News for March 8, 1997

Andrea Tafi Interview

He won twice in Malasya and found some answers about his current form. Andrea conquered a kermesse in Malacca beating Nicola Loda on the sprint and then won at the stage finishing at Kuala Lumpur. "In two weeks I have pedaled about 2,500 kms. Practically after each stage, I have gone on my own to ride in order to have the ideal base to face competition -the Tuscan explains-. On some days I have even pedaled 280 kms. And then two victories have come, which always help morale. My feelings are indeed positive, on some days, I didn't feel the chain".

Now the Tuscan from Mapei-GB is ready to dive into the cycling season. "I would like win anything of importance in Italy, in order to confirm my new role in cycling soon. Tirreno-Adriatico will be my first objective. A stage win there would bring me great joy, but I have been thinking about the overall. I am curious to compare myself with those riders that have already raced so much in Europe".

Then he will have to face an increase in the tempo with the big classics. From Sanremo to Roubaix, those are races that are important for Tafi. The Tuscan will however have to count with the first line men from Mapei-GB, starting with Johan Museeuw (already 4 wins for the season) and with Franco Ballerini, expert of the pave. "There won't be problems -he comments-. I am proud to race for a team so strong, so important like the Mapei-GB. Besides, I think that I have already demonstrated enough, in order to be taken into consideration more than the last year".

Last year, Tafi received the order from his team management to arrive third at Roubaix. "I can't say anything, because that day Museeuw won and I remember very well what the Belgian did for me at the end of season. When I have at Pari-Bruxelles, Museeuw behaved with enormous generosity. I am calm, I know that in our team there won't be any problem of cohabitation".

Pantani comes alive in Murcia

The Italian confirmed his recovery from injury in a fine breakaway and eventually finished second.

Garcia Camacho took the overall lead ahead of Pantani on a day in which big names such as Alex Zuelle, Bjarne Riis and Abraham Olano dropped out of contention.

Pantani had broken away from the pack in a first category climb 20 km from the end of the 160-km stage, the toughest of the five-day tour.

Five Kelme riders led the chase to haul back the Italian and closed a 30 second gap just three kilometres from the line after a dramatic descent.

But the climb left Tour of Spain champion Zuelle more than two minutes behind, with Tour de France winner Riis ten minutes adrift and former world road race champion Olano a further minute off the pace.

Garcia Camacho pleased the fans by winning the sprint to the line, but Pantani found enough reserves to take second.

``For me today it was a positive day, I'm happy to be strong again at the start (of the season) and I'm hoping to get better ahead of the big races,'' said Pantani, who has returned from a lengthy lay-off because of an accident.

Friday's third stage takes the riders over the 202 km between Murcia and Cieza. The only significant climb comes just before the half-way point, suggesting the stage could again go down to a sprint.

Italians invest in OZ cycling

A consortium of Italian companies will pump $250,000 into Austrlaia's track cycling development in an amazing coup for the sport.

The four year deal is unique for Australian sport in that overseas companies will provide the backbone of overseas development funding for the Australain under 23 track endurance (and road ) leading to the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

The quality under 23 group includes Australain double bronze medal Olympian Brad McGee as well as junior world champion team pursuiters likely to progress through to the next Olympics.

Masterminded by AIS coach Shayne Bannon, the sponsorship deal is a result of Banna's close ties with Italian cycling as a coach and competitor as well as the leading reputation of David "Charlie" Walsh's AIS track cycling program.

Austrlian riders will compete for team Casinin-il Micco-Saeco, riding as Australians but wearing the the team colors of their Italain sponsors in events throughout Itlay from March 31 to October 5.

The internationally acclaimed reputation of Australia's track cyling program will be the sponsor's reward in a country where professional and elite teamas compete with one another for maximum public and media recognition.

" There is a novelty factor involved", Bannon said. "Foer a group of companies to sponsor a national team is something unusual.

"With this group they have current and former world champions and that in turn helps their profile".

The track team has been preparing in Italy since 1989 and the riders and coaches have earned a reputation for exempliary attitude and professionalism.

"They have a lot of respect for the way we go about thingS off the road and they've certainly seen the rise to success we've had on the track by incorporating a road program."

While maximising road prearation for track endurancecyxlists leadinf to the Olympics, Bannon said the sponsordhipcontinued Walsh's plan of keeping the AIS as self sufficient as possible.

The program will also provide a development structure to work in tandem with Walsh's plans for the senior team in Europe.

When finaces dictate Walsh must cut younger members from his travelling squad, now there is an appropriate feeder program to which cyclist can filter back.

German cycling coach Karsten Schmalfuss has become the latest ambassador for Adelaide and the "Prepared to Win" program which endorses Adelaide's Olympic standard sporting venues.

Schmalfuss, the coach of two time dual Olympic gold medalist Jens Fiedler, accepted his role as an ambassador during yesterday's Sports-Works linch at the Hindley Parkroyal. Schmalfuss has travelled to Adelaide regularly to train with his German sprint cyclists.

Laurent Brochard Injury

Email from Lance

Tonkov gets religious

Den Braber to Foreldorado