Latest Cycling News for February 11, 2004

Edited by Chris Henry

Van Bondt bounces back

Van Bondt's happy
Photo: © Tim Maloney/CN

Belgian Geert Van Bondt, plagued by bad luck and injury in recent seasons, is looking to bounce back yet again with his move to growing Division I team Landbouwkrediet-Colnago. A classics man at heart, Van Bondt won Gent-Wevelgem in 2000, before his career was stalled in the implosion of the American Mercury team and more injuries in 2002 and 2003 with Team CSC. Beginning his 11th season as a professional, 33 year old Van Bondt spoke to Cyclingnews at his new team's training camp in Santa Severa, Italy, insisting that he has one more mountain to climb.

"When you're young, you think like 'it's life, not cycling', but then after seven, eight years you start to really like your profession as a cyclist," Van Bondt explained. "You don't want to quit when things go badly; it's like a fight. Every time you want to come back, to come back and you make it. You go into deep valleys and when you do, finally you want to climb the mountain again. Most of the riders are like this... You still want to try it one more time. So every time, I've been able to come back so this time, I hope I can climb [the mountain] again and this time, and stay on top."

Van Bondt's team started the season well, with veteran sprinter Tom Steels taking the opening stage of the Etoile de Bessèges stage race in France. As for Van Bondt, an unlucky bump of his knee on a cupboard has prompted some concern over another unlucky injury, but he remains confident for the new season.

"So far at Landbouwkrediet-Colnago, team spirit is excellent and we'll certainly benefit from that in the near future," he said. "Also it is clear that the organisation and team support has taken a major step forward, so things are looking good."

Click here for the full interview

French riders' union backs soigneurs

The national union of professional cyclists (UNCP) in France has voiced its support for the group of 'technical assistants' who perform a variety of services within professional teams, commonly referred to as soigneurs. With increased pressure from France's minister of sport Jean-François Lamour to enforce a national law permitting only licensed physical therapists to administer massage to athletes, many soigneurs have begun to fear for their jobs, as massage has become one of just many tasks for team assistants who also drive vehicles, prepare feed bags, etc.

"Any decision that seeks to relieve the assistants of the functions they perform would be premature and poorly thought out," the UNCP said in a written statement. "If they follow the guidelines given by the minister of sport, the riders will not understand how the termination of some forty assistants could provide any solution to the problem of doping."

The UNCP went on to say that the appropriate tact remains the investigation of those directly involved in doping affairs such as the most recent which surrounds the Cofidis team.

Vasseur to Tour Med

Following his two day interrogation by French police upon his return to Paris after Cofidis' training camp in Spain in mid-January, Cédric Vasseur has thus far been spared any direct implication in the doping scandal surrounding soigneur Bogdan Madejak and a number of current and former riders from Cofidis. Vasseur was not charged in the affair and denied any involvement in the case.

Eager to carry on with the new season, Vasseur has been given the go ahead by team management to start the Tour Méditerranéen, alongside a team which will also include world champion Igor Astarloa and David Moncoutié.

Jaksche OK

German Jörg Jaksche will start the Tour Méditerranéen as originally planned. Riding for Team CSC this year, Jaksche's participation was in doubt after a stomach bug left him briefly sidelined. Feeling better and cleared by team doctors, Jaksche will start as planned, building up to his first major objective of the season, Paris-Nice.

Beloki ready

After a bout of tendinitis forced Joseba Beloki to make his debut in Brioches La Boulangère colours at the GP d'Ouverture La Marseillaise and Etoile de Bessèges, the Basque pro has been given the go ahead from his doctor in Vitoria, Spain to begin competition at the Trofeo Luis Puig (February 22).

Bortolami injured

Italian Gianluca Bortolami was injured after being hit by a car while training neat the Lago Maggiore. Bortolami, who this season rides for Lampre, was training with friends Massimo Appollonio and Andrea Noè, who called for help after the accident. Bortolami was transported by helicopter to hospital in Borgamanero, although it appears he escaped without any fractures.

Bortolami is expected to be out of action for at least ten days, delaying his entry into competition, originally scheduled for the Giro della Liguria on Thursday.

Van Petegem's other goals

Winner of the rare Tour of Flanders/Paris-Roubaix double in 2003, Lotto-Domo's classics leader Peter Van Petegem is not overly concerned about trying to repeat the feat this season. Although he will have the full support of his team for the fabled World Cup classics, Van Petegem has his sights set on other races as well.

"I know it will be difficult to repeat the Ronde/Roubaix double," Van Petegem told La Dernière Heure. "That's why I'm not focusing only on those two races. I want to be good at Het Volk, and do everything I can after that. Van Petegem also would appear to have Milan-San Remo in his mind as an objective, one shared by his teammate Robbie McEwen.

"I'm relaxed," Van Petegem said. "My winter went very well and I trained as I wanted to, so I'll carry on with my preparations for specific races."

Plaza motivated

Spaniard Rubén Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana-Kelme) is off to a strong start with his new team for 2004, and motivated to set his own goals at several upcoming races. Plaza figured among Kelme's day of dominance at the Challenge Illes Balears, finishing third in a podium sweep led by teammates Alejandro Valverde and David Blanco on the third stage of the Spanish season opener.

"[Vicente] Belda has always been interested in me, since I was young," Plaza said in a Todociclismo interview. "The fact that Kelme is my 'local' team, on top of the problems Banesto had finding a sponsor, the decision was made [to join the team]. Belda and I are both very happy; the transition has gone well from day one."

After finishing fifth overall at the Challenge Illes Balears, Plaza has set the Trofeo Luis Puig, Vuelta Comunidad Valenciana, and Vuelta a Murcia as early targets. As the season progresses, Plaza will more than likely be called upon to support young team leader Valverde in the bigger tours, particularly the Vuelta a España.

"Mainly I'll be called on for the Vuelta, which is going to be my debut in a grand tour," Plaza explained. "I'll be there to help Valverde and [Angel] Casero, and see what I can do individually."

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