News for January 14, 2000

Ochowicz named US Olympic coach

Jim Ochowicz has been named as the US men's road cycling coach for the 2000 Olympic Games in September. The highly respected coach was a former Olympian (1972, 1976), as well as being the director of several of the top US cycling trade teams (7-Eleven and Motorola). He is currently a financial advisor in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

He has been a member of the USA Cycling Board of Directors since 1996, and was inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame three years ago. He also serves on the Union Cycliste International (UCI) Elite Road Cycling Commission.

"Jim has a great rapport with the cyclists, and with his knowledge and expertise of the sport, we are honored to have him associated with our program," said USA Cycling Director of Athlete Performance and Team Leader for cycling's 2000 Olympic Team Sean Petty. "I wanted to have someone who has the respect of the athletes and can rally the professional men's road team to success in Sydney. Jim's role will be a little different than some of the other coaches. He will coordinate efforts between the professional men's teams, manage the support team for the riders and develop race strategy for the Olympic road race. This role is what a team's "director sportif" or team manager would do for a professional road team."

O'Grady busy

Fresh from his equal first placing in the first UCI ranked road race of the year, the Melbourne to Sorrento, Aussie cyclist Stuart O'Grady has had not much time to rest. Before he starts in the Tour Down Under next week, he will have a stab at the Australian Road Championships in Portarlington on Sunday. However, prior to this he will ride in a teams pursuit tonight (Friday) at the Adelaide Superdrome.

He was very pleased with his Melbourne to Sorrento effort, describing it as "an extremely hard race, much more difficult than any race that we'll face in the Tour Down Under, so I suppose that's the one good sign. It was the first proper road race I've competed in since the Tour de France, so it was a fantastic boost for the motivation."

Post Swiss 2000

Courtesy of Swiss velopages

After yesterday's presentation of the new Swiss team, Phonak, today the Swiss "Posties" unveiled their complete lineup in Berne with their goals for the season.

The team will be headed by manager Kurt Buergi, who has signed eight new members to the 12 man squad, including a few foreigners. Only four of the 16 riders in last year's Post Swiss team remain: Roger Beuchat, Bruno Boscardin, Philipp Buschor, and Marcel Strauss. The majority have followed their old team director to Phonak.

For the first time, the team has signed three foreigners: Christian Poos (Lux), the U23-European ITT champion, Martin Cotar (Cro), along with former Mapei rider, Dirk Mueller (Ger). 30-year old Bruno Boscardin (Swi) will lead the team.

The reduced lineup was deliberate, in order to introduce some young riders to the team this year. They will start with the South African Rapport Tour, and are aiming to do well in the GP Gippingen, the Tour of Romandie, and the Tour of Switzerland. Following a two week training camp in July, they will contest the Championship of Zurich and the Tour de l'Avenir.

Team Post Swiss 2000

Manager: Kurt Bürgi
Sport directors: Serge Demierre, Kurt Steinmann

Riders:

Pierre Ackermann 
Reto Bergmann 
Roger Beuchat 
Bruno Boscardin 
Matthias Braun 
Philipp Buschor 
Martin Cotar (Cro)
Christian Heule 
Dirk Müller (Ger)
Christian Poos (Lux)
Christian Sidler 
Marcel Strauss 

Blijlevens in Italy

Ex-TVM Farm Frites rider, Dutchman Jeroen Blijlevens arrived in Italy earlier this week to start his new job with team Polti. Team manager Gianluigi Stanga is very happy with his new signing, as the team has lacked a really top line sprinter. He has already lined up Blijlevens to ride the Giro and the Tour, seeking to emphasize these over the classics. "At most, he could do well at Sanremo," said Stanga.

He has signed for two years with the team, and will have the benefit of a "yellow train" to rival Cipollini's. Voskamp, Cassani, Brasi, Crepaldi and Sacchi will all be assigned to lead out the Dutchman in the quick finishes.

Saturn/USPS in California

Two of the premier US teams - Saturn and US Postal Service, have commenced their preparation for the year with training camps in California. The Saturn women's team were spotted training 100 kms north of Santa Barbara, while USPS will commence their training today in Avila Beach, in Central California.

Euskaltel wants to expand

Spanish second division team, Euskaltel-Euskadi today announced their goals for the future at the official team presentation. Their main aim is to sign enough sponsors and riders with sufficient points to start in the Tour de France. Their motto: "Now is when we need you".

Euskadi (Basque) Foundation president, Miguel Madariaga called upon the media to help them attract more partners. The Basque Cycling Foundation currently has around 3,400 members, but they require upwards of 6,500 to help meet their goal. They attract money through their main sponsor, Euskaltel (a telephone company) as well as through many smaller partners. However, many of the latter have been somewhat overwhelmed by the main sponsor, and have withdrawn their support.