News for December 10, 2002

Edited by Chris Henry

Twice is nice for Museeuw

Following Johan Museeuw's recognition by Belgian television network RTBF with the Sprint d'Or award, the Lion of Flanders has taken home the 'Kristallen Fiets' awarded by newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. In this competition, Museeuw won with more than three times the number of votes as second place Mario De Clercq. Museeuw's fellow classics specialist Peter Van Petegem rounded out the top three. In the espoirs category, Kevin De Weert took top honors, while US Postal's Johan Bruyneel took the prize for best directeur sportif.

For 2003, Museeuw's objectives will remain the same. His sights are firmly set on the monuments of the spring classics. "What I want most of all is to take the victory in the Ronde (Tour of Flanders) and/or Paris-Roubaix," Museeuw told La Dernière Heure. "But if I really had to make a choice, it would be the Tour of Flanders."

That's not to say the 37 year old isn't thinking of adding another classic, Milan-San Remo, to his impressive palmarès. "Cipollini won the Primavera at age 35, and Tchmil at 36. Why couldn't I think it about it as well?"

Armstrong SI's Sportsman of the Year

Lance Armstrong has been named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year for 2002. In winning his fourth consecutive Tour, Armstrong kept cycling on the front pages in the United States in July. In discussing his legacy, Lance told Sports Illustrated, "There's never been a Tour de France victory by a cancer survivor before me. That's what I'd like to be remembered for."

Armstrong joins Greg LeMond as the only cyclists to receive the Sportsman of the Year honor. LeMond won in 1989 after his second Tour de France victory.

Lampre keeps Rumsas

Raimondas Rumsas will remain with the Lampre team for 2003, confirmed by team manager Giuseppe Saronni. Rumsas met with Saronni and team president Emanuele Galbusera to finalize the arrangements. Following the arrest of his wife Edita on the last day of this year's Tour de France, Raimondas Rumsas's presence on the 2003 Lampre roster has been in question, though the team management has affirmed their confidence in the rider.

Amoroso's Women's Cycling Team

America Velo Sports has announced the arrival of Victory Brewing as the new title sponsor for 2003. Victory Brewing and Amoroso's Baking Company have joined forces to work together and build on the success of the 2002 season. The new team is dubbed, not surprisingly, the Victory Brewing/Amoroso's Cycling Team.

Victory Brewing/Amoroso's will contest both the National Racing Calendar and the Pro Cycling Tour, as well as the Montreal World Cup and GP Québec Féminin. The team will also be eyeing the 2003 Road World Championships in Hamilton. "With the World's in Canada for 2003 it only makes sense that we focus our energy on it," said team director Mike Tamayo.

America Velo Sports receives continued support from Trialtir USA, NorthWave Shoes, Limar Helmets, and Voler Team Apparel. New for sponsors for 2003 are Maxxis Tires, Saris Roof Racks, and Cyclops Trainers.

The 2003 team roster is:

Leah Goldstein (Israel)
Sandy Espeseth (Canada)
Nicole Demars (Canada)
Gina Grain (Canada)
Sophie St-Jacques (Canada)
Ann Turrin (Canada)
Kirsten Robbins (Canada)
Lauren Franges (US)
Graciela Martinez (Argentina)
Veronica Martinez (Argentina)

Baer and Bouchard-Hall head northeast

Jason Baer and Kevin Bouchard-Hall, members of the 2002 G.S. Mengoni squad, will transfer to the up and coming New England Team Hawley-ATA Cycles Racing team for 2003.

Capiot continues with BankgiroLoterij

Johan Capiot will continue at the helm of Dutch team BankgiroLoterij for two more years, according to Belgian news agency Belga. Satisfied with the team's performance in 2002, notching 25 wins, Capiot looks forward to the Tour of the Netherlands as the team's major objective for 2003.

Third sponsor for Marlux

Team director Jef Braeckevelt has found a third cosponsor for his Marlux squad. Following the addition of Nixdorf, Revor has joined the team for 2003. Braeckevelt told Belgian news agency Belga that if negotiations go well, Czech pro Tomas Konecny will become the team's 16th rider. Talks with Dave Bruylandts and Romans Vainsteins had been suspended, but with the addition of the new sponsor, Braeckevelt hopes to restart the dialogue.

Source: velo-club.net

Testi to Scanavino-La Verve

Italian Fabio Testi has signed with Scanavino-La Verve, joining team manager Antonio Fermo.

The GP Plouay just got harder

Intent on discouraging a bunch sprint at the end of the GP Plouay classic in Plouay, France, organizers have decided to throw in a short but steep hill to help break things up. Hopes are that fourteen times up a 40 meter long, 18% hill just before turning onto the finishing climb of the Côte du Lézot will help disrupt the bunch by the time the final selections are to be made. The 2003 edition of the race will be held August 24th.

Source: Ouest France/www.velo-club.net

Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce awarded (again)

The Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce Postes Canada was awarded Organizer of the year in Canada by the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA). The award was given at the CCA's Annual General Meeting on December 7 in Montreal. The Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce received this award for the first time, for its excellent coordination and the exposure it provides for cycling.

The race was already awarded last week with the Mémoris d’Or for the Event of the Year at the Gala de l’Athlète de Québec.

Waregem candidate for 2007 Tour

Waregem, Belgium has announced its candidature for a Tour de France stage finish and start for 2007. The organizers of the Boucles de Belgique met with Tour director Jean-Marie Leblanc last weekend, after Jos Braeckevelt passed on a good work to Leblanc as well. The year 2007 will mark the 50th anniversary of Waregem's hosting the world championships.

Source: RUG

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