News for May 28, 2001Recent results and new features 84th Giro d'Italia newsAn all day breakaway was successful today as Alessio's Pietro Caucchioli won the first mountainous stage 8 from Montecatini Terme to Reggio Emilia. Caucchioli was part of an incredible shrinking group that had escaped in the first few kilometres of the 185 kilometre stage. Dario Frigo kept the Maglia Rosa tonight by the skin of his teeth, as Portuguese Jose Azevedo came within 3 seconds of taking it. Stage 8 commentsPietro Caucchioli (Alessio, stage winner)
"I did not think I would make it. I had a moment of crisis - I was meant to work with the rest [of the team], but there were enough of the others to stay behind to work for Gotti." "On the descent, I knew I could go faster than Perez, and I decided to attack him before the finish." Caucchioli is only in his third professional season, starting with Amica Chips in 1999, before changing to Alessio last year. He has had few wins yet, but has great potential as he demonstrated today with an attack that lasted 180 of the 185 kilometre stage. He is also studying a subject at university that probably makes him the butt of endless jokes: pharmacology. Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo, overall leader)
Frigo was doing a lot of work at the finish to try and bring back Azevedo. Belli and Valjavec were the only Fassa Bortolo riders in the leading peloton, and couldn't provide much assistance. "Today, Mapei, Cantina-Tollo, and also Savoldelli took part in the pursuit over the final kilometres. That proves that I don't have enemies. I believe I have the reputation of a correct rider."
Pantani's fallMarco Pantani had a slight mishap today on the descent of the Castello di Carpineti, where he fell off on a gentle curve in the road. It was in fact his first accident of the Giro, which is remarkable considering the appalling weather conditions during the first week, and the number of crashes. He explained it as follows: "Without warning there was a bidon (borracia) in the middle of the road, and I hit it at full speed, and it went into my back wheel and I fell. I hurt my arm and leg, which is normal when you hit the ground. I hope that the pain will pass tonight." His team-mates Borgheresi, Clavero, Siboni and Velo immediately dropped behind to help him get back on, and he did so although he was suffering on the final climb of Cazazzone. He did not admit to this at the finish though: "As far as the stage today is concerned, it seemed to me that the general rhythm was slightly lower, also on the climbs. After the attacks of yesterday by Rebellin and Garzelli on Valido di Monte Luco, I expected some similar action today." " There are many attacks in this Giro. But when you look at the classification, you see that certain riders put in a lot of effort, without big results."
Perez Cuapio disappointedMexican Julio Perez Cuapio (Panaria) has broken his chain, two of his teeth, lost several team-mates, and today was overtaken in the closing kilometres by a flying Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio) who went on to win the stage. Perez had attacked with approximately 15 kilometres to go of the 185 kilometre stage, after he and Caucchioli had passed Jose Arrieta (iBanesto). Perez was riding well on the climbs, but Caucchioli had the power advantage when it came to the flats. "Even though it might surprise you, I was not having a great day," said the luckless Perez in Reggio Emilia after the stage. "I joined the attack after the start, and I gritted my teeth more often doing my turn to remain in a good position. When I found myself in the lead, I thought of victory." "Today I tried to give it everything. But I was very tired and when Caucchioli went past I could not follow his attack. The last five kilometres I was dead." The plucky Panaria rider has become something of an anti-hero in the race, and many hope that he will overcome his misfortune to win a stage in the days to come.
Stage 9: Reggio Emilia a Rovigo TappaTomorrow's stage from Reggio Emilia to Rovigo Tappa is another for the sprinters, with the highest point being a massive 44 metres (and that's at the start of the stage!). At 142 kilometres long, it should allow some recovery after today's first foray into the mountains that left many riders struggling. The main point of interest during the stage is the Intergiro sprint, at Poggio Rusco (km 59.9), where Massimo Strazzer (Mobilvetta) will try and improve his lead in that classification. The finish is perfectly suited for the fast men, and we could see another Quaranta v. Cipollini deathmatch. NORBA promotes "mountain biking for all"US mountain bike racing governing body is aiming to broaden the appeal of this year's Chevy Trucks National Championship Series. New features of the series include: visits from schools and youth groups in the lead-up to race weekend; new amateur events like the "Super D", a 10-15-minute downhill run; the new SoBe Mountain Cross events; trail running on Sunday mornings; and pro autograph sessions on Saturday afternoon. NORBA is also introducing one-day licences for Sport class riders as well as the Beginner classes. The one-day Sport licence is $10, and $5 for the one-day Beginner licence. 2001 NORBA schedule May 31 - June 3: Snow Summit Mountain Resort, Big Bear Lake, California
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