Banshee Cycling

It's A Dangerous Business

2006-11-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

In terrible news from Europe, two-time track world champ and Caisse d'Espargne rider Isaac Galvez died from injuries suffered at the Gent Six-Day event in Belgium. Paramedics revived Galvez on the track, but the rider died on the way to the hospital.

In Disco news, Jurgen Van Goolen crashed recently on a training ride, breaking his collarbone and a finger on his right hand. The team has indicated that the injuries are not serious and JVG will be ready for next season.

Basso de GQ

2006-11-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Check out Ivan Basso's website here. I am not sure what I find more amuzing; the GQ look or the fact that he has already redegined the site to incorporate the Disco move. I guess the GQ thing could hang on dude's italian heritage, but seriously.

I must say that I am stoked to see such a strong rider signed to Disco. I wonder how Tommy and Levi will do in their new "super-domestique" rolls.

Basso in Disco Kit

2006-11-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Basso in Disco Kit
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Enough said.

Ulle Good, No?

2006-11-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the only dude to offer Ullrich a ride next year. Looks like a cyclist to me. Maybe Landis and Hamilton can score a ride with Party Dude Tinkoff as well!

Basso to Discovery

2006-11-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

From CyclingNews:

Lance Armstrong has confirmed the signing of Ivan Basso to Discovery Channel. "It's done," quipped the seven-time Tour de France winner in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. This afternoon, from Austin, Texas, the official announcement is expected that the 2006 Giro d'Italia winner will ride for the same team that helped carry the American to his Tour successes.

According to the Italian sports newspaper, Discovery Channel is set to welcome the Giro champion in Austin on December 3, when he will be fitted for team clothing and gear during the team’s first, unofficial training camp. The Tour is the number one objective of the American team and it is unknown if Basso will want to continue with the same program of riding both the Italian and French grand tours.

You ain't shit

2006-11-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of a dude in Norway thrown down some sick trials. I can't get enough of this. Of note is that in Norway, you don't need a chain to ride. Furthermore, the language is easily translated as you can see on this video.

Zabel speaks

2006-10-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

“Cycling won't survive another year like this one," says German Erik Zabel. "Cycling doesn't have the best reputation at the moment. All the sponsors who now support teams will have to thoroughly think about whether they want to continue to use the sport as a platform. If the Festina scandal in 1998 was a warning shot, then 2006 was practically the opening of the war," he continued in an interview with www.spiegel.de.

I have always thought Zabel a great rider in that he is ALWAYS at the front. This past year he had more 2^nd place finishes than any man should have to endure.

What he was quoted about cycling is true with one clarification: Professional Cycling won’t survive. Sure, I keep an eye on the Pro Tour and there are dudes like Hammerson that are true, hardcore fans of the Pro scene. However, I think most weekend warriors are more concerned about shaving a few seconds off their TT than about whether or not Tyler is a chimera or whether or not Floyd has heavy carbon atoms.

Did anyone notice?

2006-10-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Le Tour laid out the route for the 2007 version and as I feared would happen, I didn’t notice. When I finally looked, I checked to see what the cool climbs will be. There are a total of 6 climbing days which include the Peyresourde, the Telegraphe and the Galibier and a total of 3 mountain top finishes.

The prologue starts in London as was predicted. One write up discussed how David Millar would be excited about the prologue being in London; I couldn’t care less what Mr. EPO thinks.

Also notable was the video showing Floyd in cracked glass. Since the tour has excluded images of Big Tex and now shows Floyd in cracked glass, I get the feeling that they hate us.

Uneasy Feeling

2006-10-28T07:53:00.000-06:00

As has been promised for the eight years that I have lived in Highlands Ranch, the OSCA (big ass open space) has been finally opened to hiking a biking. These 8,000 acres have been set aside from the original 22,000 that comprise Highlands Ranch. The open space and trail system is paid for by a tax on our homes and our quarterly dues. In a sense, I paid for the OSCA to be shared with my neighbors.

But I am not sure how I feel about this. This guy is pissed off that the open space isn’t open for everyone. He didn’t pay for it but feels, as many people (not just Coloradans) do, the open space is for all people.

This battle has been long running in the mountaineering, rock climbing and fly fishing community. Private land has a lot of cool mountains to climb and fish to catch. Should we all be free to enter someone else’s land to use its recreational resources? Should a person be allowed to have their land free from trespassers? If a dude lives on a tiny plot of land but has a cool rock on it, should everyone be entitled to climb it or should the guy that owns the rock have the freedom to view his rock without people climbing on it? It is the same issue when we ride our road bikes through a gated community to link up a road on the other side.

There is a ton of precedent on this issue. In fact, go try and ride on Ken Caryl’s open space; I got stopped three times, while with a resident.

To the dude in running this site, I offer you this: In the short term, if you would like to use the trail give me a call and we will go for a ride.

Stealing from Reagan

2006-10-27T12:48:00.000-06:00

For those of you playing along at home, the ‘net never seems to let me down. Lately we have seen increasing number of visitors have come to this site by way of trustbut. I personally find the connection very cool as this is the promise of the internet…connection.

If you haven’t seen the site, it is worth the visit as TBV does a great job aggregating a ton of information on the subject of Floyd Landis, the frog boneheads, the chemistry, the philosophy of a cheat etc, etc. You can get lost for hours reading all of the chemistry alone.

While dude running that site clearly states that he is “personally biased towards Floyd”, it’s not clear to me why he does this. It is not quite as silly as the TylerHamiltonis innocent.com from a few years ago as TBV does a lot more work. Maybe he is secretly on the payroll of Landis.com and is running internet spin!!

In the end I questioned my motives for BansheeCycling. While it started to chronicle our 2004 trip to the Ride for the Roses, it now serves as a history of commentary on cycling news, bitch’n photos/video and great rides in and around our hood. I am not sure if this is interesting to anyone but the authors, but in the end it is a great outlet for shitty writing and even shittier graphics…..although the graphics a looking a lot better….and I still reserve the right to change them all the friggn time!

Veloswap on Saturday

2006-10-26T13:35:00.000-06:00

Don't forget that this Saturday is Veloswap at the National Western Complex in Denver. I plan to attend for a bit in the morning whether via wheelchair, gurney or walker. Seriously, I should be able to get around on foot for a few hours. I have enough drugs to see me through.

Also, our man Barry has purchased a table with his brother at Veloswap, so anyone with items to sell should give Barry a call.

I would like to get there around 9:00 when the gates open to the public, or sooner if Barry can get us in. Let me know if any of you want to come along for the ride.

Ugcough

2006-10-25T18:59:00.000-06:00

How bad does this look? Rolling down the road, enjoying your ride and along comes a "road train". My luck would be that this rig would be coming UP in a turn as I went Down the same turn....ala the Death Ride '05.

Jack Be Nimble Jack Be Quick

2006-10-25T17:46:00.000-06:00

Velonews had an interesting article today regarding Pereiro and Basso having to wait out while Landis and le Tour work out their differences. In an indirect fashion the article sheds light on the economic impact to other that these scandals have.

For instance, Basso gets paid based on performance and the quality of his palmares. The difference between first and second is a lot. So how do you classify your ’06 tour performance when it comes to getting paid?

I know that it wont happen, but when we find out who is guilty, (its either Floyd or le Tour), I would hope to see some big time penalties. For example, IF sir Landis is proven guilty, dude is out for effectively 4 years. What is the penalty for le Tour and the Frog Lab if they are found to be wrong? Could they possibly pay restitution?

Holy Cats!

2006-10-24T13:47:00.000-06:00

I think the dude survives, but I'm not sure. I am also not sure if this is real. Sucks to be him.

Floyd Landis is a total dope cheat...and if you just read this line it means that you are picking us up on an RSS feed rather than viewing the site. Do yourself a favor and check out the graphics that we have pulled together as they are a big part of the overall site.

How far?

2006-10-24T06:21:00.000-06:00

I just read that the 24-Hour record was broken yesterday by Michael Secrest (no word on the relation). Secrest rode 532.74 miles in 24 hours. Get out your abacus as this is 22MPH! What is really amazing is his 1990 record where he rode 1217 miles in 24 hours….while drafting a semi.

Can you imagine riding for 24 hours? No less at that pace?

Tour de What??

2006-10-23T11:34:00.000-06:00

So on Thursday of this week, the Tour de France is going to present the route for the 2007 race. I always look forward to seeing just how nasty the climbs will be. I will surely delight in some of the cool sounding towns that I have read on the names of the bottles of wine that I enjoy. This year however will be the addition of a nagging question; will be whether very many people care? As a fan, it seems that the luster of the race has been thoroughly tarnished by the Landis crap, Operación Puerto and the incessant bickering with the ProTour.

The Landis thing is confusing as ever and other than Jan Ullrich lies and inexplicable/erratic action, it appears that Operación Puerto was a publicity stunt. But this bullshit with the ProTour is nothing but egos layers in more ego. With all this going on to diminish our beautiful sport, why can’t we heed the words of the great pork-pie poet and “can’t we all just get along?”….that’s Rodney King y’all.

Masthead Party

2006-10-22T19:37:00.000-06:00

You might have noticed that I have been burning with creativity lately for the masthead. I really dug the punk rock chick with the pink background. Adding fuel to the fire was the Commenter “Matt” dropping a punk rock referenced. Pretty cool.

Today’s new masthead is inspired by a new trick I learned and a photo that formerly appeared on this site. I hope you appreciate the beauty!

The Blogroll Please

2006-10-20T19:02:00.000-06:00

Do you think celebrities are amused to see blogs where they are the only subject? Like this goofy-ass Floyd Landis blog? GOD DO I LOVE THE INTERNET!!!!!

Death Pool Candidate

2006-10-20T07:39:00.000-06:00

According to Velonews: “Tom Boonen has signed up to take part in a 10-hour endurance race at the wheel of a Porsche 996..”

The way dude rides a sprint, I think I might add him to my Death Pool list for 2007.

The old Switcheroo

2006-10-19T07:18:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, it looks like Youtube took down the video of Floyd Landis being interviewed by Matt Lauer. I wanted to put it here so that I could explain the following. You see, in the interview Floyd sat there looking like a cyclo-dork. Lauer peppered him and Amber on the doping subject. Of course Landis looked very odd in the interview. Dude rides bikes 8 hours a day. You have to be a little weird to pursue this sport.

But what is the point? Well, on the day of the interview, my business partner who is clueless outside of football and golf came into the office ranting, “man that dude, Landis, is such a total doper.” After seeing the interview, Mr. Football had all the evidence he needed.

So when Floyd rolled out his public campaign, I couldn’t help but send the link to Mr. Football. He did read the whole power point presentation. When I asked about it, Mr. Football said, “well, maybe he didn’t dope and the lab screwed up the results.”

Why is this interesting? Well, to me this is further evidence that Floyd’s public gambit may just work. He will need to get some more press over his release, but it may just sway the court of public opinion.

Great, just great

2006-10-18T20:27:00.000-06:00

Looks like the two brilliant Frogs that wrote LA Confidential that was to have lifted the lid on Lance Armstrong’s drug use are at it again. They have a new book coming out which if is anything like the last will be another brilliant piece of fiction. And I will give you one guess as to who their partner in crime is…….That’s right, ring the bell Sally, it L’ Equipe!

Gee I can hardly wait to read this piece of shit…NOT.

Basso on his way to Discovery?

2006-10-18T09:05:00.000-06:00

The first roadblock has been cleared. CSC and Basso today mutually parted ways. CSC released Basso from the final two years of his contract. Read more at VeloNews.com.

http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/11055.0.html

Bike Commute

2006-10-17T18:16:00.000-06:00

Honest to God, I saw a dude on his bike heading home in this weather. To quote the immortal Richard C. Henderson, "STRONG"!!!

Euro Ads

2006-10-16T18:55:00.000-06:00

As an American, I am amazed to see the role advertising plays in European sports. Today, I learned about a fellow American taking the euro way and actually advertising the type of machine used in his surgery.

On Floyd Landis’ website, he links to the resurfacing machine used to repave the top of his dead hip bone. If you are curious, you can check out the gruesome machine here.

Hey Europe - WAKE UP

2006-10-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

Ivan Basso was cleared by Italian Authorities this past week of involvement in the Operation Puerto scandal. Does this mean that he was mistakenly sidelined from racing? Sure sounds that way. And if this is the case, these Euromorons running doping control/enforcement need to be sanctioned, fined or imprisoned. Their mistakes have cost riders, teams and the sport millions of dollars. Furthermore, they are effectively destroying all that Big Tex did to make cycling popular in the US.

Now You're thinking right

2006-10-13T19:44:00.000-06:00

Anyone who cheats in pro cycling can count on the press to destroy their reputation. The press plays the judge in the “court” of public opinion. Most typically, the athlete has no shot. However, today our boy Floyd Landis played defendant by presenting his case to the world which you can see here.

I have read his presentation and I think he makes some great points…you know like, “hey, these test results are for a DIFFERENT person!” It is pretty incredible the sloppy work by the lab that is presented in these documents.

I don’t know how this will turn out. However, I love the fact that Landis decided to play the game so that the public could see. Furthermore, it is presented so that the general public can understand a pretty obvious series of mistakes by the lab. Fight on Floyd. Know that this is like watching you climb back to the lead group on Ventoux. Now it is time to drop the frogs.

Livestrong Ride - Austin

2006-10-12T09:38:00.000-06:00

Since the LAF decided to pentuple the “price of entry” into the Livestrong Rides, I missed out on going to Austin this year. I have to say that I am bummed. This has always been a great event and a great time with our Denver crew. I am sorry that the LAF decided that they need to go either a) high brow or b) only cater to the “cancer” crew.

It is true that my charitable focus is not cancer research. However, I think this move will alienate bike nation which would have supported anything that with Big Tex. I wonder if this will be as profitable for the LAF. In fact, the stat that I read on thepaceline.com is that the total of runners and riders were 2,500 (versus 8,000). They raised $9.4 million total for the FIVE rides where I seem to recall beating the goal of $7.0 million in 2005. Do you think they can grow this amount or will it dwindle through alienation of the biking community?

Speculation

2006-10-11T18:46:00.000-06:00

So the Discovery Channel announced today that they are adding more riders to their roster including Tony Cruz who raced for the team from 2001-05. One name they apparently won’t be adding is “Fat” Jan Ullrich.

So where does this leave Jan? Will he sign? Will he retire? Will he clear his name? Dude has a lot going on and I am anxious to see where he ends up. Thoughts?

Cale's Crank

2006-10-06T07:58:00.000-06:00

There is a cool article on the paceline.com site today. In it, Adam Mills of Carmichael Training discusses the compact crank versus what has become the traditional. What is remarkable is that the only “con” in Adam’s mind is for a stud sprinter. Here is a summary:

Pedaling economy would be an obvious place to make gains. – Easier to stay in a 90-95 cadence
Climbing is probably the best application for compact cranks.
I am going to say that the compacts are good for nearly any rider who is not a sprint specialist.

You can read the article here.

The benefits have to do with creating a better match between chain rings and cassettes. This leads to an interesting conclusion: Was Hammerson fast this year due to fitness or compact cranks?

Saul Raisin is BACK!!!!

2006-09-29T07:48:00.000-06:00

Man, can you believe this kid? In April of this year, dude face-plants in the Circuit de la Sarthe and endured a brain hemorrhage. He was so badly hurt that he had a hard time lifting his head off the hospital pillow. Now he is back riding in Europe trying to come back to the pro peloton. If he makes it back to the Pro Tour, I think that would be an incredible testament of the strength of these riders.

Venga Saul, Venga, Venga, Venga!

Bike Orders Off!

2006-09-28T21:33:00.000-06:00

Bicycle Retailer and Industry News reports that there is a significant reduction in the amount of bikes that Taiwan has shipped to the world and especially to the United States. To wit:

AUGUST 15, 2006 -- TAICHUNG, Taiwan—Taiwan’s bike shipments to the world, and particularly to its single biggest customer, the United States, were off by double digits through May, but the president of leading bike maker Giant Manufacturing is at least outwardly staying calm.
Some industry observers are asking whether Chinese manufacturers are nibbling away at what once was Taiwan’s exclusive buffet, the high-end road and mountain bike market. Giant president Tony Lo, however, attributes much of the drop—12 percent globally, 7 percent to the European Union and an eye-popping 42 percent to the United States compared with the first five months of last year—to over-ordering and an overdue inventory adjustment.

Who wants to bet that Lance Armstrong’s retirement and the current drug scandal crushed sales more than over ordering did?

Detour de France

2006-09-26T14:11:00.000-06:00

Here's links to the website and trailer for this behind the scenes Aussie documentary of the 2005 Tour de France. It looks like it might be fun from the trailer. You decide. No word on when we might be able to see this movie in the U.S.

TRAILER

WEBSITE

Oh, Behave!

2006-09-26T10:02:00.000-06:00

Fook Mi and Fook Yu
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Here are the sisters Fook Mi and Fook Yu.

From Goldmember Fook Mi & Austin Powers:

Fook Mi: "It's Austin Powers! You so funny."
Austin: "Yeah you know..."
Fook: "..and very sexy. Can I have autograph?'
Austin: "Of course. Your name is?"
Fook: "Fook Mi"
Austin: "Oh behave baby, yes! Now your name is?"
Fook: "Fook Mi"
Austin: " You kiss your mother with that mouth?"
Fook: "Fook Mi. Like zis..." (turns to show backpack)
Austin: "Oooh, Isee. Your name is Fook Mi."

Fuyu

2006-09-26T07:53:00.000-06:00

Discovery signed a chinese rider name Fuyu Li. If I am not mistaken, I think this is the second asian dude on the Disco team. While asia has never been known for producing great cycling talent, I think this step is proof positive of the shrinking world in which we live and how traditional 'borders' are disappearing. Well done Disco and good luck Fuyu. I look forward to cheering you up Ventoux...."it Fuyu and Pantanni....gooooooooo!"

PS - Am I the only one who thinks that Fuyu is really a contraction of a colorful phrase?

Bike Commuting in Denver

2006-09-25T08:10:00.000-06:00

The Denver Post ran a story today regarding bike commuting in Denver. You can find it here. I have always wanted to bike commute on a regular basis. For some reason there is a psychological barrier. There are usually one or two days a week that I don’t go anywhere in which I don’t need my car during the day. I know that Hammerson has done it a couple of times and has a really cool cross bike built especially for the purpose; and yet, he is not a regular commuter.

Do you suppose that what keeps us from a regular bike commute is the extra effort that it requires? Is it really so much extra effort? I can’t think of a good reason not to do it and yet, I have only bike commuted twice in the 4.5 years that I have worked in the same office that is 18 miles from my home.

107 MPH on a bike

2006-09-24T20:07:00.000-06:00

Hold onto your hat elmo, dude featured below rides a custom mountain bike off the side of a volcano and hits 107 mph before…well you’ll see.

Poor Erik

2006-09-24T09:30:00.000-06:00

Poor Erik
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Once again, Zabel is sooooo close. Zabel was a demon in his prime, but the guy has to be tired of getting second so many times in recent years. You have to give Zabel his due for winning 200 races in his career, including many classics and grand tour stage wins.

He's a great guy, and it's wonderful to see him still going for it.

It must suck to get old.

Bettini is World Champ

2006-09-24T09:20:00.000-06:00

Cricket
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

The Cricket jumps away in the final kilometer and edges Zabel at the line. Valverde third. Now what's Bettini going to do. How will he incorporate the gold medal and rainbow stripes in his kit? Maybe gold helmet and shoes to go with a rainbow kit?

Disco had one rider (Gusev) and one signee (Murn) in the top 10. Fast Freddy was the top American finisher in 15th. Horner was 47th. More to come...

1 Paolo Bettini (Italy) 6.15.36
2 Erik Zabel (Germany)
3 Alessandro Valverde (Spain)
4 Samuel Sanchez (Spain) 0.02
5 Robbie McEwen (Australia)
6 Stuart O'Grady (Australia)
7 Uros Murn (Slovenia)
8 Botcharov Alexandre (Russian Federation)
9 Tom Boonen (Belgium)
10 Vladimir Gusev (Russian Federation)

World Championships Road Race

2006-09-23T08:49:00.000-06:00

The studs of our sport are currently racing out to determine who will be the 2006 World Champion of Cycling. As you know, the UCI breaks it down into categories of Time Trial versus Road Race (I think there is track too but I couldn't confirm on their website.)

It is curious to me that the Champion of the Road is determined by racing around the following course.

At 176k, the dudes circle this beauty multiple times. It is nice that it includes a hill but this really is a sprinter kind of race. Why wouldn't the UCI create either multiple champions (Road Sprint, Road Mountain & Road Criterium) or set this up as a two or three day Omnium format? Who is to say that a sprinter is a better road rider than a climber? Is Valverde better than Boonen? Imagine what Super Mario would have said (or finished) if the World Championship Road course was a mountain top finish on Ventoux.
I don't think these questions can be answered in a single day road race that would favor one discipline over another. I would like to see either an omnium or a division of road champ.

Rapid Weight Loss Program

2006-09-21T10:52:00.000-06:00

As in the past, I have found the quickest way to lose those unwanted beer pounds is to get the flu. Day 2 (or 3) and my diet has consisted solely of a few sips of gatoraide, 4 vanilla wafers and 10 saltines. Rock on! In a couple days I am sure to look like a ProTour rider……except for the calves and the emaciated skin.

The illness has also given me time to consider Johan Bruyneel’s comments following the conclusion of the Vuelta a Espana which you can find here. He basically said that they started the race intending to win the Overall. This they didn’t get but ended up winning a whole lot of other prizes that they didn’t expect. For instance the KOM and the Team Competition are some pretty strong awards that Johan did not expect to win.

I will give him that. The Discovery Channel Team did not lie down and die after Tom Danielson was “not good” in the early mountains. Instead they continued to fight on and ended up with some stage wins and a couple days in Oro.

Looking forward it is curious to see the mass exodus from the team. I can’t think of a time when there were more dudes on the move from Disco. It will be interesting to see if Johan and Lance recreate their successful strategy of putting all their eggs in one basket approach. I think the ProTour requirements of starting every race makes this much more difficult than in the past.

Good luck Johan.

Cancellara Wins Worlds TT

2006-09-21T10:06:00.000-06:00

Team CSC took the top two places at the Worlds TT.

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara won the world-championship time trial on Thursday in Salzburg, Austria.

Cancellara covered the challenging 50.8km course in one hour, 11 seconds. Dave Zabriskie of the United States was second at 1:30 with Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan third at 1:50.

Zabriskie's runner-up finish gives the United States the lead in the medal count with three, ahead of Switzerland, which has two.

Pretender David Millar was 15th. The only other American competing, Chris Baldwin of Toyota United was 26th. Two Disco boys Hoste and Gusez finished in the top 10.

Abandon Ship - Update

2006-09-20T19:39:00.000-06:00

The list of riders leaving the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling squad at the end of 2006 is up to eleven. The riders leaving are:

Jose Azevedo
Michael Barry
Manuel “Triki” Beltran
Viatcheslav “Eki” Ekimov
Roger Hammond
Leif Hoste
Benoit Joachim
Gennady Mikhaylov
Paolo Savoldelli
Jurgen Van Den Broeck
Max Van Heeswijk

So far, Disco has signed five men to replace the departing riders, they are Sergio Paulinho, Levi Leipheimer, Tomas Vaitkus, Uros Murn and Gianni Meersman. Other than Leipheimer, definitely some young blood. Expect more signing announcements to fill the remaining vacant spots.

One for Redlight: The Azurri Get Orange'd

2006-09-20T13:00:00.000-06:00

Read the article at www.pezcyclingnews.com. All I need to say is 1985 and Joop Zootemelk.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=4366

World Cup MTB

2006-09-20T09:27:00.000-06:00

The UCI Management Committee met this week in Salzburg and announced the 2007 World Cup MTB schedule. the lone US event will be in Angel Fire, NM.

This may necessitate a Banshee road trip!

The scheduled events will be cross-country, downhill and four-cross.

UCI World Cup XCO #5/DHI/4X #4: June 30-July 1: Angel Fire Resort (USA)

According to Google Maps, only 284 miles from Highlands Ranch, CO to Angel fire, NM. If we get Larson to drive, we could be there in 2 hours.

Armstrong Wins Worlds TT

2006-09-20T09:17:00.000-06:00

Yes, an American named Armstrong won the World TT Championship, but it's not the Armstrong you might be thinking about. Kristin Armstrong beat a field of top international pros to win the women's TT World Championship today. Armstrong led a strong American team that placed three women in the top 10 in the race. Shades of David Millar in the Tour prologue, Armstrong dropped her chain on a climb and lost nearly 10 seconds, but she recovered and won the TT by nearly 26 seconds over Karin Thurig of Switzerland. Christine Thorburn of the US took the bronze. Nicely done!

Results - World time-trial championship
1. Kristin Armstrong (USA) 35:04.89
2. Karin Thurig (Swi) at 0:25.57
3. Christine Thorburn (USA), at 0:29.36
4. Priska Doppmann (Swi), at 0:55.09
5. Nicole Cooke (GB), at 0:55.68
6. Zulfiya Zabirova (Kaz), at 0:58.82
7. Judith Arndt (G), at 1:04.34
8. Lada Kovlikova (Cz), at 1:05.70
9. Trixi Worrack (G), at 1:18.76
10. Amber Neben (USA), at 1:26.81

Chris Horner at the Vuelta

2006-09-18T10:57:00.000-06:00

I recommend that you read his entire diary entry on www.cyclingnews.com at the link below, but this is definitely my favorite part.

After the race things just got crazier since, unlike the Tour, no one wants to hang out and party - it was a beeline straight for the airport! Unfortunately for us, Fast Freddy couldn't get the job done peeing at the doping control, so we were stuck waiting for Not So Fast Freddy to pee! It took the guy an hour and a half, so we spent the time hanging out in the bus being bored and torturing each other.

Once I started getting bored, I started picking on 'Leuky' (Björn Leukemans). The guy had his girlfriend visiting, but they were sitting really far apart, so it was just too much of a temptation for me to resist! Since he's super homophobic, I went up to him and put my arm around him and gave him a great big kiss on the cheek. He started throwing a fit and yelling at me to get away, so then I turned to his girlfriend and said, "That's not what you were saying LAST week…" Poor guy about had a stroke he was so worked up, but it was great for the rest of us.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/2006/diaries/chris_h/?id=chris_h0621

Karl Menzies in the Corner

2006-09-17T21:12:00.000-06:00

Critcorner
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Here's another shot of HealthNet-Maxxis rider Karl Menzies coming through the first corner of the Parker Mainstreet Criterium. Menzies won today's race with a strong move on the final lap. Menzies had some help from wily veteran Scott Moninger, winner of the previous day's 105.5 mile road race. Good on ya Karl!

New Grocery Getter?

2006-09-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

Toyota
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Where can I get one of these? I guess I'll have to keep my eye on eBay! How cool would it be to roll to the store in the team car! Does it come with the rack? How about a TV screen so I can watch races on the go?

Um... Go Toyota United!

2006-09-17T20:55:00.000-06:00

Toyota United
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Say hello to Toyota United's #1 fan. She was out supporting the team today at the Parker Mainstreet Criterium. Wow.

Schweeet - Parker Omnium

2006-09-17T20:54:00.000-06:00

As mentioned below, Hammerson, Redlight, I and a bunch of our decendants took a little trip over to Parker to check out the criterium stage of the three day, Parker Mainstreet Omnium. For the uninitiated, this was an event sanctioned by USA Cycling which meant that we were treated to some of the best riders in the United States. As spectators, we were treated to about 60 laps of teams including Health-Net, Jelly-Belly, Vitamin Cottage, Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team, TIAA-CREF, Navigators, Colavita-Sutter Home, Team Einstein's Cycling,Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada Pro Cycling and Rio Grande/Sports Garage Cycling Team to name a few.

It was incredible to see these dudes go as fast as they did. There were break-aways from the peloton, sprints and incredibly exciting racing. I found the "primes" especially excinting in that the racers would launch attacks to score a few extra($100, $500 & $1,000) bucks.

Also of note was this demonstration team that used modified mountain bikes. I can't remember what they were called but they weren't your mother's mountain bikes. For starters, they had no seats, the chain rings were no bigger than your fist, they had no suspension and really odd shaped handle bars. Check out the photo:

Yup, dude is pulling a wheelie about four feet off tera firma. It was an impressive demonstration of bike handleing skills. On top of that, the riders were really cool to all the kids and would do any trick they called out.
Including a wheelie for the camera.

All in all, this was such a cool event. After attending this great race, I am urging any reader of this blog to find a local event and go see it. This is our sports' version of Coors Field.

US Gran Prix of Cyclocross

2006-09-17T19:57:00.000-06:00

Six races in the series, with two in Colorado. November 4th in Longmont and November 5th in Boulder. Let's start planning!

USGP Cyclocross

Parker Mainstreet Crit Video 2

2006-09-17T19:45:00.000-06:00

From the final curve to the finish line on an early lap. The break has a bit of a gap on the field. Karl Menzies won the race in a great move on the final lap.

Parker Mainstreet Crit Video 1

2006-09-17T19:11:00.000-06:00

From the second corner. Check out the speed of the peleton.

Parker Mainstreet Criterium

2006-09-17T17:33:00.000-06:00

Menzies
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Karl Menzies of Healthnet-Maxxis wins the Parker Mainstreet Criterium today in Parker, CO. Menzies came around the TIAA-CREF blue train on the last lap to snatch the win. Menzies added to Healthnet's great weekend, as Scott Moninger won the previous day's 105.5 mile road race.

What a beautiful day for racing! More to come.

Durango Fall Blaze

2006-09-17T09:23:00.000-06:00

It's a tour of the San Juan mountains around Durango, and a fundraiser for Fort Lewis College and Tom Danielson's scholarship there. Tommy D and Mrs. Danielson will be there. Check it out at the website.

Durango Fall Blaze

Game Ovah

2006-09-16T21:30:00.000-06:00

Alexandre Vinokourov has always been one of my favorite riders. Today he sealed the deal on the Vuelta a Espana with a commanding Time Trial. To quote Phil Liggitt, “he is a great champion”.

I personally am very happy for Vinokourov. And it is not because he got the royal shaft at the Tour. Rather, I am impressed by his tenacity that is like a mongoose. His daring attacks are always exciting.

Well done Vino.

What Am I On?

2006-09-16T10:14:00.000-06:00

My favorite Lance commercial. "I'm on my bike busting my ass six hours a day. What are you on?"

For The Climbers

2006-09-15T22:33:00.000-06:00

Another blast from the past that brings back fond memories. It's "the look" from the 2001 TdF. Note the acceleration.

"The Look" Armstong Ullrich

For Dirt: Pantani and Lance

2006-09-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

Who could forget this wonderful moment from the 2000 Tour de France?

Parker Mainstreet Omnium

2006-09-15T11:23:00.000-06:00

It's this weekend!

T-Mobile, Health Net presented by Maxxis, TIAA-CREF, Colavita-Sutter Home, Ford, Vitamin Cottage, CPT-Colnago, Toyota-United, Team Aarons, Jittery Joe’s, Tokyo Joe’s, KodakGallery.com/Sierra Nevada, Navigators Insurance, Recycled Cycles, Team Lipton and Jelly Belly will be sending their top riders for this end-of-the-season showdown. With over $60,000 in cash and prizes, the 2006 Parker Mainstreet Omnium is a “must-attend” event for racers and spectators alike!

Friday - 7.7 mile Time Trial (Pro men 1:30 pm)
Saturday - 105.5 mile Road Race (5 laps of 21.1 mile course) (Pro Men 12:00 - 3:45)
Sunday - Criterium (Pro Men 2:45 pm)

It's our closest opportunity to see some pros in action. I must go! Who's in?

Race data:
link

Style Changes

2006-09-15T11:03:00.000-06:00

With the thought that I needed to update the “look” of our little black blog, I made a few stylistic changes to the blog. Hope you like the missing navbar and the “wipe” you get when the page loads and when you leave. I thought about killing the clock the moves with the curser but it is a technical wonder when you read the code that I used. Let me know what you think of the changes.

SINCE 2006???????

2006-09-15T10:48:00.000-06:00

Dude, I've been dope free since birth. And right now that seems an awefully long time ago.

On another note, I just registered for the first time in my life to vote. Seems weird, having moved so much it seems I just chose governments by relocating, not by standing in line trying to hang a chad...

Vuelta Stage 17 Finish

2006-09-15T09:41:00.000-06:00

Danielson took a few big pulls just before the finish so that he and Vino could pickup some time. Vino did not contest the sprint.

Hey Vino!

2006-09-14T16:43:00.000-06:00

TD Vino
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Thanks for letting me win yesterday's stage. Hey, you wanna come back with me to Durango and have a few beers with Bob Roll? Ride in Highlands Ranch with the Banshees?

You look cute in gold.

Tommy D

Jan Ullrich Raided - DNA Seized

2006-09-14T16:23:00.000-06:00

German investigators searched homes and offices belonging not only to Jan Ullrich, Wolfgang Strohband and Rudy Pevenage, but also to former T-Mobile team manager Walter Godefroot. Godefroot confirmed the search but said, "I was treated as a witness and not as a suspect." The 63-year-old Belgian is now an advisor to the Astana Team.

The authorities were looking for doping products or evidence of doping. During the raid, the authorities also collected DNA samples from Ullrich's household items.

Jan no home. Probably on his honeymoon.

It appears that authorities plan to compare the seized DNA samples to blood samples collected during the Operacion Puerto affair in Spain.

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/cycling/news/story?id=2587974

Some cyclists, including Jan Ullrich, have been sued for "fraud" for accepting money from sponsors while consciously doping. This could get ugly.

Buen Vino - Good wine

2006-09-14T10:39:00.000-06:00

Wooo, that was fun. I still love Vino, and it sucks he wasn't at the Tour. This guy never gives up and he'd rather puke than give less than 100% (kind of like Dirt, very impressive). Danielson kind of hung, but he didn't have yesterday's legs. Vino, I hope you're not drinking your version of Landis-juice (vino-vino???). By the way, very classy letting Danielson win (he deserved it) and letting Kasch' win (he probably deserved it).

By the way, what's with the dark masthead? No attacking Braveheart? No wine bottles...?

Vino Thrashes the Vuelta Field

2006-09-14T09:43:00.000-06:00

Vino attacked with 3 or 4 km left in stage 18, and quickly put Valverde, Sastre, Tommy D and all of the other contenders in difficulty. The final climb had several long pitches of 14 - 18% grades that shattered the legs of the leaders. Kashechkin ultimately bridged up to Vino, and the two Kazakh riders worked to the finish. Vino gifted the stage win to his teammate Kashechkin.

Vino has now increased his lead over Valverde to 53 seconds with 3 stages left in the Vuelta. There is a TT on Saturday. Sastre finished 10th on the stage and dropped to 4th on GC. Kashechkin moved up to the final podium place. Tommy D held on to his 6th place on GC. Tommy D was right in the mix with all of the strongmen to the end.

Vino had another gear that all of the other riders were lacking. Look for Vino to get in Valverde's head tomorrow and demoralize him further in Saturday's TT.

It was a very exciting finish!

Cobbles Baby!

2006-09-14T00:02:00.000-06:00

Cobbles Baby!
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

If you have ever watched The Tour Baby! by Scott Coady, you know that you have to see and own Cobbles Baby!. Scott's new film followies George Hincapie and the Posties at the 2004 Paris-Roubaix. Victory was seized by big Maggy Backstedt in 2004, but George was in contention to the end. I'm sure it's a great film.

Buy both of Scott's films from his site:

http://www.bigringfilms.com/cobbles_baby/index.html

Scott has raised over $200,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Davis Phinney Foundation from the sale of his films. It's a good cause people!

Note from Lex

2006-09-13T21:48:00.000-06:00

As the master arbiter of all things cycling, we here at Banshee Cycling are inundated with emails from pro cyclists and their respective teams. Much of this email is heavy on the request for our advice on how to handle the occasional saddle sores flare up or how best to keep Vino from constantly attacking our man (note to Johan: Tell Tommy to pedal harder).

Due to the shear volume of these e-mails we inadvertently overlooked this sitting in our inbox. We recently received an e-mail from Alexandre Vinokourov. You other bloggers may have already read the stories as reported by cyclingnews et al, but we here at Banshee Cycling got Alexandre himself, or Lex as he wishes to be called (although only his closest friends may identify him as such) to drop us the following line.

"Yo Banshees,
Lex here. Just wanted to give you a little heads up for the crappy OLN coverage this weekend. This week at the Vuelta I plan to rip the legs off the pro peloton and jam them down their throats…sideways. You might want to set your Tivos now because I wouldn’t want you to miss the blood bath this week.

Peace Out,
Lex

PS – Tell that little squid Frankie An-whateverthefuckhisnameis that I will kick his ass up the mountains too…drugs or no drugs”

Vino, Vidi, Vici

2006-09-13T20:53:00.000-06:00

Vino
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

I Vino, I saw, I conquered. I have to agree with Redlight on this subject. I love the attacking style. Riders like Vino and Jens Voigt are some of my favorites. I hope Vino keeps it up through the rest of the Vuelta stages.

Here's a blurb from www.pezcyclingnews.com.

Hell, bike racing is easy when you live by this sacred Eastern philosophy: attack when you can, and damn the consequences. Alexandre Vinokourov took his hammer to the Vuelta field and the man who suffered the most was the fabled Green Bullet, Valverde. Vino' smashed him to rip away the leader's gold jersey with one of the rides of the year.

Go Vino.

Yeah!

2006-09-13T10:43:00.000-06:00

Tommy D Wins Stage 17
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Tommy D gets the well deserved stage win in front of Vino, and helps Vino take over the lead of the Vuelta. It's good to see the young man from Durango attacking the last few days. It's unfortunate that he did not find his form earlier in the race, but there is another very hard climbing stage Thursday and a TT still to come.

Tommy D up to 6th on GC!!!!!

Big shakeup at the Vuelta

2006-09-13T10:09:00.000-06:00

Tommy D attacks an earlier break and takes a flier to win stage 17. Vino attacks the leaders, bridges to Tommy D and works with Danielson to the finish. Vino finishes second to seize the Vuelta lead from Valverde by 9 seconds. I missed the video, but will be watching tonight if anyone is interested in joining me. Here's the updated standings from www.cyclingnews.com.

General classification after stage 17
1 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana Team 67.29.41
2 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears 0.09
3 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC 1.51
4 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana Team 2.14
5 José Angel Gomez Marchante (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir 4.32
6 Thomas Danielson (USA) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 6.07
7 Manuel Beltran (Spa) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 6.33
8 Samuel Sánchez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 7.25
9 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears 7.39
10 Luis Pérez (Spa) Cofidis, le Credit par Telephone 9.04
11 Stijn Devolder (Bel) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 9.18
12 Egoi Martinez (Spa) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 11.44
13 Leonardo Piepoli (Ita) Saunier Duval-Prodir 13.24
14 Sergio Paulinho (Por) Astana Team 13.59
15 Sylvester Szmyd (Pol) Lampre-Fondital 14.03

Gord Fraser crossing the finish line

2006-09-13T03:05:00.000-06:00

Gord Fraser is hanging up his pro cleats. For those of you who don’t know, dude has been a force on the continental pro cycling scene for 14 years while being a three time Olympian.

Check out this cool interview at cyclingnews.com. I put his pal mares below:

2006 – Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis

1st overall and Stages 1, 2 and 4 - Joe Martin Stage Race
1st overall - Central Valley Classic Omnium
1st Stage 3 - Central Valley Classic Criterium
1st - Roswell Criterium
1st Stage 3 - Tour of the Gila

2005 – Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis

1st - Wachovia Invitational Trenton
1st Stage 6 - Dodge Tour de Georgia
1st Stage 4 - Nature Valley Grand Prix
1st Stage 1 - Cascade Cycling Classic
1st - McLane Pacific Downtown Grand Prix
1st - Central Valley Classic Tower District Criterium
1st Stage 2 - San Dimas Stage Race
1st Prologue - Sea Otter Classic
1st - Historic Roswell Criterium
1st Stage 3 - Tour de Delta, Canada
1st - Tour de Gastown, Canada
1st Stage 1 - Vuelta Sonora Arizona Stage Race

2004 – Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis

Canada National Road Race Cycling Champion
1st Points Competition - Le Tour de Langkawi, Malaysia
1st Points Competition - Dodge Tour de Georgia
1st Stage 1 - Dodge Tour de Georgia
1st Stage 7 - Dodge Tour de Georgia
1st Stage 2 - Tour of Connecticut
1st Stage 4 - Cascade Classic
1st Stage 2 - Tour de Delta
1st Downtown Criterium - McLane Pacific
1st Foothills Road Race - McLane Pacific

2003 – Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis

3 Stage Wins, Pomona Valley Stage Race
2 Stage Wins, Tour of the Gila
Stage Win, GP de Beauce (Quebec, Canada)
Stage Win, Redlands Cycling Classic
Stage Win, Vuelta de Bisbee
Stage Win, Tucson Bike Classic
1st McLane Pacific Criterium
1st Warner Center GP
1st Gastown GP (British Columbia, Canada)

2002 – Mercury

1st Overall, 3 Stage Wins, Tucson Bike Classic
1st Overall, Stage Win, Atlanta 100K Classic
1st Wachovia Invitational, Trenton, N.J.
Stage Win, Valley of the Sun Tour
Stage Win, Tour of the Gila
Stage Win, GP de Beauce (Quebec, Canada)
Stage Win, Sea Otter Stage Race
1st Athens Twilight Criterium
1st Manhatten Beach GP
1st Merced Criterium
1st Warner Center GP
1st San Rafael GP
1st Tumacocori Road Race

2001 – Mercury

Stage Win, Le Tour de Langkawi (Malaysia)
Stage Win, GP de Beauce (Quebec, Canada)
Stage Win, Redlands Cycling Classic
2 Stage Wins, Tour de 'Toona (PA)
1st Visalia Criterium

2000 – Mercury

1st Overall, NRC Individual Points Championship
Stage Win, Critérium International (France)
1st GP Rennes (France)
1st Points Competition, Le Tour de Langkawi
1st Overall, 4 Stage Wins, Tour de 'Toona
1st Overall, 4 Stage Wins, Wendy's Classic (OH)
1st Overall, 2 Stage Wins, Valley of the Sun Tour
2 Stage Wins, Sea Otter Stage Race
1st BMC Austin
1st BMC San Jose
1st BMC Houston
Stage Win, Tour of the Gila
Stage Win, Tour of the Willamette
Stage Win, Another Dam Race
1st Downer's Grove Pro Am Criterium
1st Athens Twilight Criterium
1st Visalia Criterium

1999 – Mercury

1st Overall, NRC Individual Points Championship
1st USPRO Criterium Championship
5 Stage Wins, Tour Trans Canada
1st Overall, 2 Stage Wins, Tucson Bike Classic
1st Overall, 2 Stage Wins, Wendy's Classic (OH)
2 Stage Wins, Redlands Cycling Classic
2 Stage Wins, Milwaukee Superweek
Stage Win, GP de Beauce (Quebec, Canada)
Stage Win, Sea Otter Stage Race
Stage Win, Fitchburg Longsjo Classic (MA)
Stage Win, Tour de 'Toona
1st Tour LeFleur Road Race
1st Tour LeFleur Criterium
1st Greenville Michelin Classic
1st Visalia Criterium
1st Cantua Creek Road Race
1st Athens Twilight Criterium

1998 – Mercury

Stage Win, Tour of Asturias (Spain)
2 Stage Wins, Redlands Cycling Classic
1st Downer's Grove Pro Am Criterium
Stage Win, Sea Otter Stage Race
Stage Win, GP de Beauce (Quebec, Canada)
Stage Win, Tour de 'Toona
Stage Win, Wendy's Classic (OH)
Stage Win, Killington Stage Race
1st Toronto Queen's Park GP
1st Dinuba Criterium
1st Merced Criterium

Moma Said Knock You Out.

2006-09-12T20:52:00.000-06:00

I have a hunch that Alessandro Petacchi might need some anger management classes. Seems that dude is really, really pissed off at the Lampre Team Bus. Unconfirmed sources overheard Petacchi say, “I vostri colori della squadra sono il più difettoso”. Either that or Petacchi thinks that Lampre’s Danilo Napolitano cost him the win at this past Sunday's 15th stage of the Vuelta a España.

According to Velonews, Petacchi broke his finger when he slugged the bus. I am sure that Gianluigi Stanga (his Director Sportif) is thrilled.

Jan Ullrich Redesign

2006-09-12T20:32:00.000-06:00

Check out Jan Ullrich’s website for a total redesign. As you can imagine, gone is the pink of the T-Mobile team.

BTW – Jan Ullrich made an honest girl out of Sara now-Ullrich over the weekend. Congrats Jan. I hope you and the Mrs. pounded some of Floyd’s climbing juice (Amstel) in your toast.

Great Day For Tommy D

2006-09-12T15:08:00.000-06:00

Tom Danielson finally had a great day today during stage 16 of the Vuelta e Espana. Unfortunately for Tommy D, he started the day 7:46 out of the lead on GC.

Danielson was aggressive from the start, joining a breakaway of nearly 20 riders in the first 20 km of today's stage. Finally an escape was permitted to gain an advantage, but it was Danielson's teammate and KOM contender Egoi Martinez in the break.

Danielson then hung with the contenders until it was down to six men at the front up the final "beyond category" climb. The remaining riders were Valverde, Vino, Sastre, Samuel Sanchez, Igor Anton and our own Tommy D. The final climb was very active. Sastre attacked and was covered. Vino of course attacked several times and at one point dropped Sastre and Tommy D. Valverde and Vino then paused along the lead riders to regroup, and Danielson attacked twice in succession. Unfortunately for Tommy D, Sanchez was marking any moves to help Anton, and Vino was trying to drop Valverde and Sastre. Danielson could never get away. Anton and Sanchez played team tactics, and the young Euskatel rider Anton was able to escape and win the stage.

It was 15 stages too late, but it was great to see Tommy D in top form and hanging with the big GC contenders and climbers.

Do You Still Want to Believe?

2006-09-12T07:53:00.000-06:00

The New York Times today has a huge article regarding doping in cycling where Frankie "Lance Made Me Do It" Andreu admits to taking EPO. What I found most stunning is dude's wife blaming Lance Armstrong for Frankie taking drugs. Check it out:

2 Ex-Teammates of Cycling Star Admit Drug Use - New York Times: "In the weeks before the 1999 Tour, Andreu�s wife, Betsy, found one of those thermoses in her refrigerator. She was furious.
I remember Frankie saying: You don't understand. This is the only way I can even finish the Tour," she said. After this, I promise you, I'll never do it again.
Betsy Andreu said she grudgingly watched her husband help Armstrong traverse the mountains at the Tour that year. Later, she said, she was angry when her husband said he had once allowed a team doctor to inject him with an unidentified substance.
To this day, she blames Armstrong for what she said was pressure on teammates to use drugs. Her husband, she said, didn't use EPO for himself, because as a domestique, he was never going to win that race.
It was for Lance, she said."

Yo Bets: When are we responsible for injecting ourselves? I guess that I now understand where you BS trumped up story about "I heard Lance took drugs" came from. I really hope that you are smarter than these stories are making you out to be.

I think we are all worn out on the dopage issue in cycling. There is only one way that we are going to end this story. Dudes need to stop cheating or the rules need to be changed. I really don't care which.

USA World Championship Team

2006-09-11T19:54:00.000-06:00

Again from www.cyclingnews.com.

Baldwin is a sleeper for the TT win. He might have beaten Zabriskie in the US championships had he not crashed in the last few kilometers.

USA Cycling announced, yesterday, the elite teams that will represent the United States at the 2006 UCI Road World Championships from September 19-24 in Salzburg, Austria.

In the elite men's division, nine riders will compete in the road race and will field a team consisting of six UCI ProTour veterans and three domestic-based pros. ProTour riders Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto), Christian VandeVelde (CSC), Tyler Farrar (Cofidis), Patrick McCarty (Phonak), and Guido Trenti (Quickstep-Innergetic) join U.S.-based riders Jackson Stewart (Calif), Danny Pate (TIAA-CREF) and Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United).

US Time Trial Champion David Zabriskie (CSC) and Baldwin were also selected to compete in the men's time trial.

The Plot Thickens

2006-09-11T19:50:00.000-06:00

Latest Floyd news from www.cyclingnews.com.

Landis camp files motion for dismissal

Late Monday, Floyd Landis' attorney Howard Jacobs submitted a motion for dismissal of Landis' case to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) Independent Anti-Doping Review Board.

According to a statement from Jacobs, the motion focuses on problems with the tests that showed Landis as positive for exogenous testosterone after stage 17 of this year's Tour de France. In particular, the Landis camp alleges flaws in the carbon isotope ratio test which allegedly proves that Landis' elevated testosterone:epitestosterone is caused by exogenous testosterone.

Jacobs's submission alleges that:

"WADA's own protocols require that all testosterone metabolite differentials provide clear evidence of testosterone usage to find an athlete positive. Given the data, three of the four testosterone metabolite differentials tested in Landis' sample are reported as negative considering the margin of error.

The only testosterone metabolite that can be argued as positive under the WADA Positivity Criteria resulted from an unknown laboratory error and is not the result of testosterone usage.

The one metabolite that has been identified by WADA-accredited laboratories as the best, and longest-term indicator, of exogenous testosterone usage was reported as negative in Landis' urine samples."

Jacobs argues that "the single [positive] T/E [Testosterone/Epitestosterone] analysis in this case is replete with fundamental, gross errors. These errors include inconsistent testosterone and epitestosterone levels from testing on the 'A' sample as well as multiple mismatched sample code numbers that do not belong to Landis. In the case of the mismatched sample identification codes, the alleged confirmed T/E data on the 'B' sample is from a sample number that was not assigned to Landis. The differences in sample identification numbers also point to issues in the chain of custody of the Landis sample.

"Clinical laboratories making these types of gross errors could easily find themselves answering to a wrongful death lawsuit, and often do," said Jacobs. "At a minimum, those laboratory errors must go to the defense of the athlete and must result in a finding that the T/E results are wholly unreliable."

What Would You Say

2006-09-11T15:18:00.000-06:00

Jim, Jen, Barry, Carol, Mike and some others I don't know rode the Buffalo Century in Boulder. From the attached picture you can see that they hooked up with Tyler Hamilton. The word is that they also rode with the TH for a while.
Clearly, riding with a stud like Hamilton would be a thrill. But I can't help but wonder if it might be a tad bit uncomfortable. What do you say to a dude who, acording to the dope police, cheated?
Laughingly I suggest to Hammerson that maybe something along the lines of, "Dude, isn't Chimaira a death metal band rather than a defense?"
Frankly, I would be at a loss for words.

Incoherent according to bloggerboi

2006-09-11T14:58:00.000-06:00

Apparently I am incoherent. Incoherent as judged by some blog dude (Trust But Verify) who arbitrarily believes that Floyd Landis is innocent. Seems the Mr. TBV is a hypocrite.

Dude’s site is called Trust But Verify yet in light of the Verifiable facts of the Landis Case (you know, the heavy weight carbon atoms Landis had in his veins), dude wants to dismiss the facts. Seems that TBV found the facts not to his liking and has thrown them out.

Memo to TBV, I am BLISSFULLY incoherent. I haven’t a clue what the truth is. And guess what, I/we never will. And that is precisely my complaint. So I shall reiterate my opening statement, “I miss the comfort of being sad.”

PS – Get off the couch and get on your bike.

September 11

2006-09-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Five years ago today I sat stunned in front of my television for what must have been 18 hours. I tried to go to the office at one point but when the first tower fell, I turned around and went home.

The images were more intense then I had ever seen. I kept thinking, “How did the building fall down?” I have spent thousands of hours working with engineers and architects to design buildings. They aren’t supposed to fall down. Yeah I know, thousands of gallons of burning jet fuel, intense heat blah, blah, blah. I still wonder whether the 343 fire fighters and policemen that entered the burning Towers thought the buildings would really fall down.

Somehow the act of killing 3,000 people wasn’t horrific enough. The killers needed them to wait for their death; plane hits and takes a couple hours to melt the buildings to the point of breaking. Imagine what it might be like to be on a high floor with no way out. Imagine that your high-speed access and your cell phone still work. You have an hour to wait until you will unquestionably die. As we know from the images, some couldn’t wait and jumped.

The hatred that it takes to pull off this sort of attack is, for me, unimaginable. Sure, we all get mad and can lash out. But how do you maintain the level of hatred for the several months (years?) it takes to pull off this sort of attack? I can’t get my mind around this.

By way of comparison, September 11^th is not December 7^th. On December 7^th, Japan pulled off a military attack rather than a terrorist attack. I think the distinction is clear. September 11^th is unique in its level of hatred.

The world would like to tell Americans that we need to be more aware of our image overseas. I am not sure how we can change the minds of people who see only what they want to see. When you explain our freedoms to foreigners, they can only see the excesses and unfairness.

How much has changed in five years? Not much other than an increase in the fear mongering on the television. We are still free to ride our bikes. We are still free to make the money that buys the bikes. I hope that September 11^th continues to be a day of reflection on what it is to be free.

Crush'n in Cuenca

2006-09-09T20:29:00.000-06:00

Vino and Kascheken killed it again today at the TT in Cuenca. Can you believe these guys? Super studs.....(please God, don't let them be on drugs). Sastre is looking like these dudes are going catch him and pass him on the GC. I also wonder if Valverde is going to be able to stop on the onslaught from the Astana Wurth team. You are going to need to crush it to stay in Oro.

Note to Dave Millar (today's winner): You are lucky it isn't me running the Pro Tour. Your cheat'n ass would still be chill'n on ice. While I appreciate your admission and truthfulness when you got caught, I can't quite get over the fact that you knowingly cheated. Your win today is meaningless to me. This is because you burned me. Dropped a chain in the '04 prologue, fixed it and damn near won it. Then we learn that you were dopage.....arrow through my heart.

Body Paint and Bikes

2006-09-09T19:07:00.000-06:00

Body Paint and Bikes
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

I may have to get me one of these....

A Kellys bike that is.

I miss the comfort of being sad

2006-09-08T12:14:00.000-06:00

Floyd Landis fired a shot across the bow of the US anti doping dudes today. His attorney came with what amounts to a cease and desist action citing ….. “team of scientific experts have found inconsistencies in the testing protocol and methodology that support Landis’ innocence.”

Testing protocol? Come on.

As my headline suggests, it is more comfortable to think we now the facts so that we can move forward. Instead, the predictable legal wrangling and dishonesty has left me (and fans) disheartened. What are we to believe anymore?

Worse yet is the disassociation with professional cycling. One of the most exciting parts of watching cycling is when a rider launches off the front of the peloton. But what now goes through my mind is “God that is some killer dope”. Furthermore, how do we remain excited about past heroic rides ->(Hamilton 2004 Stage 16 or Landis’ 2006 Stage 18 or Heras 2006 Stage 7? And on and on).

Bottom line: Hamilton and Landis have destroyed much of the energy that Lance Armstrong created in American Cycling….. then again, maybe Lance had us all duped.

PS – Extra credit for naming the source for the title of this post. 10 extra points for singing it on the next ride.

Bike Chicks Rock

2006-09-08T09:43:00.000-06:00

Bike Chicks Rock
Originally uploaded by RideTrek.

Another reason I love cycling.

What Now?

2006-09-07T11:23:00.000-06:00

After Operación Puerto blew apart the 2006 Tour de France, we as fans are left wondering what is next. It seems that somehow the Astana Team was exonerated after being booted from the Tour. But what about Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso?

Given the snails pace of Euro Justice, I don’t expect anything to come of this for five or seven years. Does that mean that Fat Jan or Basso could ever ride a pro race again during this time? Or more likely, have we already seen their last races as pro riders?

Disco will get a stage win!

2006-09-06T09:39:00.000-06:00

Egoi Martinez has a 40 second gap with 3 km to go. Martinez has been on a break for much of the day. He was later caught by Landaluze of Euskatel and Gustov from CSC. With roughly 9km to go, Martinez attacked his breakaway companions and quickly built a big gap. The peleton is more than 10 minutes down, so no threat of a bunch sprint.

Like I was There!

2006-09-05T15:24:00.000-06:00

Check out George beating Leipheimer to the line in the USPro Road Championships. I guess that Levi knows what perennial 2s like Zabel and Ullrich must feel like.

Vino's Team - Old Postal?

2006-09-05T12:37:00.000-06:00

Check it out. With Sergio Paulinho winning today’s stage, the Astana Würth team is dominating the Vuelta. Count’em three stage wins in a row: three riders in the top 10. You have both Kashechkin and Vinokourov dominating the Top 5 on GC. Close your eyes. Imagine what the Tour de France would have been had the Spanish numb-skulls not royally screwed the Astana team.

Now look at the results from today. Granted, it was a flat stage. But if you are Tommy D and 6 minutes down on GC, why aren’t you trying to break out of the 100+ man peloton? He had Gusev up the road. Go biotch….or maybe he is just resting until next Tuesday when they go up again.

“our time is running out”

-Matthew Bellamy

With Tom Danielson’s pathetic performance in the mountains, I can’t help myself from rooting for Vino to find a little vindication.

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

2006-09-05T10:32:00.000-06:00

If you want to be "the man", you have to "bring it" from the get-go in a grand tour. It's too late to find your form on stage 9.

What he needs to do now is ATTACK! That is assuming he has the strength to do so.

I still don't see why Disco needed two guys towing Brajkovic to the line. Let either Devolder or Danielson try and catch the leaders and make up some time.

From Tommy D's diary on www.cyclingnews.com.

Well, I was stronger today than in the other mountain stages, that is for sure. I was with the first guys, but Johan asked me to wait for Janez. That is what I had to do. I lost time the other day…I still don’t know why that happened, but my legs are better now. Today I was easy on the back of Marchante when Sastre attacked. Those guys were going across to Vino and Kashechkin and I was there. But when your teammate is in the gold jersey, I guess that is what you have to do…

I hope I can do something later in the race. It seems I am back to where I should have been. I can’t explain why I was so bad in the first few days, but today I felt good.

It is very disappointing the way things turned out earlier on in the race. I am happy for Janez, the way things turned out for him [taking gold] but I am disappointed that I had that bad day, and also lost a bit of time on the first mountain stage. I would like to make a good Vuelta so we will see.

As regards my plans from this point on, I will have to listen to what Johan says and see what I can do. I would love to win a stage. I will try, but first I would like to climb with the best guys. Today I felt like I could have…if you watched the stage on TV, you could see that I could have.

Anyway, there are two time trials and three mountain stages left, so we will see…

115 and Hungry

2006-09-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

I guess when you weigh 115, you don't have much stored fat or energy to draw from before you bonk. Janez better start eating his wheaties if he wants to recover some time in the Vuelta and get back in contention. Also, Barry thinks Tommy D is coming around. We'll see.

From Michael Barry's diary on www.velonews.com.

Janez was disappointed with his performance yesterday - not because he lost time to some of the greatest riders in the sport but because he made a mistake on a day he was feeling fantastic and paid the price: he forgot to eat.

When a rider is on a good day, or even a great day, his legs are floating beneath him and he isn't feeling the pedal, it is easy to forget to eat, as it seemingly doesn't seem possible that anything can sap his energy. And, on a big mountain day it is even easier to forget to eat as we are either going up or down which leaves little time to dig into the pocket for a gel or energy bar and even less time to chew it down. Yes, we were racing for six hours, but most of it we were huffing and puffing going uphill or completely focused braking, cornering and accelerating going downhill.

I can assure you that Janez's Vuelta is nowhere near over and he will come back fighting and flying in the first time trial. Last night he was not sad about losing the jersey but mad about making the error - in this he has found motivation.

Tom had a very good day in the mountains yesterday and was getting back to his normal sensations on the bike. He was up front and able to follow attacks, get in the action and help Janez to the line. Tom has improved since the start, and as the tenth stage is usually the breakpoint of the race - where riders go downhill in fitness or improve - it looks likely he will have a better second half. Yesterday's stage was a telling stage as it was long day, after a long week of racing in the heat; it was quickly evident when the attacks started on the final climb which riders were still fresh and strong and which were struggling.

What's wrong with this photo?

2006-09-04T09:28:00.000-06:00

Check out this photo from the U.S.Pro Road Race. Yep, that is Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie working together. In the end, Hincapie won it by riding Levi off his wheel in the final K. Apparently, Levi charged on the hills to drop all the fatties while Georgie sat on. Just goes to show you how much better a Tour rider is than our locals.

Sara Ullrich

2006-09-04T09:06:00.000-06:00

In the midst of his professional world crumbling, Jan Ullrich decides the time is right to get married. Check it out. Apparently dude is "over both ears fall in love"! No that my friends is poetry.

I also find it somewhat amusing that dude is marrying a gal with the same name as his daughter from another girlfriend. Could you imagine.

Vino and Valverde

2006-09-03T09:23:00.000-06:00

Vino wins the stage and Valverde takes the gold jersey of race leader in today's 200 km plus "queen" stage of the Vuelta. The Discovery sensation of the race so far, Janez Brajkovic, cracked on the final climb and lost 2:13.

Vino and Kashechkin attacked with 5km left. It appeared that Vino was pulling for Kashechkin to try and put him in the race lead, but Kashechkin didn't have the legs. Vino left him with 2km to go and Valverde coming from the chase group behind. Vino was able to hold off Valverde to the finish to win his second stage in a row. Vino jumped himself up to 5th on GC, behind Valverde, Kashechkin, Marchante and Sastre. Brajkovic is now 7th at 2:05 down, and Triki is in 8th at 2:28 down.

Interestingly, Beltran, Devolder, Danielson and Brajkovic all finished in the top 15 on the stage, but none could stay with the leaders in the final few kilometers. The team is strong, but without a hammer to finish the stages.

Rest day tomorrow.

Cooked Goose

2006-09-02T10:01:00.000-06:00

Today’s Vuelta climbing stage saw Discovery Channel’s Janez Brajkovic take the Oro. Dude totally cranked. My question is, what happened to Tom Danielson? Dude lost another 3+ minutes and is currently 4:15 back in 18^th place. Is the Disco leadership role misplaced? Tommy D has two of his teammates ahead of him on GC and is not putting on a show that a dude who focused on this race should.

Come on Tommy. We are pulling for you. Don’t let us down.

Abandon Ship!

2006-09-01T13:38:00.000-06:00

We have already seen that Leif Hoste, Jose Acevedo, Max Van Heeswijk, Roger Hammond and others will be leaving Disco at the end of the year. The next rider rumored to be moving on is none other than Il Falco himself, Paolo Salvodelli.

From www.cyclingnews.com:

Il Falco linked to Astana
Discovery rider Paolo Savoldelli has been linked to a move to team Astana for 2007 according to Wielermagazine.nl. The Italian, who won the Giro d'Italia in 2002 and 2005 would be the third boutique signing for the team in recent days, after Matthias Kessler and Andreas Klöden signed from T-Mobile. The riders would join Alexander Vinokourov, who placed fifth in the 2005 Tour.
Astana will also conduct operations under a Swiss licence and will be led by Marc Biver, the former organiser of the tours of Romandie and Switzerland. Biver has also managed various teams.

Zabriskie USA TT Champ

2006-09-01T10:15:00.000-06:00

He'll be wearing the stars and stripes in Europe.

1 Dave Zabriskie (CSC) 41.49.59
2 Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) 0.31.97
3 Jason Mccartney (Discovery Channel) 0.51.41
4 Mike Friedman (TIAA Cref) 1.08.41
5 Bernard Vanulden (Navigators Insurance) 1.25.47
6 Danny Pate (TIAA Cref) 1.28.41
7 Tom Abb Zirbel (Priority Health) 1.29.68
8 Jeff Louder (Health Net / Maxxis) 1.37.72
9 Chris Wherry (Toyota United) 1.48.08
10 Mike Creed (TIAA Cref) 2.12.41

Brajkovic in Oro

2006-09-01T09:58:00.000-06:00

Janez Brajkovic of Disco has taken over the lead of the Vuelta e Espana after stage 7! Brajkovic dragged his 115 pound frame over the line in 4th on today's stage behind Valverde, Vino and Sastre to take over the lead on GC. Triki also finished in the same time as Janez. Unfortunately for him, Tommy D was exposed as a pretender for the overall and finished 3:28 down on the day. Stijn Devolder even outclimbed Tommy D and finished in 9th on the day, only 23 seconds down.

The Disco boys are riding strong in the Vuelta, but I bet there will be a new team leader after today's stage. The good news is that Brajkovic was also an U23 world champ in the TT. He may be able to put some time into the other climbers in the TT's.

I wonder if they have a gold jersey small enough for this guy?

Look out Spaniards, "The Sparrow" is coming after you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2006-09-01T09:32:00.000-06:00

From Velonews, at the Vuelta:

5:14 PM Brajkovic attacks!
115 pounds of whoop-ass!

There's something no Banshee will ever say or hear about himself. It's like I'm riding with 4 extra bikes compared to him.

By the way, Danielson sucks wind this Vuelta. Go Brajkovic!!