Stijn Devolder: Throwback Cyclist, Belgian Style

Devolder's win at Flanders was his biggest to date, but the Tour promises even more prestigious victories

Stijn Devolder began his ascent to cycling's top level last season while riding for Johan Bruyneel's Discovery Channel cycling team. He took his home country's national road race championship, and with it the coveted Belgian national jersey, which he wears to this day. Since that historic win though, Devolder has also taken his first classic win, at the Tour of Flanders. Devolder attacked the field early at De Ronde, and soloed home for the win, his biggest result to date.

Devolder is a rare cycling talent. He can time trial and climb, and has the individual strength required for the one day classics. He is one of only a few riders that is capable of contending in all types of races. His Quick Step team has high hopes for the 28 year old, and have made him their designated team leader for the upcoming Tour de France.

Devolder is an underground pick as a contender by many cyclin fans in the know. He has had an excellent season so far, and Patrick Lefevre, Quick Step's manager, sees Devolder more as a stage race rider than a classics specialist. If Lefevere has his way, Tom Boonen will lead the team each spring, and will pass on leadership responsibility to Devolder in the Tour and Vuelta.

Currently racing the Tour of Switzerland, Devolder has shown that his form is good. He remained with the elite climbers in the first high mountain stage (Cunego, Schleck, Kloden) and is in position to contend for the overall win. He'll continue to build his form as the Tour gets closer, and could end up being one of the biggest surprises in this year's TdF. One thing is for sure: by the time this year's Tour de France is over, all cycling fans will know the name Stijn Devolder.

Giro Stage Two: Cobra Strikes, Pellizotti in Pink, Zabriskie Crashes Out

Ricco has the flambouyance of an elite stage racer, but has yet to prove he has the legs

Riccardo Ricco took the second stage of the Giro yesterday, after he outsprinted Di Luca, Salvodelli and others, taking his first big win of the year. Full of confidence, Ricco played up his chances in interviews, claiming that taking the stage win ahead of defending champ Di Luca showed he is on good form and ready for a run at the overall. He may be, but judgement must be witheld until the race heads into the high mountains, as Ricco has had trouble with consistency in the past.

Pellizotti gets to ride for himself in 2008, as Di Luca is gone and Basso is still a year away, at best

Also involved in the sprint was Franco Pellizotti of the Liquigas team, who placed a strong fourth, and in doing so took the pink jersey. An excellent result for Pellizotti, who is enjoying his captainship of the lime green and blue team, after the departing of Di Luca. Like Ricco though, Pellizotti must prove himself in the high mountains before he can be considered a legit threat for the overall win.

Zabriskie got shoda-chopped by a railroad barrier in stage two

Finally, David Zabriskie crashed out of the Giro after being involved in a mass pile-up at a railroad crossing. A multitude of riders went down, but 'Don Quixote' took the worst beating, having to be taken to hospital. In what is a shame for Slipstream, Zabriskie heads back to the states to recover and prepare for other races on the schedule. Now word yet on where he'll make his comeback, but perhaps the Triple Crown of Cycling in Pennsylvania would be a good place to start.

Astana Giro Bound After Late Invite Comes Through

Trek bikes will once again be at a grand tour, as will Levi, Alberto, and Andreas

RCS Sport, organizers of the Giro d'Italia, have reportedly extended a last minute invite to the Astana team for the upcoming Giro d'Italia. Astana, although not ideally prepared, will still be a great addition to the race. Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and recent Tour of Romandy winner Andreas Kloden will all be in Italy for the start, to contest the three week grand tour.

Of the three big guns on Astana that will be racing in Italy, Kloden is probably on the best form currently. But expect Johan Bruyneel's team to keep all of their options open, until one of thier star riders definitively shows they are the best for the overall. Kloden will be motivated and confident after his Romandy win, while Leipheimer and Contador will no doubt ride into form during the race.

The introduction of the Kazakstani team creates an entirely new dynamic for the Giro, as race tactics will change drastically with their inclusion. The peloton will have to mark each Astana rider closely, as all three of their team leaders are capable of changing a race on one stage. When the road tilts upward, it will be a real chore for the other teams to control the race, as Contador, Leipheimer and Kloden are all explosive talents. Each will be able to play their own hands on the high mountains, to the peril of the other teams.

So the only remaining question is why did RCS change their minds and suddenly invite Astana? Could this have to do with the UCI's recent announcement that a 'top rider' failed the biological passport program? Could the rider in question be one of the protagonists for the Giro? And if so, will one of the teams invited to the Giro be suddenly uninvited? The next few days should answer most of these questions, as the year's first grand tour prepares to commence this coming weekend.