Latest News for September 3, 2003Edited by Jeff Jones "Contaminated" protein the cause of Ullrich's Tour problems?
Jan Ullrich's problems during the first part of the Tour de France may have been caused by a "contaminated" protein infusion, according to an interview on ARD television. The German appeared on the Beckmann-Talkshow on Monday night where he talked about his problems that he experienced after the fourth stage team time trial. "Immediately after the infusion I got a high fever, almost 40 degrees," said Ullrich, who tried to keep things quiet until he had recovered. Although the fever passed quickly, Ullrich said he was weakened for four days by his stomach problems, and this affected him in the Alpe d'Huez stage where he lost 1'28 to Lance Armstrong. Ullrich did not offer a reason as to how the protein infusion became contaminated. Zabel to lead Telekom in VueltaErik Zabel will captain the Telekom team in the Vuelta España, which starts this Saturday with a team time trial in Gijon. The top German sprinter who has won nine stages in the Spanish tour will lead a team containing Cadel Evans (Aus), Bobby Julich (USA), Mario Aerts (Bel), Steffen Wesemann (Ger), Torsten Hiekmann (Ger), Jan Schaffrath (Ger), Stephan Schreck (Ger) and Christian Werner (Ger). Museeuw still interested in World's
Johan Museeuw, winner of the 1996 World Championships in Lugano, has indicated that he is still interested in riding in the World Championships in Hamilton in October. Museeuw believes that he is in good condition at the moment, and has discussed his potential World's participation with national coach Jose De Cauwer. A decision will be made after Paris-Brussels on September 13. Arvesen joins CSCTeam CSC has continued its acquisition of new riders, with Norwegian Kurt Asle-Arvesen (fakta) the latest addition to the roster. Yesterday it was announced that Arvesen would be leaving fakta, and today he confirmed a two year deal with his new team. "Team CSC is just the team for me," said Arvesen. "I know the Danish mentality well and I know that I will be comfortable on this team. I have received many offers but there has never been any doubt in my mind that this was the place where I wanted to be. I am looking forward to my new cooperation with Bjarne Riis and the rest of the team and I am confident that their professional approach to the sport will be able to bring out the best in me." "Kurt is a fantastic rider," said team director Bjarne Riis. "He wins races and he is constantly in the thick of the action. He is always eager to make results and I believe that he will be able to win many races for us." Peron renewsCSC's Andrea Peron has also renewed his contract with the team for another two years. The Italian says he is comfortable where is. "I've been in the world of professional cycling for many years, I've ridden for different squads with different habits but I have never remained with the same team for four years consecutively," he said. "This means that I feel really good with Bjarne Riis and the team has always had faith in me." No Postal for PeersChris Peers (Cofidis) is still on the look out for a team for next season after receiving a lukewarm response from US Postal-Berry Floor. "I had a preliminary deal with Johan Bruyneel but now I hear that it will be difficult," Peers was quoted in Het Nieuwsblad as saying. "I'll draw my own conclusions from that." Intestinal problems for VandenbrouckeFrank Vandenbroucke (Quick.Step-Davitamon) has undergone medical tests to try and determine why he has been racing so poorly in the last few weeks. It was found that he had been suffering from an intestinal inflammation. More riders for Chocolat JacquesNoel Demeulenaere's new team Chocolat Jacques-Passage Fitness First is gradually taking shape, with several Marlux members having secured spots in the team. With Jef Braeckevelt as director, the team also has Dave Bruylandts, Andy Capelle and Raivis Belohvosciks on its list, with Ukrainians Maxim Roedenko and Yuri Deychuk as neo-pro's. Belgian team for MTB World'sThe Belgian team has been finalised for this week's World MTB Championships in Lugano, with the following riders making the selection: Elite Men: Roel Paulissen, Jimmy Tielens, Filip Meirhaeghe U23 Men: Damien Bynens, Maarten Wijnants Junior Men: Gilles Devillers, Quincy Vens Downhill Men: Nico Vink, Kristof Lenssens Trials: Kenny Belaey Gölz vice-president of BDRFormer professional cyclist Rolf Gölz has been voted in as a vice-president of the German cycling federation (BDR). Gölz will take over the vacant spot left by Olaf Ludwig at the beginning of the season. The 40 year old was one of Germany's top riders in the '80's and '90's, winning the Championship of Zurich in 1987 and the German road championships twice. He also works for ZDF TV as an expert commentator during the Tour, and up until the end of last year was a directeur sportif in the Gerolsteiner team. Australian National Road Cycling Championships in MaroochydoreNearly 2000 competitors and supporters are expected to arrive on Queensland's Sunshine Coast as it prepares to host the 2003 Australian National Road Cycling Championships, incorporating the Oceania Road Championships, Australian Masters Road Championships and Club Premiership. This year marks the third year of the event on the Sunshine Coast, and is attracting riders from New Zealand, New Caledonia and all around Australia. The races will be held throughout the Sunshine Coast including Beerwah, Maleny, Caloundra, Coolum, Yandina and Mooloolaba. The NRCC kicks off in Caloundra with the Caloundra RSL National Junior Road Cycling Championships incorporating Under 15 and Under 17 age groups. These juniors will ride an Individual Time Trial on Friday 5th, Road Race on Saturday 6th and Criterium on Sunday 7th September. The Masters competitors ranging from 35 to nearly 80 years old commence their racing on Tuesday 9th with the Individual Time Trial, followed by the Road Race on Thursday 11th and Criterium on Friday 12. The Elite Men, Elite Women, Under 23 Men, Under 19 Men and Under 19 Women start their program on Wednesday 11 September with the Individual Time Trial, followed by the Road Race on Saturday 13 finishing with the criterium final in the heart of Mooloolaba on Sunday 14 at 9.00am. Full Event Program September 4: Registration at the Caloundra RSL (5pm - 7pm) New U.S. bill threatens funding for cycling facilitiesA new bill to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives this week could severely impact on cycling facilities, according to the America Bikes coalition. Entitled the "Transportation Appropriations bill", it would eliminate the Transportation Enhancements program which has been in effect since 1991, helping communities to build more than 8,000 footpaths, multi-use paths, and other facilities for bicycling and walking. The Appropriations bill would also severely curtail transit spending. "If Congress passes this measure as it stands, thousands of communities will have to shelve plans that would have given residents more transportation choices and a shot at better health," said Keith Laughlin, President of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and America Bikes Board member. According to a report in the September 2003 American Journal of Public Health, although cycling could do much to reduce the "obesity epidemic" in the U.S., the current conditions on the roads make it far more hazardous than in Europe, where cyclists are accepted as legitimate road users. The report claims that in Germany and Holland, pedestrian and cyclist death rates have dropped significantly in the 20 years as a result of traffic calming measures and cycling and walking facilities. The coalition is urging people to vote for an amendment to the bill, which would restore funding to the Transportation Enhancements program to the previously proposed level of $600 million. The vote on the full bill is set for Thursday, September 4. For further information, visit www.railtrails.com, www.bikeleague.org, www.nybc.net or www.americabikes.org. Or contact Martha Roskowski, America Bikes, at (202) 833-8080, Elissa Margolin, League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333, Karen Stewart, Rails to Trails Conservancy, (212) 362-7272 or Jesse Day, New York Bicycling Coalition (518) 436-0889. Two Texas riders killedTwo cyclists have been killed in Texas last weekend after a truck ran into the middle of their training bunch. 49 year old James Roy Thomerson and 47 year old Brian Joseph Delaney (both of the Brazosport Bicycle Club) died instantly when a 1999 Ford F-150 drove into the front of the group on the wrong side of the road. The accident happened on a curve of Highway 332 at approximately 8:00am on Saturday morning. Two other cyclists, Amanda McDaniel (26) and Kelton Thomson (60) were both taken to nearby hospitals, however they are expected to make full recoveries. The driver of the truck was Marcia Ann Meeks (44), who told police that she had spun out of control on the curve and couldn't avoid hitting the riders. She is expected to be charged over the accident.
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