News for August 11, 2002

Edited by Jeff Jones and Chris Henry

Clasica San Sebastian wrap up

Laurent Jalabert
Photo: © AFP

The 22nd edition of Clasica San Sebastian, the seventh round of the World Cup, was won by Laurent Jalabert (CSC-Tiscali) in a very similar manner to his win last year. Jalabert outsprinted a breakaway group of five riders, with Igor Astarloa (Saeco) finishing second and Gabriele Missaglia (Lampre) in third. World Cup leader Johan Museeuw (Domo-Farm Frites) finished the race in 154th place, but held onto his lead after rival Paolo Bettini could only finish 7th, closing the gap to 68 points.

The US Postal team had mixed fortunes during the race. After leading the peloton to the base of the Alto de Jaizkibel, they were forced to watch as first Andrei Kivilev, then Gabriele Missaglia, Carlos, Igor Astarloa, Rafael Ferrara, and finally Laurent Jalabert rode away. Lance Armstrong towed the second peloton for a while, but couldn't close the gap.

There was worse to come though when George Hincapie (3rd in the World Cup) fell on the descent of the Jaizkibel when he missed a corner. He went over the barriers as his bike ended up in the centre of the road. He was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with numerous wounds all over his body, in particular to his left knee. Although nothing was broken, the rest of his season remains in doubt.

Post race quotes

Laurent Jalabert (CSC-Tiscali, 1st)

"I've shown that I have the experience to win a World Cup classic," said Jalabert moments after winning. "Since the end of the Tour, I have not stopped racing. I have only slept one night at home. Today I was not overly confident because it had started to rain, but I was not afraid to try for victory."

"Before retiring I would be able to sign another contract with a team, because I have had plenty of offers, but I prefer to retire with my head held high."

Johan Museeuw (Domo-Farm Frites, World Cup leader)

"I knew before this race that it would be very difficult to earn more points for the World Cup. The course does not suit me, nor does the course in Zürich. I expect Paris-Tours to provide a better opportunity, although Bettini has already gained points and will be my biggest rival."

Full results and report
Live report
Photos

Verbrugghe delays return

Rik Verbrugghe (Lotto-Adecco) has delayed his comeback to racing following his collarbone break during the Tour de France. He was due to start in Monday's Vuelta a Burgos, but has now decided to start on August 25 in the GP Ouest France in Plouay. A visit to the doctor last Thursday convinced him that the risks would be too great to start racing too soon.

The Lotto-Adecco team for the Vuelta a Burgos is Mario Aerts, Serge Baguet, Christophe Brandt, Kurt Van Lancker, Kurt Van De Wouwer, Tom Stremersch, Guennadi Mikhailov, and Ief Verbrugghe.

Ronde van Nederland last stage race for Tom Steels

Belgian champion Tom Steels (Mapei-Quick Step) will probably only do one more stage race this season, the Ronde van Nederland from August 20-24. Steels still has ambitions for the World Championships in Zolder, where he has an excellent chance provided he stays healthy. He doesn't want to do any more multi-day races in order to keep himself as fresh as possible for the World's.

Big Mat gets Vuelta start

The Big Mat-Auber 93 team has gained a last minute start in the Vuelta España, which starts on September 7. That will bring the total number of teams in the Spanish grand tour to 23, meaning a peloton of 207 riders. The organisers Unipublic asked for and received special dispensation from the UCI to extend the field past the 200 rider limit.

Although French, Big Mat also contains Spanish climbers Felix Garcia Casas and Aitor Kintana Zarate.

Trofeo Melinda preview

The 11th Trofeo Melinda will take place on the 29th of August, covering 197km between Malà and Fondo. The race includes the climbs to Ronzone (1,100m) and Revò(720m), and a 31.3km finishing circuit on the streets of Fondo.

Some of the key participants for this year's race include world champion Oscar Freire, Italians Michele Bartoli, Ivan Basso, Davide Rebellin, Andrea Tafi, and local heroes Gilberto Simoni and Mariano Piccoli. Last year's winner Francesco Casagrande is also expected on the start line.

Tinker Juarez to race 24 Hours of 9 Mile-Wisconsin

Two-time Olympic Mountain Bike Racer Tinker Juarez confirmed today that he will race in the 24 Hours of 9 Mile Mountain Bike Race in Wausau, WI on June 17-18. Juarez, 41, is a California native and was a member of the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Teams, is a three time national champion, and a member of the Volvo/Cannondale Mountain Bike Racing Team.

"I am very excited about returning to Wisconsin, " said Juarez of his upcoming trip. "The trails are great and the 24-9 will give me a chance to prepare for the upcoming World Championship."

Juarez will compete for the United States in the Solo 24 Hour World Championship at Silver Star resort in Vernon, British Columbia August 31-Sept. 1.

"Tinker is one of top racers in the history of the sport of mountain biking," said event Director Kevin Eccles. "It is truly a testament to the caliber of the trail system at 9 Mile Forest and the reputation of the event that he has chosen to compete in the 24 Hours of 9 Mile to prepare for the World Championship."

The 24 Hours of 9 mile is the largest event of its kind in the Midwest. Most racers form teams of four or five and compete in a relay race format. Some more adventurous racers compete by themselves or in teams of 2 for the entire 24 hour period. Less adventurous compete in the 12 hour division. Whoever completes the most laps of the 15 mile course in 24 hours or more is the winner in their category. Like most events of this style, the race features a LeMans style start, where the bike riders run a quarter mile before mounting their bikes for the first lap.

2003 New Zealand National Mountain Bike Series

The dates for the 2003 New Zealand Mountain Bike Association (NZMBA) National Mountain Bike Series have been announced.

January

8 - DH 1 Cardrona
11 - XC 1 Wanaka
12 - DH 2 Cardrona
18 - DH 3 Nelson (Cat E2)
19 - XC 2 Nelson (Cat E2)
25 - XC 3 Levin

February

1- Hill Climb Rotorua
2 - DH 4 Rotorua
9 - XC 4 Tokoroa

March

8 - DH 5 Auckland (Cat E2)
9 - XC 5 Auckland (Cat E2)

2002 Virginia Cyclo-Cross Series

The five race 2002 Virginia Cyclo-cross Series will bring together the best courses in Reston, Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia. The series kicks off October 27th with "All Hallows 'Cross," race number one of the VACX, offering $1800 cash for the elite men and women. Classes for this year's series are Elite Men, Elite Women, B Men, B Women, C Men, Masters 35+, Masters 45+, and Juniors.

Full schedule:

October 27th - Reston, VA
November 3rd - Richmond, VA
November 10th - Charlottesville, VA
November 17th - Charlottesville, VA
December 1 - Reston, VA

Virginia cyclo-cross clinics

Potomac Velo Club will also host a free cyclo-cross clinic starting October 8th.

Cyclo-cross clinics are free to anyone with the desire to learn cyclo-cross techniques in a fun atmosphere with a variety of riders and abilities. Clinics will begin October 8, at Wakefield Park in Annandale, VA.

(All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2002)