Rasmussen was sensationally kicked out of the Tour de France!!!

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=4&art_id=nw20070725231216471C580579

http://www.versus.com/tdf

Pau - Yellow jersey wearer Michael Rasmussen was sensationally kicked out of the Tour de France by his own Rabobank team, the Dutch outfit revealed on Wednesday.

The Dane had seemingly weathered the storm over missing four out of competition dope tests in the past 18 months and had won Wednesday's stage to all but seal overall victroy.

However the team has learnt that Rasmussen lied to them over where and what he was up to during the month of June when he was in fact in Italy and not in Mexico as he had told them.

Rasmussen had won two stages during the Tour, though, his presence at the race was questioned by several officials and from the race organisers as well.

His departure leaves young Spaniard Alberto Contador in the lead with Australian Cadel Evans in second.

Resutls of yesterday's La./Ms. USAC Criterium Championships are now available on the LAMBRA website:
http://www.lambra.org/results/2007/LAMBRA_crit_r.htm

Hey Everybody,

Just a reminder that the La/Miss District Crit Championships are just around the corner ( Sunday July 22nd) in City Park of New Orleans. This will be the first race in the city since Hurricane Katrina and most of the funds will go to the rebuilding efforts of City Park. The course is a very fast and spectator friendly, just don't forget to bring your tents or any other shade device since many of the trees were lost due to the hurricane. Please preregister at Bikereg.com and follow this link:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=4933

If this link doesn't work, copy and paste it in your Internet browser. Please remember to preregister to avoid the $10 late fee. Registration closes at 12:00 midnight Thursday (July 19th).

We have already received some generous donations for the park as well as some great primes (one from City Park worth $235!). Parking will be on Dreyfous Ave. adjacent to the course and can only be accessed from either Marconi Dr or City Park Ave. (head towards the tennis center then take a right) and then followed to the course (museum). You will not be allowed to drive against traffic from Wisner. I look forward to seeing all of you out there.

Sincerely,
Jay Scheib
SEECA / New Orleans Fish House Racing
www.midsouthmasters.com

Tour de France Lecture

Date: Wednesday July 18, 2007
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Pennington Biomedical C.B. Pennington, Jr. Building
Street: 6400 Perkins Road
City State Zip: Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Notes: Conrad Earnest will give a historical talk on 105 years of cycling and science. He has worked collaboratively with the team formerly known as Banesto and has numerous publications on the scientific aspects of The Tour de France and the other “Grand Tours” such as the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) and the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain).

Pennington Biomedical and Dr. Earnest would like to extend a free invitation to local cyclist, runners, triathlete’s, sports enthusiasts and any one who is just curious about the event to attend an open-house lecture on the same topic.

Known simply as, “The Tour,” this epic race boasts a history of legends, fables and roguish behaviour. It has evolved from its first winner, a chimney sweep, to one of the most prolific sports in the world contested by professional riders. Despite The Tour’s notoriety, the ever-evolving field of science only paralleled The Tour and did not converge in app! lication until the 1990’s.

The format of the talk will describe this journey by describing the Tour’s history, scientific evolution and practical applications for anyone looking to improve their cycling performance.

Scott's going to ride the Sunday ride July 8, 2007 -St. Francisville 8:00 a.m.Inn on The lake.
30-65 miles
John Hagan 225-270-2196

Cannondale Announces Commemorative Di Luca Model

56cm bike for sell!!!!
In celebration of Danilo Di Luca's spectacular Giro d'Italia victory, Cannondale is proud to offer a very limited edition Danilo "The Killer" Di Luca System Six Replica model. Twenty-one bicycles (one for each stage of the Giro) will be made available in both Europe and the US on a first-come basis through Cannondale's fine network of bicycle retailers.

The special System Six bikes feature a white rear triangle as requested by the Killer himself and used in his Giro victory. In addition, each frame will be numbered from 1 to 21 and denote the corresponding stage of the Giro. Fi:zi'k supplies the special Killer Arione saddle and white handlebar tape. Campagnolo and Fulcrum supply componentry and wheels, while FSA provide the stem and handlebar.

Also included in this package is a signed maglia rosa and commemorative poster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8kr8ym-0Uk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecannondalecommunity%2Ecom%2Fglobal%2Dnews%2Fliquigas%2Fdefault%2Easp%3Fitem%3D261011

Team Maxxis on the Podium at MTB World Cup

The podium is a familiar place for the members of Team Maxxis – especially long-time NORBA champ Geoff Kabush, who took third place at the fourth MTB World Cup Cross Country of the season, held June 22-24 in Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec, Canada.

With steep switchback climbs, screaming descents and technical areas that included rock drops and off-camber roots, the cross country course offered numerous challenges. Riding “hard and smart” in the words of cyclingnews.com, Kabush bided his time before attacking the chase group. He steadily moved ahead throughout the seven-lap race, taking 11th place by the end of the first lap and 7th by the end of the second lap. With the fastest times in the field in the fourth and fifth laps, according to cyclingnews.com, he moved into third place. He maintained his position as he crossed the finish line 30 seconds ahead of the next rider.

Kabush was the fastest North American in the cross country race. “I just rode my own pace and worked my way up to that little chase group and then on the fifth lap opened a gap on the others. I thought I had a chance to close in on second with two to go but they put the gas down. I'm just happy to be able to hold on for third. I'm really happy with my ride here,’ he told cyclingnews.com.

Kabush wasn’t the only member of Team Maxxis to claim the “fastest North American” label for the weekend. Luke Strobel also turned in an outstanding performance in the downhill race, finishing 15th after a great run.

Maxxis congratulates Geoff Kabush and Luke Strobel on their fine performances and wishes them the best in their upcoming races.

The Jittery Joe’s Pro Cycling Team documentary will make its television debut on VERSUS July 4th at 3:30pm EST (check local listings at http://www.versus.com/).
Louis Garneau is the head to toe to frame sponsorship for Jittery Joe’s Professional Cycling Team for the fourth consecutive year. “We are very excited to have our documentary premiering on VERSUS—North America’s national cable television home of the Tour de France,” said Micah Rice, Jittery Joe’s Team General Manager, “All of North America will be able to see behind the scenes of a real American pro cycling team.” "Jittery Joe’s represents an opportunity to work with new talent. Every year, teams are stealing riders from Jittery Joe’s because the team, along with their manager Micah Rice, has the know-how to bring riders to international status. This philosophy is exactly what Louis Garneau stands for, encouraging competitive cycling at all levels. It’s not about being the best team, it is about developing the best both in terms of riders and gear," said Pierre Perron, Marketing Director at Louis Garneau USA. "From head to toe to frame, Louis Garneau will outfit the 13 member team. This sponsorship exemplifies our motto: Designed by the Pros, With Every Athlete in Mind.”

This year, Jittery Joe’s sports an aggressive roster boasting riders with lots of big race experience as well as some neo pros. The team will have six Americans, five Australians, one Colombian and one Canadian. Returning members include Evan Elken, Trent Wilson, Jeff Hopkins, Austin King, Neil Shirley, and Cody Stevenson. Cesar Grajales known for defeating Lance Armstrong on the queen stage of the 2004 Tour de Georgia will return to Jittery Joe’s this season. New members include Matt Shriver; Tommy Nankevis; Thad Dulin; Chris Jongewaard; and David Veilleux. David Veilleux is a young Canadian already turning heads on the world scene. A former Junior National Champion and Espoir National Champion, David will be able to learn a lot from the older riders on the team and will soon be a well-known name. “We have put together the strongest squad that Jittery Joe’s has had in our six year history,” said Micah Rice, Team Manager, “we will be a contender in any race we attend whether it be a fast criterium like the Athens Twilight or a grueling stage race like the Tour de Georgia. We are excited to be going into our 4th year of sponsorship with the industry’s leader in head to toe sponsorship. Louis Garneau makes it easy for our pro team, one stop shopping for quality custom clothing, helmets, base layer, shoes and bicycles!” Louis Garneau not only offers the most innovative and technical custom clothing in the industry, but excels in customer service and delivery. With tons of styles and options to choose from the Garneau Custom Collection is perfect for any type of rider. Jittery Joe’s clothing will be part of the Equipe Custom Collection offered by Garneau. The Equipe Co! llection consists of high-end fabrics and chamois found in their regular line. Power Lycra provides a compressive fit. Carbon Ion sets the benchmark for breathability. The Airgel Chamois features perforated gel inserts for comfort and ventilation. The Equipe Collection is known for its racer styling, Euro fit, contrasting flatlock stitching, and options like radio pockets, perfect for MP3 players.

Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roasting Company is based in Athens, Georgia and has been selling superior quality small batch roasted coffee for over twelve years. Jittery Joe’s is now opening up new franchise coffee shops around the nation. Jittery Joe’s Morning Ride Cycling Coffee is an organic, shade grown Colombian coffee and all proceeds go straight to the Jittery Joe’s Cycling Team. The coffee is sold in over 700 bike shops nationwide.

Chris Legh Wins Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3

Louis Garneau Head to Toe to Frame Sponsored Athlete, Chris Legh placed 1st in the Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3. Louis Garneau's sponsorship of Chris Legh outfits him in the high performance clothing, bike footwear, helmets, and bike frame needed to race and win a grueling 70.3. With tight pressure throughout the entire race from competitors Paul Mathews and Tim DeBoom, Legh finished at 3:55:03 almost three minutes ahead of the competition. “I wanted to relax after the bike, but couldn’t because of the pressure from Tim and Paul. They just kept the pressure on all day,” says Legh.

Garneau's Custom Shark Power Short and Top integrates technology that serves the needs in the water, on the bike, and pounding the pavement. In the water, the Shark fabric simulates shark skin by creating a V-channeled textured surface.

This pattern in cooperation with additional linear channels make it the perfect hydrodynamic solution for any swimmer. On and off the bike, the V-channeled fabric consists of micro-mesh and a 3D linear construction which increases air contact and provides superior ventilation. Coupled with Power Lycra for shape stability and support, the Shark ! Technology is the perfect solution for any cyclist or runner. Louis Garneau has created the "Complete Triathlon Solution" for its athletes which includes cutting edge innovations in a complete line of products including the Rocket helmet, TT 8.8 Carbon Frame, Carbon Tri Air Shoes, and the Shark Power Collection of apparel. In addition, Garneau is working to launch a new line of triathlon products for Summer 2008. "We have an amazing line of Triathlon gear planned for 2008," says Marketing Director, Pierre Perron. "Chris is testing some of those products that will raise the bar for technology, comfort, and precise design expected from high performance tria! thlon gear." Keep posted at www.louisgarneau.com for more info on what's in store for 2008.

About Chris Legh
Chris Legh hails from Melbourne, Australia. He is a 2-time Ironman Champion and 5-time Australian National Champion. He achieved the World #1 Long Course ranking in 1999 and 2000. His career includes over 75 worldwide professional race wins, two Top 10 Ironman World finishes and ten Top 5 Ironman finishes.

PedalPlay's "Just For Fun" Jerseys have been ordered!!!

Final results of the Tour de Louisiane are on the NOBC website at:
http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/2007/tdl07_res.htm

BRBC Summer Time Trial Series #1

This TT series is for everyone from your first time to TT, beginner cyclist to advanced riders.

Location: The split on River Road 3 miles south of Gardere @ River Road

When: Sunday, July 1st

Registration: Event day registration only. No charge for BRBC Members. If you are not a member you will need to pay a one time $5.00 membership fee for the entire series.
**If you participated in the BRBC Spring Century, you are a current member.**

Please make checks out to BRBC or bring exact cash.

Registration is from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

First rider out at 8:00 AM

Course: The course starts at the split and runs clockwise on River Road. Course length is 10.6 miles.

Helmets required.

Parking: If weather permits, attempt to park in the grass lot at the split to limit the amout of cars on the road.
No Parking at the starting line for safety.

You will not see this heart-stopping photo on the front
page of the NY Times or on the lead story of the major news networks.
The protestors put up the Mexican flag over the American flag flying
upside down at Montebello High School in California .
I predict this stunt will be the nail in the coffin of
any guest-worker/amnesty plan on the table in Washington . The image of
the American flag subsumed to another and turned upside down on American
soil is already spreading on Internet forums and via e-mail.

Pass this along to every American citizen in your
address books and to every representative in the state and federal
government. If you choose to remain uninvolved, do not be amazed when
you no longer have a nation to call your own nor anything you have
worked for left since it will be "redistributed" to the activists while
you are so peacefully staying out of the "fray". Check history, it is
full of nations/empires that disappeared when its citizens no longer
held their core beliefs and values. One person CAN make a difference.
One plus one plus one plus one plus one plus one.........

The battle for our secure borders and immigration laws
that actually mean something, however, hasn't even begun.

If this ticks YOU off...PASS IT ON!

Killer Poster!!!

GIRO TRIUMPH! Di Luca & Team Liquigas WIN The 2007 Giro d'Italia!



Di Luca and Team Liquigas WIN The 2007 Giro d'Italia!

Posted on June 3, 2007 3:59:21 PM

Enlarge
It's podium time for the Giro Champion Danilo Di Luca and his teammates after 21 stages of tactical racing and spectacular performances by the entire team.

According to Cyclingnews.com, "Di Luca closed out the Corsa Rosa as champion in style thanks to an arm-chair ride to the finish line by his Liquigas squadra.

"I was the strongest, I rode a great Giro," noted the Milram sprinter after the stage. He had recorded his 24th career Giro stage, putting him on par with Giuseppe Saronni.

Milram did not move to the fore of stage 21 until the final kilometres, but when they did take over the reins from Liquigas it was a full bore push to the line for an Alessandro Petacchi victory. The 33 year-old from La Spezia is on a wave of success after suffering terribly for a year due to his crash in the 2006 Giro.

"Like Di Luca said yesterday, this is a beautiful race," continued the out-of breath stage winner. "24 wins in the Giro, and five this year. Last year, I was forced to be on the couch and I had to watch on TV, between then and now I have done a lot of work.""

Read the full story at CyclingNews.com and check back here shortly. Lot's more to come on Di Luca, his team and those GREEN MACHINES that brought them all to crowning glory... Congratulations to Cannondale's Team Liquigas and THE KILLER, Danilo Di Luca. FEEL THE GREEN!

Di Luca To Defend Giro Lead Aboard Prototype TT Bike!

Saturday's penultimate stage of the Giro d'Italia will see Danilo Di Luca defending his lead of 2'24" over Andy Schleck in a 43 kilometer individual time trial. Di Luca will race aboard a prototype Cannondale Slice time trial bike that has been the topic of conversation since it was first spotted in the opening stage's team time trial, a stage that Team Liquigas won and began their successful Giro run.

As with all of Cannondale's high-performance bicycle designs, our latest offerings were designed with feedback from our professional racers. Team Liquigas riders Franco Pellizotti, Vincenzo Nibali and maglia rosa wearer Danilo Di Luca were the first to ride these great new technologies... and the results were fantastic.

Danilo Di Luca was the first to report back after the stage - "Questa bici e' uno spettacolo! (This bike is spectacular!)"

Look for more details on future Cannondale product being developed with Team Liquigas and the rest of our sponsored athletes!

In addition, check out the youtube video at http://www.cannondalecommunity.com/global-news/default.asp?item=258220

Spy Photos of Cannondale's prototype Scapel

Billy found this spy photo of the new Shimano XT Shadow (looks a lot like sram) rear derailuer. A fixed B-position will keep the Shadow rear derailleur body from smacking into the chainstay but will retain the necessarily adjustable chain gap. In some sense, the new derailleur design wears an additional hanger… which now makes for a derailleur hanger hanger?
Photo ©: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com