Steegmans Keeps Winning, Team Leader of the Future?

Stegmans has his share of wins as a pro, having notched over 20 in his six year career

Gert Steegmans keeps on winning, as he took yet another win on the year at the Dutch Profonde van Fryslan race. Steegmans is quickly becoming a man to watch in the fast finishes, regardless of the quality of the field. Granted, he was up against less than elite competition at the Profonde, but the fact that he can win when given the chance reveals just how good the 27 year old could be if he had an entire team at his disposal. Surely he'll work for teammate Tom Boonen in the Tour de France, but given the chance, look for Steegmans to steal a stage for himself as well.

Being Belgian, he could be desired by other Belgian sponsors, including Silence-Lotto. The Belgian squad has aging pocket rocket Robbie McEwen, and will need a replacement in the near future. Why not bring Steegmans on board to help young Greg Van Avermet at Flanders and Roubaix, and to have a legit threat at most of the semi-classics and Milan-San Remo, not to mention the season's early stage races Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris Nice? If they're smart, Lotto will sign Steegmans before a rival does.

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

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

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

Bravo.

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

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

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