Sponsor News: Slipstream Partners with Garmin

Following on the heels of both the CSC and High Road teams, Slipstream-Chipotle announced today the forming of a partnership with Garmin International, makers of GPS navigation tools. In what is great news for cycling, three of the cleanest teams in cycling have now secured powerful new sponsors that will carry them through the next few years. The new official name of the team will be Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30.

CEO Jonathan Vaughters had a vision when he started the Slipstream squad: clean cycling and integrity. His belief was that if you build it, they will come, and he was emphatically correct. Garmin, like Saxo Bank and Columbia sportswear, realized that a partnership with Slipstream will give them positive exposure in a variety of locations and demographics.

According to an official press release, the team will be overhauled from a visual perspective, from kits all the way up to the team bus. For the faithful Slipstream fan base, the question must be whether the signature argyle design will remain, or will it be replaced by an entirely different motif?

Asked about the general argyle design in a virtual press conference today and whether it will stay a part of the uniform, Vaughters explained that the trademark argyle will stay, as it has become a description for "where we came from. It identifies where we're from, where we came from and where we started. I symbolizes what we're all about, our personality." A Garmen rep also claimed that it "will be one of the finest looking kits in the Tour."

Garmin also announced that they will be debuting their new cycling computer, the Edge® 705, an all in one navigation/personal monitoring system that has built in maps and tracks all individual performace on the bike, all in a wireless device. Further, the 705 allows data to be downloaded and shared, which will be a plus for any average club rider looking to one-up his teammates.

Team expectations in the Tour will be very simple according to Garmin representative Steve Garmin. "We'll look to bring the most competitive squad possible, and ride it (the Tour) with as much commitment as possible every single day. There are individual stages that we have in mind for possible wins, but expect to see us at the front in every stage as we look to make our mark on the race." Expect the new Garmin-Chipotle outfit to continue to impress as the months and years go on, as one of the most progressive cycling minds, Jonathan Vaughters, refines his master plan.

Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling 2008: 'Benna' Comes to America

The Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling, a three race series through eastern Pensylvania during the first week of June, has confirmed its teams and several top-tier riders for the series. Headlining the bunch is the Italian Daniele Bennati, who coincidentally won stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia yesterday in a bunch sprint. The Italian, injured early in the season, has perfectly timed his build up to the grand tour season, and has already netted an impressive three stages in this year's Giro. He'll have a few more chances in his home tour, before he heads to AMerica to continue his preparation for the July Tour de France. The Triple Crown series should provide 'Benna' with a nice week of races by which to stretch his legs against some of America's best.

Also confirmed for the three races are Claudio Corioni and Enrico Franzoi, two promising young stars also riding for the Liquigas team, andfrom Team High Road last year's animator Bernhard Eisel, who took wins at the first two races of the series before narrowly missing out on the Triple Crown with an oh-so-close third at the final race, the Philadelphia International Championship. His teammate meanwhile, Greg Henderson, took the win in Philly in 2006, and is always a threat should the race finish in a bunch sprint.

One name that has not been confirmed is last year's winner, JJ Haedo. The Argentinian has a knack for winning in America, and if he makes it over the pond to compete, will be one of the biggest favorites. However, CSC has remained mum thus far on whether they'll send Haedo stateside to defend his title. In his possible absence, the young Australian Matthew Goss can fill the void, as he finished second last year to his teammate Haedo, after having provided a blistering lead out for JJ.

The 'Argyle Gang' Slipstream will represent as wel, as they'll send a young, motivated team that will surely stir things up and agitate the rest of the field. American Tyler Farrar, who possesses an excellent finishing burst, will be in with a chance, as will breakaway specialists Steven Cozza, magnus Backstedt and 'Meatball' Mike Friedman. Also making the journey will be the 4th place finisher at Paris Roubaix this year, Martin Maaskant. Although he probably won't manage a huge result, Maaskant's star power (and horsepower) will enhance the quality of the field.

In what should be a wirlwind week for American cycling, the Commerce Bank Triple Crown will bring big time professional cycling to America once again, after this year's Tour of California and Tour of Georgia events. With the addition of the above mentioned Euro stars, the series has shown that it has come of age, and is an upper echelon event capable of drawing some of the biggest names in the sport to the United States. It isn't hard to envision the series growing by one more race and slotting in as solid preperation for the upcoming Tour de France.

Maglia Rosa for Vande Velde as Slipstream Wins Giro TTT

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

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

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

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

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

Giro Off and Running with TTT in Palermo

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

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

Slipstream

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

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

High Road

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

Astana

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

CSC

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

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

Slipstream to Giro: All for TTT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cozza KO'd at De Panne

The only time trialing Cozza will be doing for awhile is in place, on the trainer

Steven Cozza, who granted numerous interviews to Euro Peloton before and during the Tour of California, suffered a broken collarbone yesterday in the Three Days of De Panne stage race in Belgium. The crash derails an extremely successful spring season for the young Californian, as he'll be off the bike for about two weeks. It's a tough time right now for the youngster, so lend your support by leaving him a comment on the Slipstream site.

Cozza was slotted to ride, for the first time, in the Tour of Flanders and Parix-Roubaix races. While there will no doubt be other opportunities, mising both events will sting, as Cozza was riding very well. Magnus Backstedt will sorely miss the American rouler when "The Hell of the North" begins on April 13.

The rest of Cozza's season will be up in the air, but his next legitimate target appears to be the May 1 Rund um den Henninger Turm. He'll need time to rebuild his form, and the Turm is over three weeks away, which chould give Cozza enough time to get back into shape. Then, he'll head to Pennsylvania in June for the Philly Week races. By that time he should be his old attacking self, ready for race action again. Until then, take care Steven! America continues to pull for you and the "Argyle Gang!"

Tough Times in France: Slipstream Laid Low at Paris-Nice

After an excellent start to the 2008 season at the tours of Qatar and California, the Slipstream team came to the Paris-Nice stage race with aspirations of the overall with David Millar and a stage win or two from Tyler Farrar or Trent Lowe. For the prologue, Farrar was blazing the soggy course when he fell hard into a corner (below). Two days later he abandoned the race.

Chute Paris Nice 2008 FARRAR Tyler
Uploaded by Maxio

David Millar, going back to 2007, had made it very clear that he planned on trying to win the overall title at Paris-Nice. Steadliy building his form for the French stage race, Millar too dropped out of the race due to sickness after being dropped on Ventoux. His teammate Trent Lowe, a good climber who was toward the top of the general classification before the Mont Ventoux stage, crashed and took himself out of the hunt for the overall as well.

Trent Lowe (pictured in Discovery kit 2007) crashed in Paris Nice and fell off the GC pace. At only 23 though, "T-Dog" will have his day in the "Race to the Sun" soon

Worst of all is the fact that Paris-Nice is an ASO sponsored event, the organizers of the Tour de France. Slipstream will have to hope that ASO overlooks their poor performance when deciding on the teams for the 2008 Tour. All is not lost for Jonathan Vaughter's team though, as they have performed well in most of the races they have entered. No doubt the Argyle Gang will live to fight another day, in another race.

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.

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

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."

Take it to the Bank: Rabo’ Cashes In, Levi Takes Yellow

Gesink takes the stage ahead of Leipheimer

Stage three of the Tour of California took the field from Modesto to San Jose on the day before the event’s queen stage. By far the most difficult stage of the 2008 Tour, stage three would take the riders over the fearsome Mount Hamilton and Sierra Road climbs, before leading them into downtown San Jose after a twenty mile descent. Weather for the stage was pleasant, with patchy clouds and bright sunshine throughout the race.

Gesink was ecstatic to have won the stage

The first news of the day came early as Tyler Farrar, the yellow jersey holder after stage 2, abandoned the race due to sickness. A tough blow for Slipstream, the absence of the young sprinter will mean that Slipstream will no longer be able to hope for any more sprint victories in the Tour.

After Farrar's abandon, the action for the stage heated up, as an early breakaway, comprised of Slipstream’s Steven Cozza, BMC’s Scott Nydam, Rabobank’s Paul Martens and Credit Agricole’s Cyril Lemoine, went off the front. Riding well as a group, the four were able to stay away until the Mount Hamilton climb. Martens, feeling good, powered away from the remaining three riders as the climb began, as none of the three could stay with the orange-clad youngster.

The stage three podium: Leipheimer, Gesink, Van De Walle

It wasn’t long before Martens too was caught by the hard-charging pack, as Astana drove hard at the front of the group and eventually overtook Martens. Next to go off the front was George Hincapie, and the High Road rider built a small lead as the Sierra Road climb started.

It wasn’t long, however, before Astana reeled Hincapie in, behind hard efforts from “Che Chu” Rubiera and American Chris Horner. The two Astana riders continued to drive the pace up the steep climb, until the group was down to only five riders. Astana’s Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner, Rabobank’s Robert Gesink and Ardilla Cano, and Slipstream’s David Zabriskie rode together up the climb, all marking each other.

Levi-athon: Leading the GC, a familiar position for Leipheimer

Finally, Gesink had enough and put in a slight acceleration, which unhinged Horner, Cano and Zabriskie. Only Leipheimer could stay with the lanky Dutch rider, and the two began to put time into the trailing riders by working together.

Once over the summit, the duo worked together on the descent to increase their lead to a minute and fifteen seconds, before the gap finally started to decrease, as the re-formed group of riders behind worked to close the gap. Steadily the gap decreased, and with 2 kilometers to go, it was down to only twenty seconds.

But those twenty seconds would prove to be just enough, as Gesink and Leipheimer approached the line a scant twelve seconds in front of the hard-charging field. Levi, as a gesture of appreciation for all of Gesink’s hard work, sat up and chose not to contest the stage, conceding the day’s glory to the young Dutchman. Gesink, thrusting his fist in the air, took the day’s honors, as Levi rode himself into the leader’s yellow jersey.

The jerseys: Leipheimer (Leader), Nydam (KOM), Hincapie (Most Aggressive), Haussler (Sprint), Gesink (Young Rider)

Looking ahead, the queen stage of the race to San Luis Obisbo will give the contenders time to recover ahead of the crucial Solvang time trial on Friday. Levi will have his work cut out for him, as time trial world champ Fabian Cancellera is within striking distance of the overall lead. Zabriskie too is close enough to be a threat, as is his teammate David Millar. For now Levi and Astana will enjoy the yellow jersey, before getting serious again in Solvang on Friday.

Boonen Bombs the Capitol, Slipstream Takes Yellow

Boonen flies around the young Briton Cavendish en route to his stage two win

Stage two of the Tour of California began under cloudy skies Tuesday, as the first of three storm fronts swept across the state. Riders were seen bundled up in rain-proof jackets and heavy gloves as they rode together toward the Capitol city of Sacramento.

The stage two speeds were blinding despite the rain

Scott Nydam, of BMC, went off the front early and swept up maximum points in the king of the mountain competition, and his teammate Jackson Stewart made sure he was the first of the bunch to the top of each summit, as the American squad continues to aggressively target the KOM classification. In fact, for the second straight day, a BMC rider was awarded the most aggressive rider jersey for the stage.

Slipstream rider Steven Cozza leads the bunch through downtown Sacramento

After almost five hours in the saddle, the pack powered into the state Capitol, lead by the CSC and Slipstream teams. As the group hit the first of the three Capitol laps, CSC’s Juan Jose Haedo suffered a mechanical and was dropped from the main field. Luckily he was able to catch back on and get back into the group before the sprint started.

The stage two podium: Haussler, Boonen, Cipollini

By the time the field approached the finish line for the stage sprint, the peloton was strung out in a long line, lead by the Quick Step team. Mark Cavendish, the young Briton from the High Road team, hoped to surprise the field and shot out of the bunch with approximately 700 meters to go. Sprinting frantically, Cavendish couldn’t hold on, and was eventually swamped by a hard-charging field with about 100 meters to go to the finish.

The jerseys after stage 2: Tauler (Sprint), Ciolek (Young Rider), Farrar (Leader), Stewart (King of the Mountain), Nydam (Most Aggressive)

In a familiar early season scene, Quick Step’s “Tornado” Tom Boonen unleashed a fearsome acceleration and took the stage ahead of Gerolsteiner’s Heinrich Haussler and the 41 year old Rock Racing fossil, Mario Cipollini. Haussler was the hard luck runner-up today after finishing third the day before, but was rewarded with the sprinter's green jersey for his efforts. And if ever there was to be a stage that the “Lion King” could have won in the 2008 TOC, it would have been the long, flat run in of stage two in front of the “Governator,” Arnold Schwartzenegger.

The "Governator" pumped up the crowd

Due to time bonuses, Slipstream’s Tyler Farrar took the leader’s jersey off the shoulders of Fabian Cancellera, and was ecstatic to be the race’s new leader. “I was a bit nervous, but I like this kind of weather, this is when I do the best. It’s huge for me and the team to have the jersey. Hopefully we can keep the jersey within the team for the rest of the week. Everything went as we hoped it would go, my teammates were amazing.” As the Tour heads into the hills on Wednesday, Farrar will most certainly give up the jersey, but explained that it could very well go over to one of his teammates on the climbing stage to San Jose. “Tom Danielson is going like a motor cycle right now and Millar is going good too, so we could very well have the jersey after tomorrow as well.”

TOC Stage 1 Update with Slipstream's Cozza, Millar

Riders head out of Sausalito during stage one

Checking in with Slipstream’s Steven Cozza just minutes before the start of stage one today from Sausalito to Santa Rosa, Euro Peloton was told by the 10th place overall rider that he had a bit of a tough night. “I got some food poisoning from a sandwich I ate, threw up all night, but I’ll be OK. I got some fluids back into me, so hopefully I’ll be OK.”

Cozza, far left, rolls with the bunch through Sausalito in stage one

He discussed the race tactics for the day as well. “I’m only a few seconds out of the lead, so if I can get into a break and get the time bonuses maybe I can take the overall leader’s jersey or the young rider jersey. I just have to get in a breakaway. I don’t know if I’ll have enough energy after last night, but we’ll see.” Just minutes before the stage, Cozza’s girlfriend could be seen comforting the young ailing star.

Cozza and his girlfriend Kali confer ahead of stage one

Cozza’s teammate David Millar, British national champion, was only a few feet away and offered his perspective on his responsibilites for stage one. “My responsibilities are only to lead Tyler (Farrar) out for the sprint. He’s not an overall rider but maybe he can get the stage today and hold the jersey for a day or two. Other than that, I don’t have to be concerned with anything else.” According to Miller, the team is “over the moon placing five riders in the top twelve of the overall. It’s great, we’re enjoying ourselves.”

Millar explained that Slipstream is "over the moon" after their prologue success

Stay tuned to Euro Peloton and Bicycle.net for continued Tour of California coverage.

Change of Plans for Slipstream's Danielson

Fans have yet to see Danielson in his new team's colors. For now, old Disco will have to do.

It was previously reported here that Slipstream's Tom Danielson would spend most of his early season in France and Belgiums honing his pack skils in the early season suffer fests in France and Belgium. He was originally slotted to race the Etoille des Besseges, but was pulled at the last minute, returning, according to Slipstream representatives, to the states to prepare for the Tour of California. However, he is listed on several sites as part of the provisional start list for the upcoming Tour Méditerranéen, which runs from February 13th to the 17th. The Tour of California begins on the 17th as well, so it looks as though Tom won't be at the eight day American event.

Team spokespeople are staying mum, but as recently as Monday stated that he would race in California. Which leads to thoughts that something seems off with Danielson's whereabouts. He was a DNF the day before the start of Besseges and now is allegedly on his way to the Med Tour? Hopefully things are going smooth for him and he isn't suffering health or morale problems. Stay tuned to Euro Peloton, as we hope to have an update by the end of the week from Tom himself.

For extended coverage of team Slipstream, the Tour of California and neo-pro Steven Cozza, please visit Bicycle.net for my latest interview with the young pro.