Cycling continued

**Garden Kitty** · 10-23-2009, 11:13 PM

There seems to be some question about the application of that UCI rule and lots of ambiguities. Even Contador's manager (his brother) has said they'll have to look at the situation because the interpretation of the law is confusing.

This article from Bicycling discusses the situation, but this certainly is an interesting question.

While Contador is clearly the biggest name affected, Astana had tried to keep a number of riders (including Zubeldia and Popo) who wanted to go to Radio Shack. So this could end up affecting a few people and teams. Quick Step has apparently made a big push recently for Contador as well, and reportedly offered to let him bring along 4 riders with him. It will be fun to see how this all plays out.

**Garden Kitty** · 10-24-2009, 11:26 PM

Giro route announced today, with a lot more pomp (and pink) than the TdF presentation:

Garzelli finds something amusing

Menchov poses by the map

Dutch actress is the face of the Giro this year, in honor of the race starting in Amsterdam

Pozzato and his hair were there

Menchov chooses to pose with the actress rather than the other riders

Cunego doesn't look thrilled

Benna, darn Liqui and their team issue suits and ties

**Yunaonlyhope** · 10-26-2009, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by Garden Kitty

Menchov chooses to pose with the actress rather than the other riders

Smart man!!

We should fast-track the winter and get to Giro 2010.

**Garden Kitty** · 10-27-2009, 04:59 PM

A pretty blunt interview with Bruyneel translated on cyclingnews:

I'm being judged on the results and the international image of the team, not on the image of the team in a godforsaken country such as Kazakhstan.

**kedrin** · 10-27-2009, 07:02 PM

thanks- that was an interesting read. I'm interested in the World Relief Million Dollar Ride he's doing in Africa in November. I wish I could go.

**Garden Kitty** · 10-30-2009, 03:09 PM

UCI response to AFLD criticisms of their testing procedures at the TdF. Very snarky and petulant.

Kristin Armstrong talks about life after retirement

ETA: Rasmussen reportedly signs with a new Continental team - not likely to see him at any of the big races.

**Garden Kitty** · 11-01-2009, 02:39 AM

According to the Silence-Lotto site and Cyclingnews, Cadel Evans has invoked a clause in his contract and is leaving the team. Wonder where he'll end up - Sky? Garmin?

Also per Cyclingnews, Kloden will pay a fine of about 25,000 Euros to end the "sporting fraud" case against him in Germany relating to the Freiburg clinic without admitting guilt.

**Garden Kitty** · 11-02-2009, 12:46 AM

Evans joins Hincapie and Ballan at BMC - didn't see that one coming. 3 year deal, and this should certainly help BMC get some invites to the big races. I assume he's not joining for the chance to wear a Hincapie Sportswear Kit, and I can't see them giving them the support he needs for the big Grand Tours - but he'll clearly be the team lead which is something Silence-Lotto wouldn't do this season.

**Garden Kitty** · 11-03-2009, 05:21 PM

Interesting article/blog by Andy Schleck on cyclingnews discussing the season, his off-season, and even his fashion choices at the TdF presentation:

The presentation itself was a lot of fun and you'll have all seen my wardrobe malfunction when I was seated between a suited and booted Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador in what I can say was more relaxed attire. Why the casual look, Andy, I hear you ask. Well, I went last year and a suit didn't seem necessary and to be honest I don't really like them. But when I walked in this year everyone was wearing them; from the riders to the press. Even the people taking coats were dressed to impress.

So there I am, seated between the Tour winner and a Tour legend and what's the first thing Lance says to me? "Hey Andy, where's your suit man?" "It's okay, Lance. Riders under twenty-five don't need them." My fashion sense might not be that slick but my quick-fire responses are.

**lash** · 11-03-2009, 08:03 PM

Andy is SOOO cute. Awwwwww.....I just want to squeeze him. Er, hopefully I wouldn't break him

**Garden Kitty** · 11-04-2009, 01:29 AM

for Lash

**Garden Kitty** · 11-06-2009, 08:41 PM

It's that time of year again - Amstel Curacao - where cycling is secondary to skinny, shirtless cyclists frolicing with dolphins and posing on beaches while they hold drinks with umbrellas and fruit in them (and Amstel beer, of course)

Slideshow with obligatory shots of Contador and dolphins and other fun in the sun

And what's a cyclist on a beach without tan lines

You've been warned - topless Schlecks

More pics from the race site

And Schleck the elder took advantage of his all expense paid trip to Curacao to propose to his girlfriend Martine.

**susan6** · 11-06-2009, 09:39 PM

You've been warned - topless Schlecks

Martine, make that guy eat something!!! Holy cow, he's Michael Rasmussen level scrawny!

**Theatregirl1122** · 11-07-2009, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by susan6

You've been warned - topless Schlecks

Martine, make that guy eat something!!! Holy cow, he's Michael Rasmussen level scrawny!

Andy's always looked like one good wind would blow him away. No idea how they get up those mountains without simply floating off.

**Garden Kitty** · 11-08-2009, 11:16 PM

In an amazing stroke of luck, Contador was able to escape solo and beat Hushovd , Moorenhaut and Cavendish to win Amstel Curacao

**Garden Kitty** · 11-10-2009, 09:24 PM

Yikes, sounds like a scary event for Stuart O'Grady - appears to be a seizure from a brain injury aggravated by a moto GP

Cav enjoying Curacao

Lots more of Curacao fun

**kedrin** · 11-13-2009, 06:26 PM

nice article about Jens Voigt and the fall of the Berlin wall:

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...1321-1,00.html

**Garden Kitty** · 11-25-2009, 08:51 PM

Speedskater Claudia Pechstein's suspension for irregular blood values may have some impact on cycling. I believe this is the first time the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled on a suspension based solely on blood values and not on a positive test or other testimiony/evidence. The UCI has threatend to bring some cases based on their passport testing, and this decision is likely to encourage them in that effort.

In other news, Astana finally got a pro tour license for next year, so it looks like Alberto will be staying (for a very large paycheck in addition to his deal with Specialized ). However, Cunego's Lampre team was denied a license.

ETA: Other reports say the UCI is requiring an unusually large bond for Astana, basically the whole year's budget, due to reports that they failed to pay salaries last year (or were late in paying), so maybe Contador isn't settled just yet. But Sky did get a license, which hasn't settled the ongoing Wiggins to Sky rumors.

Also Oscar Pereiro to ride for Astana for one year.

**Garden Kitty** · 12-03-2009, 03:05 PM

What better way to celebrate the upcoming holiday season than with the Devil on a Sleigh-Cycle.

And what's a sleigh cycle without Christmas lights?

Isn't it time for the Tour Down Under yet?

**Garden Kitty** · 12-03-2009, 11:59 PM

Ted King's Rules of Style - scroll down for the original style entry

(I think it's ok to use emoticons here)

Thread: Cycling continued

Thread Tools

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions