2009, these riders above may be among the names called out when next year's favorites roll out for the 73rd edition of the Fleche Wallone and the 95th edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Upcoming: 72nd La Fleche Wallonne, April 23, 2008

The Fleche Wallone: the race that sees the true one day specialists show themselves ahead of the oldest classic of them all, Liege-Bastogne-Liege. The Fleche is a race for the quick, punchy climbers, as the dreaded Mur de Huy climb meets the riders after almost 200 kilometers in the saddle. All of the usual suspects are ready to battle it out for the title in Belgium, as the spring classics season rolls on.

Heading the list of favorites for the Fleche is the recent winner of the Amstel Gold race, Damiano Cunego. The small Italian climber rode to victory in Holland at the Amstel, and will look to do the same in Belgium on Wednesday. The other favorites for the race include last year's winner from Gerolsteiner, Davide Rebellin, Rabobank's all-arounder Thomas Dekker, Caisse d'Epargne's Alejandro Valverde, Silence-Lotto's Cadel Evans, and CSC's Frank Schleck, who looked very good at the Amstel before eventually losing the sprint to the quicker Cunego.

The Fleche is a popular race that all riders dream of competing in

In addition to the big favorites are a handful of riders capable of taking the upset win. Agritubel's Christophe Moreau is a good climber, and will have his entire team at his disposal at the Fleche. He should be considered dangerous if he can stay in contact at the end of the race. Caisse d'Epargne's Luis Leon Sanchez took a stage at Paris-Nice, and has the climbing burst to drop the field on the Mur de Huy. Sandy Casar of the French Francaise des Jeux team is a great climber, and a decent breakaway rider as well. And the German national champion Fabian Wegmann will look to take the win if his team leader Rebellin can't stay at the front.

Lance Armstrong took the 1996 version of Liege with a vicious attak on the Mur de Huy

Some other dark horses for the Fleche include High Road's Kim Kirchin, who had a two wins at the recent Vuelta al País Vasco stage race, Rabobank's climbing phenom Robert Gesink, and CSC's Karsten Kroon, who has been close many times in the Wallonnian classics, but has never been able to climb the top step of the podium. Last but not least are Riccardo Ricco of Saunier Duvall and Milram's Igor Astarloa. Ricco is a tempestuous rider who has had a terribly bad early season, but he has the talent to contend at the Fleche. Astarloa is a former world champion who hasn't garned any major results in recent years. His quickness on short climbs however gives him a great chance for the win.

The defending champion Rebellin is again a favorite for the hilly Fleche

The Fleche Wallonne will definitively show who has the best chance in Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege. The ten steep climbs out on the course will stretch each rider's legs, and the final Mur de Huy will seperate all but the best before the finish line. Belgium prepares once again to cheer on the best in the world in some of th eoldest and most prestigious races.

Amstel Gold: Cunego Breaks Through as Fleche, Liege Lurk

Damiano Cunego finally got a win in a early season classic, with his Amstel Gold win on Sunday. "Il Piccolo Principe" showed himself to be a rider to watch for 2008 at the Klasica Primivera, and confirmed his good form again on Sunday with the win in Holland. Cunego now is a favorite for the upcoming Liege-Bastogne-Liege race his Sunday, as the characteristics of the world's oldest classic play to some of Cunego's biggest strenghts.

Other riders looking good heading into the remaining hilly classics include Davide Rebellin, who placed a respectable fourth at the Amstel, and Frank Schleck, who was right there at the end but didn't have a sprint to compare with Cunego in the finale. Rabobank's Thomas Dekker looked good coming in fifth, and the youngster may have a better time of things at the Fleche Wallone race on Wednesday.

This year's Amstel confirmed what most already know: the Wallonian classics will be won by good climbers, not sprinters. Erik Zabel and Oscar Freire were both over a minute off the winning pace, confirming the fact that the upcoming races are not for those that can't ascend.

Cunego used his sprint to take the Amstel Gold race in his first try

The Fleche Wallone on Wednesday will give Cunego another chance at some serious early season hardware, and Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege is well-suited to the small 26 year old Italian climber as well. Best of all, the pressure is now off for Cunego as he has a classic under his belt ahead of his bigger targets for the year. Cunego will have sky-high morale heading into Wednesday's race, and his experiences in the coming week will help him at the Tour de France this July. 2008 should continue to be a good year for Damiano, as the Italian continues to improve in all types of cycling races.

Upcoming: 6th Tour of Georgia, April 21-27, 2008

Euro Peloton's 100th Post!!!

The Tour of Georgia brings big time racing back to America again in 2008, after the recent Tour of California. Four Pro Tour outfits will highlight the field, as well as the American sponsored team Slipstream. As usual, some of the favorites are American, but some non-Americans will have a chance for the over all as well.

The list of favorites is led by the reigning Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer, whose Astana team will be motivated to take the overall in Georgia after having dominated the GC in California. Leipheimer will be supported by stalwarts Chris Horner and Che-Chu Rubiera, as the small climbing icon hunts for the win.

Team CSC will come to Georgia with Americans Bobby Julich and Jason McCartney,and both are capable enough to stay with the climbers in the high mountains and are good time trialists. JJ Haedo will be on hand to take part in the sprints for the world's number one team, as CSC looks to continue their early season domination.

The Slipstream contingent will be led by the fragile and oft-injured Tom Danielson, who is coming back from a back injury. His form will be a question mark, and he'll be backed up by Christian Vande Velde, always good on GC, and David Zabriskie, time trial savant. Finally, young Lucas Euser will learn about climbing with the world's elite on the Brass Town Bald stage.

Last but not least, the Rock Racing team will finally have a chace to march out their "Big Three" fo Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla. Botero and Sevilla will aim for the overall, while Hamilton will continue to improve his form and take things day by day. "Fast Freddy" Rodriguez will try to win some sprints, and should have a good chance providing he gets plenty of lead out help from his team.

Although not as star-studded as the Tour of California, there are stiull some big names riding Georgia. Others to watch include George Hincapie and Andre "Gorrilla" Greipel of team High Road, the "Cuban Missle" Ivan Rodriguez and Dominique Rollin of Toyota United, and Mike "No Worries" Creed of the Rock team, who is a savvy rider good as slipping away into breakaways.

Upcoming: 43rd Amstel Gold race, April 20, 2008

Bring on the hills, bring on the beer! The 43rd Amstel Gold race, sponsored by the popular light beer, winds through the Valkenburg zone of Holland this Sunday. A tough, technical course, the Amstel is a highly coveted classic as it begins the Ardennes classics, those hilly races that take place in late April each year. Last year’s winner Stefan Schumacher will be back again to defend his title in 2008, and the 2006 winner Frank Schleck will hope to turn the screws on the field on behalf of his CSC team.

Other favorites for the Dutch classic include Schumacher’s teammate Davide Rebellin, recent winner of Paris-Nice, and Fabian Wegmann, reigning German national champion. Caisse d’Epargne’s Luis Leon Sanchez and Alejandro Valverde will contend for Spain, as will Oscar Freire Gomez, as the Rabobank sprinter turned everyman has made it clear to the press that he’ll be targeting the Amstel for the victory.

Will it be Frank again at the Amstel, or his brother Andy?

For Italy, Italian national champion Giovanni Visconti will be at the front for his Quick Step team, and “The Cobra,” Riccardo Ricco, will hope for a good result after a less than impressive early season. Last of the Italians will be Lampre’s Damiano Cunego, who showed well recently with a morale building win at the recent Klasika Primevera. He’ll hope for his first Ardennes classic win at the Amstel.

The Amstel Gold Race: The Best from Holland

Other names to watch include Astana’s Vladimir Gusev, Francasie des Jeux’s 2008 Het Volk winner Phillipe Gilbert, CSC’s Karsten Kroon and Andy Schleck, and High Road’s Kim Kirchin. The winner of the 2008 Amstel will possess two qualities: good legs and a good head. Winning the Amstel depends as much on one’s tactics as it does on their form, as finding the right moment to attack is difficult in the year’s first hilly classic.

The teams looking best set up to take the win are CSC, with the two Schlecks, Kroon and Kolobnev; Gerolsteiner with Schumacher and Rebellin; and Rabobank with their combo of Freire and Gesink. As the drunken Dutch fans wildly cheer on the peloton, look for many tactical fireworks in the youngest of the hilly classics.

Rock Racing Georgia Roster Released

Here they come again: Rock Returns to big time racing at Georgia

The Rock Racing team announced in a press release their roster for the upcoming Tour of Georgia. Let the speculation begin. The "Big Three" of Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero, and Oscar Sevilla are listed, as is Kayle Leogrande, who was allegedly under investigation for a failed medical control last season at the criterium championships. Team owner Michael Ball has even managed to have his team name listed as a founding sponsor for the stage race, a huge step in terms of gaining recognition for his team and brand.

Like it or not, Michael Ball has orchestrated a master stroke in gaining entry for his team into Georgia at such a late date. Adding the founding sponsor moniker sweetens the deal even more. Rock Racing, like they were at the Tour of California, will be the center of attention once again in an American stage race. And while the "Lion King" won't be on hand to contest the sprints, the star power and intrigue of the "Big Three" will be more than enough to garner attention for the team, and well before a pedal has even been turned in the race.

Michael Ball sounds off ahead of this year's Tour of California about his new team

Speaking of the "Big Three," now that it appears that they will have the chance to line up against some of the world's best, how will they fair? Hamilton has played a domestique role thus far in the season, and was largely unheard of at San Dimas (31st overall) or Redlands (33rd overall), the two stage races he has ridden so far this year. Botero rode strong at both of the above events, and looks like the most likley of the three to get a big result at Georgia. Sevilla lost San Dimas by a scant one second, and could be a factor on the Brass Town Bald stage.

Rock was right at home at the Tour of California. In Georgia, they'll stick out like a sore thumb

Not to be outdone or forgotton are Rodriguez and Hugo Pena. Pena is an accomplished climber, and a servicable time trialist. With some luck, he could go top ten on the overall. Rodriguez meanwhile will assume the sprinter's duties after the departure of Cipollini. Rodriguez is a good sprinter, but has never been the kind of rider who can overpower a bunch. He'll need to try to win stages with his head as much as his legs. Finally, Kale Leogrande. Tattooed. Controversial. Quiet, unassuming. Perfect for Rock Racing. He'll get his chance to impress the cycling world in Georgia, or flame out trying. The addition of the Rock team will only help the Tour of Georgia, as one of the most "colorful" teams in the professional peloton roll out the day-glo green carpet in the great southern state of Georgia.

Di Luca Cleared By CONI, Giro Defense Back On Track

Di Luca will get the chance to don the Maglia Rosa and pop the bubbly again in 2008

Danilo Di Luca was cleared yesterday by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) in the "Oil for Drugs" scandal involving his low hormone levels at last year's Giro d'Italia. Di Luca, having been dropped from his former Pro Tour sponsor Liquigas, now can hope to defend his Giro d'Italia title for the continental LPR Brakes team. Di luca will have the benefit of two-time Giro winner Paolo Salvodelli, who signed with the team for 2008, in the high mountains as he tries to defend his 2007 Giro title.

Di Luca, even as a junior, showed big promise

Di Luca won't be able to defend his 2007 Liege title as his team has not been invited, but that will only give "The Killer" more time to prepare for his Giro defense. He'll be a formidable adversary for Riccardo Ricco, Gilberto Simoni, Franco Pellizotti, and Stephano Garzelli for the 91st edition of the Giro d'Italia.

The spoils of victory: Di Luca's custom-pinked Giro carbon handlebars---sah-weet

Now that Di Luca has been cleared by the governing body, how must the Liquigas company feel? They invested in Di Luca only to see his and their name tarnished by false doping allegations. Now Di Luca is viewed as "innocent," but he is no longer associated with the Liquigas team after being dropped amid threats of sanctioning. Di Luca looks to be a casualty in the war against doping, as he'll have to hope to get back onto a Pro Tour team in the next year or two. Small comfort to a man who was nearly stripped of his hard earned 2007 Giro title.

Rock to Georgia, Saunier-Duvall Out

Can Ball stay in the background for the betterment of his team?

After weeks of insinuation and court room going-ons, the Rock Racing team will recieve an invite to the upcoming Tour of Georgia. Saunier-Duvall, citing injuries and sickness throughout its team, has decided to withdraw themselves from the race. Ironically, Rock representatives appeared in court today with an injunction against Tour de Georgia race organizer Medalist Sports, claiming that they had a verbal agreement to ride in the stage race earlier this year. Medalist Sports, seeing the writing on the wall, settled out of court with the Rock team, and extended an invite to the event.

The team cited the fans as the reason for their riding, explaining in a press release, "Professional cycling fans will get their wish after all: Rock Racing will be a part of the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T after reaching a settlement with race organizer, Medalist Sports, LLC." In what should provide for some instant publicity for the race, the flambouyant Rock team will once again splash down on a American stage race, after their early season appearance in the Tour of California.

The hot topic surrounding the team now will shift to who will represent the team in Georgia. Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla were barred from racing in the Tour of California. Will Medalist decide to let them ride this time around or will Rock have to arrange for other riders to race? After all, Freddy Rodriguez, though aging, can still sprint, and Victor Hugo Pena is a great climber. Add Rahsaan Bahati to the mix and you have a nice nucleous for a stage race, even without the other three controversial stars.

The "Big Three" may get a chance to shine at Georgia, after having been shut out of California

If however the three are allowed to start, the dynamics of the race could change drastically. The Rock team would have some very dangerous climbers in their midst, and Santi Botero is coming off a recent stage race win at the Redlands Cycling classic in southern California. Hamilton meanwhile would be ecstatic to get a chance to ride on a big stage again, and he still has some time to perfect his form for a possible run at the GC. Sevilla, a beast on the mountain steeps, could realistically contend for the King of the Mountains title and the stage win at Brasstown Bald.

Finally, to team owner Michael Ball. Will he once again walk with a "Rock Racing Girl" on each arm with dragon fly sunglasses and black trench coats? Or will he keep a lower profile, choosing rather to let his riders soak up the attention? The way the mercurial owner plays his hand in Georgia could affect the way his team is treated the rest of the season.

Upcoming: 96th Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen, April 16, 2008

The final award stage of the 2008 early spring classic season

The 96th Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen closes out the first part of the spring classics season, and the cobbled classics in particular. Known as a sprinters fest, recent race winners have been Tom Boonen, Robbie McEwen, and Jeroen Blijlevens. The 2008 edition will feature some old names and new faces as the season's first hillier classic, the Amstel Gold race, awaits in only five day's time.

The Scheldeprijs will give the local Belgian teams one last chance to ride the cobbles with the world's elite, and it will also provide a chance for Tom Boonen to bask in the glow of his recent victory Sunday at Paris-Roubaix. The pressure will finally be off the Belgian, at least for a week, so he'll ride the Scheldeprijs with confidence as he looks forward to a much deserved vacation. Indeed, for many of the riders in the race, the Scheldeprijs will mark the last time they race competitively for a few weeks.

The 2007 win (around McEwen) by Cavendish: Fearless Power!

Mark Cavendish leads the list of favorites as the defending champion is on good form and likes the format of the Scheldeprijs course. Boonen, mentioned above, will be around, but the threat from Quick Step is more likely to come from young Wauter Weylandt. Call it a hunch, but Boonen will want to put in some early work before setting it up for his teammate as a thank you for Sunday. Weylandt is more than capable of stepping in, and has already taken a semi-classic with his Nokere-Koerse win back in March.

Other riders in with a good chance at victory include Robbie McEwen of the Lotto-Silence team, who is feeling pressure from the Belgian AND Australian press to win ahead of the grand tours. McEwen has made the Scheldeprijs a target for his early season, and he'll try not to get boxed in on Wednesday. Other Aussie sprinters on hand will be Graeme Brown, always capable in a bunch sprint, and Baden Cooke, who has yet to do much for his new team Barloworld. Andre Korff, the former T-Mobile rider now riding for Volksbank, can handle a bunch gallop, and the "Original Meatball," Salvatore Commesso, when in shape, is a fast finisher. Problem is he hasn't been in shape recently.

The "Original Meatball," Salvatore Commesso

The Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen: one last chance to see the early season champions before welcoming the more climbing-oriented riders of the late spring monuments to race day. So long Lion of Flanders, hello Ardennes mountains!

VS. Cycling Coverage Lets U.S. Fans Down

"No Cyclism this week," says VS.!

Was I the only one who was hoping on watching Paris-Roubaix on "Cyclism Sundays" this past weekend? I mean I've been watching coverage throughout the year on VS., as it's the only channel that covers cycling in my area. Each Sunday, I can tune in and see the live (tape delayed) race of the weekend, whether it be Tirreno-Adriatico, Paris-Nice, or Milan-San Remo.

But not this weekend. Not for the biggest one day classic of them all. Not for the "Hell of the North." No, instead of being able to see one of the most important races of the season, I am treated to four hours of tennis coverage. Now, before you get all pissed about me not liking tennis, stop. I like tennis. I grew up watching McEnroe, Connors and Lendl. I'm a fan. But not on Paris-Roubaix day. Not ever.

As usual, I feel betrayed by VS. and their committment to cycling. To not have the "Queen" show same day was a crushingly bad decision. Luckily, the weather didn't end up being epic, and there wasn't a surprise winner. If that were the case, say that Leif Hoste won his first or Thor Hushovd, I would be enraged. As it stands now, I'm just bummed as I'll have to wait a week to witness Boonen's triumph. For a true cycling fan, Boonen's win was not only deserved, it was necessary. And so was the need for same day VS. coverage of the great race .

Valverde still M.I.A. in 2008

Where have you been so far in 2008 Alejandro?

Alejandro Valverde, one of the most dominant riders in the world only two seasons ago, has been unseen thus far in 2008. While his biggest rivals for the 2008 Tour de France were battling it out in Spain at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Valverde didn't even take the start line. He rode the event the past five years. Linked to the now infamous Operacion Puerto as early as in 2006, Valverde hasn't been the same rider since the huge investigation broke.

Valverde has been a part of doped teams, including the Kelme squad of Jesus Manzano and Roberto Heras

Valverde has never failed an in or out of competition drug control. But he also hasn't been able to harness the dominant form that saw him win both the Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege in 2006. In 2007, he finished second in both events. He did not win any significant races in 2007.

Valverde usually starts chasing hardware at the Fleche

To be fair, Valverde hasn't ever had great early season results. The Fleche tends to be his first big target, and he usually does well in the Wallonnian classic. Nevertheless, Valverde's low profile must raise red flags about his possible doping practices. Whether he'll be investigated or charged (not likely) with doping remains to be seen, but the question will always be there. At least until he gets some big results in 2008.

Basso to Rock Racing?

Could Basso's best days already be behind him?

The rumors are flying in southern California, as Ivan Basso has been spotted in the Golden state test riding a Seven bike. Sources have it that Basso is considering returning to the peloton under the Rock Racing moniker. Could the Italian make a worse decision?

Not only is Rock not eligible to compete in the bigger European races, they are a publicity nightmare. If Basso was to sign with the Rock team, he would lose what little credibility he has left. Just ask Tyler Hamilton, who has largely become a joke as he leads out his doper teammates. Surely Basso has close friends and confidants who can advise him againt making a terrible mistake.

Ivan Basso no doubt wants to get back to racing as soon as possible once his ban ends. Too, he wants to get paid as much as possible to ply his trade. Rock Racing certainly has a decent budget and could throw a lot in Basso's direction. But if Rock wasn't good enough even for a washed up Lion King, how could they possibly be satisfactory to a geniune grand tour contender? Basso needs to tread lightly as he makes his decision, as he could end up alienating the few fans he has left, not to mention the rest of the cycling world.

106th Paris-Roubaix: The Teams

The rock on everyone's mind

The mother of all one day classics is finally upon us, as the cobbled classic Paris-Roubaix race runs this Sunday. Weather is predicted to be miserable, with temps in the 40's and steady rain. The poor conditions should make for some exciting racing, as the field will have to contend with mud and wet in addition to the 52.8 kilometers of cobbles on the famed race course. Below are the major contending teams for the "Queen of the Classics."

Cofidis, France

The Cofidis team will bring Belgian strongman Nick Nuyens as the protected leader, hoping that the former Quick Step rider will be able to summon the win. Sylvain Chavanel, hot in the early season thus far, won't be on hand to contest the race, as he prepares for the Amstel Gold race. Nuyens has been going well throughout the early season, and should be able to make the final selection. Depending on team tactics though, Nuyens could find the going tough as his Cofidis team isn't as strong as others in the race.

Credit Agricole, France

Thor Hushovd wasn't able to get the win at this past week's Gent-Wevelgem, so he'll summon the last of his strength for a run at "Hell." Hushovd has yet to prove he can hang with the best on the tough cobbles, as he hasn't finished better than 9th. Like Nuyens, the Norwegian will have to follow wheels of the stronger teams and take his chances if he makes the final selection. After a nice 3rd place at this year's Het-Volk, Hushovd should feel good about his chances for another top ten.

CSC, Denmark

As was the case at Flanders, all eyes will be on team CSC and "Tony Sparticus," Fabian Cancellara. Alhough the Swiss powerhouse wasn't able to win Flanders, he still rode well and showed that he'll be ready for Roubaix. his teammate Stuey O'Grady is playing down his chances, and the tough weather won't help matters for the defending champ from Australia. Kurt Asle-Arvesen, winner at the recent E3 Prijs race, will be a third option for one of the strongest teams in the race. Along with Quick Step, CSC will factor hugely into how the day plays out.

High Road

The High Road team is getting very little fanfare regarding their chances at Roubaix, but there are several riders that will enter the race that could do damage. First and foremost amongst these riders is the American George Hincapie. "Big George" has been star-crossed at his favorite classic, but sooner or later he'll have to get a break, right? If he can stay upright, Hincapie has all the required skills needed to take the win. After a low profile early season, George may be able to take the favorites by surprise in the finale. If Hincapie crashes, Bernhard Eisel could impress. The former sprinter is fast becoming a classics threat, and he'll look for opportunites to get into a break in the early part of the race.

Lampre, Italy

Alessandro Ballan didn't have what it took to defend his Tour of Flanders title, but he proved his skeptics wrong by riding a good race in poor conditions. And while he didn't win Flanders, he still showed that his form is good and that he should be considered a favorite for Roubaix. He, like others, will have to do it on his own, as his team won't be able to help much. Expect the long Italian to be front and center when the drama starts, as dangerous as anyone else in the race.

Liquigas, Italy

The Liquigas team will once again rally around their Italian classics hope Filippo Pozzato. "Pippo" was second at Milan-San Remo and has won a cobbled classic (Het-Volk 2007) already, so he should not be discounted for Roubaix. Like his compatriot Ballan, Pozzato is viewed as "soft," but he also rode a great Tour of Flanders last week in bad weather, finishing 6th, only 21 seconds back. The "Pretty Boy" may make the favorites look ugly come Sunday.

Quick Step, Belgium

The Quick Step team is one of the strongest in the race, with former Roubaix winner "Tornado" Tom Boonen and last week's Flanders winner Stijn Devolder both ready to do battle in France. The dynamic duo double-teamed the competition at Flanders, as Devolder was able to stay away for the win. Boonen clearly had winning legs, but willingly sacrificed his own chances for those of his teammate. Devolder may just return the favor at Roubaix, as Boonen will be highly motivated to take the "Queen" again. Pressure will be a factor for Boonen though, as he hasn't netted a significant win yet this year.

Rabobank, Netherlands

The Dutch Rabobank team will bring the Spaniard, Juan Antonio Flecha, to the start line with hopes that he can become the first Spaniard to win the French classic. His teammate Oscar Freire took Gent-Wevelgem this past Wednesday, and Flecha himself finished second in last weeks Ronde. Flecha excells in poor weather, and will definitely be at the front providing he doesn't experience bad luck. A win in France would complete a perfect week for Rabobank, a squad not known for their northern classics prowess.

Silence-Lotto, Belgium

The Silence-Lotto team will bring their beleagured leader Leif Hoste to France hoping that the Belgian can finally get it right and win a cobbled classic. Hoste had mechanical problems last week at Flanders, and crashed days earlier at te Three Days of De Panne stage race. He'll hope his bad luck is over as he takes his final stab at a classics win in 2008. Behind Hoste will come Greg Van Avermaet, the young Belgian who is still learning the classics ropes. Van Avermaet was dropped at Flanders, leaving Hoste isolated. He'll work harder on Sunday to avoid the same thing happening again.

Slipstream, America

Magnus Backstedt took Roubaix in 2004 and was never heard from again. Various injuries and crashes kept the big Swede out of the lime light and after signing with the American outfit, he seems ready to again challenge for the Paris-Roubaix title. Backstedt, like Hushovd and Nuyens, will largely have to go it alone, as only Tyler Farrar has enough experience to help in the most brutal classic. Backstedt is a very large man, and that will both help and hurt him out on the course. On one hand, he'll be more stable due to his weight, but on the other his machinery will be under greater stress. With a touch of luck though, "Big Maggie" could repeat his 2004 success.

The Arenberg Forest: Old school hurt

Oscar Freire First Spaniard Ever to Win Gent-Wevelgem

Freire has held up his end for his sponsor Rabobank, despite intermittent health problems

Oscar Freire added to his already lustrous palmares with a win yesterday at the Belgian semi-classic Gent-Wevelgem. He also became the first Spaniard ever to win the event, after having come close in previous editions. At 32, Freire has several good years left, and each year he seems to improve as a better overall rider. Once thought of only as a sprinter, Freire now is looked at as a more capable rider who is able to contend even in hillier races.

Freire's next big target, according to the star himself, will be the Amstel Gold classic in the Netherlands. A hilly, twisting affair, the Amstel Gold race is not the kind of contest that a pure sprinter can win. One will never see names like Petacchi, McEwen, Cavendish, or Boonen at the top of the Amstel classification, but the name Oscar Freire could very well appear in the top five, providing that the circumstances are right.

Freire enjoying a win in the rainbow jersey in 2001

Friere's only problem over the course of his career has been the fact that he is a bit fragile. Over the years, he has suffered from various ailments, but when healthy, "The Cat" is lethal in almost any race he enters. A three time world champion, Freire has made clear his intention to try for a fourth title in Varese this September, despite the challenging parcours. Don't expect to see a win in Italy for the three-time champ though, as the course will be too hard for Freire, even if he is on form.

Vuelta al País Vasco Roundup: Kirchen Beats World Champ, Contador Still Leader

Kirchin, a two-time national champ, is a capable mountain climber

The 48th Vuelta al Pais Vasco embarked on the second stage today in Spain under rainy skies. A tough, mountain filled stage, the second day at Pais Vasco would be hard for the whole peloton. Kim Kirchen, in a breakaway with several others for much of the stage, was caught just 9 kilometers from the finish, and looked to be out of contention for the win.

However, Kirchen hung tough and was able to beat world champion Paolo Bettini to the line for his first win of the season. Bettini meanwhile, is still searching for answers ahead of the hilly Ardennes classics. The world champ was snakebitten once again in a race that he could of won, continuing his past two years of few victories and close calls in the rainbow jersey.

Contador will defend his lead ahead of the final stage's time trial

Meanwhile, Alberto Contador maintained his lead on the rest of the field thanks to hard work from his teammates. His Astana team continues to dominate the races they enter, as they rage against being shut out of this year's Tour de France. Team manager Johan Bruyneel must be quietly happy as his team continues to win most of the races they enter.

The rest of the week will be difficult, with stage four providing the most mountains. Contador and the Astana team will have their hands full protecting the lead from some heavy hitters, including Riccardo Ricco, Damiano Cunego, Cadel Evans, Frank Schleck, Vladamir Karpets, and Davide Rebellin, all of whom are a minute or less off of Contador's pace.