Latest Cycling News for November 1, 2006Edited by Gregor Brown Bettini's Words Further DNA PolemicsBy Tim Maloney, European Editor
AIGCP President Patrick Lefevere replied yesterday to the outraged comments of World Champion Paolo Bettini, who is also the team leader of Lefevere's Quick.Step-Innergetic squad, saying "Before he even speaks or refuses to take a DNA test, Paolo should think first. He should read the ProTour Code of Ethics. [Paolo] is World Champion and he's an example to others: if the riders refuse to follow the Code of Ethics, they are putting their future and the future of cycling at risk." But there is still strong opposition to the new ProTour Code of Ethics and any DNA testing for riders, as evidenced by the words of Italian Professional Riders Association [ACCPI] President Amedeo Colombo, who stated that "I have the same position as Bettini; we have to take another look at the ProTour Code of Ethics because the new regulations will not stand up in any court in Europe. It's against any work rules and even against human rights." Colombo then pointed out that "The UCI is making their moves, as are the teams, to take more power over cycling. They have made a ProTour Code of Ethics and imposed it on the riders, but have refused to sit down [with the Association of Professional Cyclists (CPA)] and talk about it. But this time, regarding DNA testing, the riders won't just look at the situation, because it's unacceptable to be treated like thieves or delinquents. The [CPA] is looking at this with our lawyers to defend our rights. Without the riders, the UCI and teams wouldn't exist. Someone like Bettini is someone people listen to. We want him to join the [CPA] board of directors." Filippo Pozzato, winner of this year's Milano-Sanremo is vice president of the ACCPI and the talented rider from Sandrigo, Italy told the La Gazzetta dello Sport that "I have talked to other riders, other members of [the Association] and we all want the same thing; to be heard and have more power with our opinions in the decisions that are being made by the teams and the UCI. In other sports, that's how it works. We're not puppets, but the main protagonists in the theatre of cycling. Bettini's words have expressed what most riders think about the ProTour Code of Ethics. It's time to give [the UCI and teams] a strong signal." Amy's Ride is backBy John Trevorrow Last January's inaugural Amy's Ride was a huge success with over 3000 cyclists joining the stars of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic for a ride around the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula in Australia The ride helped raise more than 50,000 AU$ for the Amy Gillett Foundation and showed what the power of common good can achieve. It wasn't just to commemorate the life of a world champion rower and an elite level cyclist; it was also to acknowledge the need to do something to improve the relationship between cyclists and motorists. This is why the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) has been established, to reduce the incidence of death and injury caused by the interaction of cyclists and motorists. The AGF hopes to engender a harmonious relationship of shared respect between the two groups. And that's why the response to last January's event was so heart warming. It showed a community coming together in a positive response to a tragedy which, sadly, is often repeated on Australian roads. January 6, 2007, organisers are planning for an even bigger turn out and another wonderful and memorable day on the bike around the magnificent Bellarine Peninsula. It's a unique opportunity to ride alongside some of the world's best cyclists - Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Katie Mactier, Kate Bates or any of the 280 riders of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic. As well as having a sensational day on the bike, you will be raising money for the Amy Gillett Foundation. Entry is $55 of which approximately 80% goes to the AGF. Then stay and party afterwards in Geelong's beautiful Eastern Gardens and watch stage four of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic in a carnival atmosphere. There are plenty of ride options. For the very keen there's a 120 km of loop of the Bellarine Peninsula with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Straight. There are also shorter rides including a couple of options for the off-roadies on the sensational Bellarine Rail Trail. Not to forget the kiddies, there is a fun family ride. Go to www.amysride.com for more information and to enter on-line, or click the Amy's Ride logo on Cyclingnews. Unibet.com adds young Colombian UranRigoberto Uran is the latest addition for Unibet.com. The 19 year-old Colombian, riding the last year with Tenax-Salmilano, signed a contract for three seasons with the Belgian-based squad. "Uran is a very talented rider who has the potential of becoming an excellent climber and crono man. Furthermore he's really ambitious", noted Director Sportif Jacques Hanegraaf of Unibet.com. Rigoberto Uran is the second Colombian Unibet.com has recruited for the 2007 season; Earlier in October, the team also signed Victor Hugo Peña. Uran, Colombian junior road champion in 2005, will enter his second season as a professional with Unibet.com. Unibet.com, which is expected to go ProTour in 2007, is also beefing up their Continental team, this year known as Unibet-Davo. According to tuttobiciweb.com, the team has acquired two Bretons, Florian Guillou, 23 years-old, and Jean-Marc Bideau, 22. Both riders, coming from French team Super Sport 35 - AC Noyal-Châtillon, have signed for one year. Spanish pro continental Fuerteventura-Canarias formsFuerteventura and the Canary Islands will join to sponsor a new Pro Continental cycling team in Spain, which will take a large part of the old team Comunidad Valenciana structure. Its manager will be the Canarian architect Jorge Sastre, and its directors could be Oscar Guerrero, who was the director sportif of Pro Continental Kaiku for the last two seasons, and Juan Martínez Oliver, coming from Andalucia-Paul Versan. Spanish newspaper Meta2Mil reports that Adrián Palomares, Mikel Artetxe, José Adrián Bonilla and local rider Dailos Díaz will form part of the 14 riders who will eventually make up the team that is slated to run over the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The ex-DS of Comunidad Valenciana, Vincente Belda, has denied that he will be the director of the new team and stated that he will only act as an advisor for the team. Further, according to todociclismo.com, Belda commented that the team would have a modest budget of €1.8 million. Vogondy with Agritubel
Tuesday, Nicolas Vogondy signed a year contract to ride with the French Pro Continental team Agritubel. The 29 year-old Frenchman, who turned pro in 1997 with Française Des Jeux, will make the leap from Crédit Agricole where he has ridden for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. "I have to say that this is good for me," said the 2002 French champion regarding signing for Agritubel. "Usually, when you say 'no' once to a team that is it, the fact that they gave me a second offer convinced me that I was really wanted. This is not a ProTour team but it will be in all the big French races, including the Tour de France. "It suites me well," continued Vogondy, who adds to the other nine new signings, including Nicholas Jalabert, which Cyclingnews reported on last week. "Now I will enjoy my vacation, without being stressed, before resuming training on November 20th." 2007 roaster: Linas Balciunas, Aivaras Baranauskas, Emilien-Benoît Berges, Freddy Bichot, Manuel Calvente, Cédric Coutouly, Hans Dekkers, Moisés Dueñas, Romain Feillu, Mikel Gaztañaga Echeverria, Eduardo Gonzalo, Cédric Hervé, Nicolas Jalabert, José Alberto Martínez, Juan Miguel Mercado, Samuel Plouhinec, Freddy Ravaleu, Anthony Ravard, Denis Robin, Benoît Salmon, Benoît Sinner and Nicolas Vogondy Ladies Only Days at the ADT VelodromeThe American Women's Track Cycling Fund has paired with The Women's Cycling Challenge to come up with a four-part development clinic that will introduce as many women as possible to the sport of track cycling. The first of four sessions brought over 35 first-timers to the velodrome, the second Ladies Only session at the Los Angles, California Velodrome is scheduled for November 11th and organizers seek to better first session numbers. OUCH Pro Cycling's Sarah Hammer is once again scheduled to be the headlining guest mentor for the two hour free track session which aims to bring track riding and racing to women who have wanted to try it. Hammer, along with Ladies Only director and creator Julia Cross and ADT Event Center director Roger Young, will seek to bring to bring their knowledge, passion and experience to the free two-hour sessions. Wisconsin bicycle federation benefits from advocacy fundraiserThe Wisconsin bicycle federation benefited by gaining over 35,000 USD during Saris Cycling Group's annual fundraiser on October 20. More than 600 individuals showed their support for the local advocacy organization by opening their wallets for over 100 silent auction items. Cyclingnews reported on October 22 of the benefit event, which was attended by Floyd Landis. "Having Floyd here to show his support for bike advocacy was a huge help," responded Saris Cycling Group President Chris Fortune. "I think a lot more people now realize how integral the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is in protecting cyclists' rights in the state." Guests to the event were treated to live music and plenty of food and drinks courtesy of local restaurants. The highlight of the evening was a Q&A session between Landis and Robb Zbierski of Saris Cycling Group. The two discussed Landis' childhood, the 2006 Tour de France and his pending legal proceedings following the Tour. In three years of hosting the annual fundraiser, Saris Cycling Group, established in 1974, has helped raise over $85,000 for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. Red Bull Road Rage cancelled
Due to fire safety prevention precautions, organizers of the 2006 Red Bull Road Rage have cancelled their event. After close evaluation of the current fire danger conditions by the Malibu, California fire chief, the decision was made yesterday to call off the 2nd edition of the downhill challenge. Il Falco Bergamasco, Paolo Savoldelli of Discovery Channel, had planned on attending the event to showcase his descending skills as Cyclingnews reported on October 22. Savoldelli was to face the 2005 winner and former world downhill mountain bike champion Myles Rockwell. "While disappointed, everyone at Red Bull is in full support of whatever action is necessary for the safety of the local community. Red Bull would like to thank all of the athletes, media and bike industry for their support of the event," said organizers in a released statement. (All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2006) |
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