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Second Edition News for February 7, 2002

Edited by Jeff Jones

Recent results and new features

Felice Gimondi at the presentation
Photo: © AFP

Giro d'Italia presented to European parliament

The 85th edition of the Giro d'Italia - which will mark European integration by passing through five other countries - countries - Holland , Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and France - before returning to finish on Italian soil - was presented to the European Parliament at Strasbourg this week. In the Winston Churchill room for the presentation were representatives of the five countries, along with past Giro champions Felice Gimondi, Eddie Merckx and Charly Gaul.

This year's Giro will start on May 11 in Groeningen, in Holland, in homage to the introduction of the Euro from January 1, and will conclude, as is traditional, in Milan, on June 2. It is only the seventh time in history that it has begun in a foreign country - and indeed, it is a fairly recent idea.

In 1973 Gazzetta Dello Sport director, Candido Cannavò, quoted Vincenzo Torriani, a patron of the Giro, as having had a "reckless idea - to start the Giro in Verviers in Belgium, pass through Germany, Luxembourg and France and head to Strasbourg".

It might have been "reckless", but it happened. And Eddy Merckx was the winner.

Last year, the Giro ventured outside of Italy just once - for Stage 10 into Slovenia.

2002 Giro director, Carmine Castellano, told the gathering the organisation appreciated the European Parliament's support of the race. "We have had a lot of support from the President - the Irish Pat Cox - and one of the vice presidents, Guido Podestà," he said. "They have testified how much the European Parliament is close to the proposal of the Giro."

President of RCS (which organises the Giro) Cesar Romiti, said the sport of cycling was facing one of the most serious problems in history - doping - and called upon the Parliament to support prevention programs.

"The phenomenon now involves public health and demands the formation of prevention programs," he said.

Photo's from the presentation

A laptop computer - shows the map of the Giro d'Italia during its presentation at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
Italian cycling legend Felice Gimondi - studies the parcours of the 2002 Giro d'Italia
Eddy Merckx and Italian Felippe Gimondi - applaud during the presentation of the Giro
Eddy Merckx - studies the map of the 2002 Giro d'Italia

Etoile de Bessèges: McEwen still in good form

Robbie McEwen
Photo ©: AFP

Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Adecco) confirmed his excellent early season form by winning the first stage of the Etoile de Bessèges in Marseille today. McEwen, winner of the Australian road championship and four stages of the Tour Down Under, outsprinted Jaan Kirsipuu (Ag2r) and Sebastien Joly (Bonjour) at the end of the 133 kilometres stage. He therefore took the first leader's jersey in the five day event.

Click here for the full report

Freire wins again, Zabel on podium

By Julie Walsh in Porto Cristo

Oscar Freire (Mapei-Quick Step) has won his second race in three days, taking the fourth leg of the Mallorca Challenge from Manacor to Porto Cristo. Freire was again led out for the sprint by Mapei teammate Tom Steels, who finished fourth behind Isaac Galvez (Kelme) and Erik Zabel (Telekom). The general classification leader remains Francisco Cabello (Kelme).

Click here for the full results and report

Sean Yates and the new iTeamNova.com

By Steve Thomas in Melaka

Cyclingnews catches up with iTeamNova.com manager and former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Sean Yates to chat about the new team, and their progress in the Tour de Langkawi.

Click here for the full interview

Tour de Langkawi gets thumbs up from Moser

Italian legend Francesco Moser has given his official nod of approval to the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi, calling for it to be upgraded to UCI 2.2 status.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Moser, who is part of the UCI committee for tour upgrades, said that "There is nothing in this race which is not there in other 2.2 rated races in the world."

Click here for the full report

Victory for McGrory/Gilmore in Copenhagen

It was an intense final night in Copenhagen! The Danish home crowd were hoping for their boys in pair number seven to take home the first victory in the newly constructed Siemens Arena.

Click here for the full results and report

Former 800.com team no longer on eBay

By Jeff Jones

The U.S. women's team formerly sponsored by 800.com is no longer up for auction on eBay. No, there was no benefactor who came up with the necessary US$100,000 to save the team which lost its title sponsor in the final year of a three year contract. Rather, the team's owner Peter Kukula withdrew the item after he learned that manager Jeremy Storie had placed it on eBay last week.

Kukula is the owner and Managing Director of Northwest Pro Cycling, and greatly objected to Storie's method of attracting sponsorship for his team. "Jeremy Storie had no legal right to put my team up for sale or in his efforts maybe to get his own team," Kukula told Cyclingnews. "He certainly had no legal right to use my marketing materials or make any claims that equipment, riders, staff etc... were available and ready to go."

Storie has since been laid off from his position, and eBay has removed the item for sale. With regard to the former sponsor, 800.com, all that can be said is that they were in the final year of a three year contract.

Kukula says that he has not instigated legal action at this time, "although the lawyers are considering options. I have had a good working relationship with 800.com and have appreciated their support over the previous two years. Their decision to not sponsor this year is sad because the contract was signed in July."

"The team will start at Redlands, Sea Otter and Solano riding for Bianchi USA," confirmed Kukula. "The riders are solid high quality people and they came out of nowhere in the past year so they will still be a force. Who knows, if a new sponsor comes along..."

The team is at least still operable, and there are negotiations in progress with a new title sponsor, although things are slow. In addition to Bianchi USA, the team has commitments from Heritage Consulting Group, Rudy Project, Vittoria, Profile Design and Carnac. "We are more in need of product support than ever before because we lost our major cash contributor. Things will be tight but we have been there before!"

If a new sponsor does come on board, the team will continue to ride a full North American schedule, focusing on HP Women's Challenge, Gran Prix Feminin and the Saturn series of races.

Longo slander case finalised

A Court of Appeal in Bordeaux has confirmed the judgement handed down to Alain Brunel (president of Team 24) in the Jeannie Longo slander case. Brunel was fined 750 euros and has to pay 457 euros in damages to Longo after he was found guilty of slandering her in a letter to the French Cycling Federation where he implied that she had "doped herself" with Creatine.

Six Days of the Roses

One of the few six day events to be held in summer is the Six Days of the Roses in Fiorenzuola, Italy. This year's fifth edition will be disputed between July 9-14 on the velodrome of Fiorenzuola d' Arda in the province of Piacenza. The presentation of the race will take place on May 7 in the Politeama Theatre in Piacenza.

Mathis Brothers Cycling Team

Mathis Brothers Furniture returns as primary sponsor for the 2002 season with an expanded club roster and an Elite Team. The goal of Canadian River Racing Club/Mathis Brothers Cycling Team is to enable cyclists to enjoy the camaraderie and competitive spirit of cycling.

The club will once again be competing all over the South Central and Midwest parts of the country. The Elite Team will be targeting the National Calendar series in addition to local races.

Returning for 2002, after a fall season with Tier III professional squad Jelly Belly, is Jason Waddell. Jason was one of the most consistent amateur riders in the country last season finishing 58th overall (8th amateur) on the National Racing Calendar standings.

The acquisition of 2-time National Road Race Champion Steven Cate from Mercy Fitness will greatly boost the teams national profile. Steven finished the 2001 season in 54th place overall (6th amateur) on the NRC. With both Waddell and Cate on the same team the two Norman, OK residents are sure to make some noise on the National scene.

Ryan Peterson also of Norman, OK has also been brought over from Mercy Fitness. Ryan is one of the strongest riders in the Midwest and is a former National Junior Team Member. Rory McAdams of Wichita Falls, TX brings his track racing background along with his impressive road racing talents and skills to help the team achieve its goals.

"These top riders should create even greater exposure for Mathis Brothers Furniture outside the local racing scene." said Bill Mathis. "Not only will the addition of an Elite Team help boost Mathis' visibility, but also it should spark pride and determination among our other team members, inspiring them to seek achievement at an even higher level. We look forward to the 2002 bicycle racing season."

Team roster

Riders

Jason Burnett
Steven Cate
Simon Essl
Jim Lehman
Rory McAdams
Ryan Peterson
Jason Waddell (Captain)

Management

Lori Boren - Co-Team Manager/Board Member
Jason Waddell - Director Sportif/Co-Team Manager
Peter Erdoes - Board Member
Rick Dyer - Board Member

South African cyclists take part in fundraising

Seven South African cyclists are taking part in an awareness fundraising cycle tour (Halt Elder Abuse Cycle Tour) from Pietersburg to Cape Town. They have raised R310,000 to date and hope to raise R500,000 (50,000 euros).

The team consists of Angus Moore, Earnest Hickman, Rosemary Moore and four volunteer cyclists. They are currently in Durban and are inviting local cyclists to support the cause, which will also help improve the visibility of cycling. They are accompanied by a police escort.

A rider is scheduled for Saturday morning February 9, meeting at La Lucia Mall at 7:45am. Food and Energade will be provided to riders participating.

More information: Deon.