Valverde looks forward to ‘beautiful duel’ with Gilbert

Valverde looks forward to ‘beautiful duel’ with Gilbert

LEON, Spain (VN) — Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) has shaken off a crash at last week’s Volta a Catalunya and says he will be in top shape for the upcoming Ardennes classics.

Via Velo News

Velocast says...

"Beautiful Duel"? Has anyone else got that image of Oliver Reed and Alan Bates in Women In Love wrestling by an open fire?......Just me, then? OK, as you were. Moving swiftly on....

Merckx indicted in corruption case

Merckx indicted in corruption case

Cycling legend's bike company allegedly involved in corrupt deals

Via Cycling News

Velocast says...

Right, this really is the final straw. If Merckx is corrupt then there really is no hope left for this sport. I mean, what next? Eddy Merckx doped during his career? Oh, hang on......

Marianne Vos wins World Cup round two in Cittiglio

Marianne Vos wins World Cup round two in Cittiglio

World Cup leader Marianne Vos made it two-for-two on the women’s circuit Sunday, winning the Trofeo Alfredo Binda-Comune di Cittiglio in Italy.

Via Velo News

Velocast says...

In other shocking news: moon still orbits the earth and mankind still awaits cure for death. Honestly, women riders must wonder why the bother to show up when the see Vos is in the race. Well done, Marianne, though, for another great solo ride to victory.

Still no news on Saxo Bank WorldTour licence decision

Still no news on Saxo Bank WorldTour licence decision "Danish squad currently last in UCI ranking"

(Via Velo Nation.)

Velocast says...

Huge industrial sized can of worms. Issues at stake include, the points system, legal recourse for Saxo Bank; do they sue Contador? Do they sue....erm... the UCI (?) for docking points and relegating them over a rider who tested positive when he wasn't a Saxo rider? Press conference set for Friday

Lotto-Belisol invisible in opening Belgian races

Lotto-Belisol invisible in opening Belgian races

‘We weren't good enough’ in Gent-Wevelgem, Sergeant says

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

Lotto doing nothing in Belgium while Euskatel lead for most of Ghent-Wevelgem? What on earth is the world coming to?! You'll be telling me Andy Schleck has learned to time trial next!

Evans confident Tour de France defence is on track

Evans confident Tour de France defence is on track:

Australian praises BMC teamwork in Criterium International win

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

I don't know who that guy was at Tirreno-Adriatico in the Cadel Evans mask, but thankfully the real 'bag of washing' was back and looked imperious yesterday.

Cancellara tests recovery at Gent-Wevelgem

Cancellara tests recovery at Gent-Wevelgem:

Swiss rider ready for Flanders passion play

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

Never mind the recovery. When is Fabian Cancellara going to realise that bike racing is not a 'see who can piss the highest' competition. It's not about who is the strongest; it's about who crosses the line first. Back to school, Fabs.

Tooth infection the root of Gilbert problems?

Tooth infection the root of Gilbert problems?:

Belgian abandons Harelbeke

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

He's certainly not the Gilbert we saw last year. Everyone has been predicting "too many chiefs" problems for BMC since they went on a signing spree towards the end of last season. Dental problems or not, Gilbert is not looking good at all at the moment.

Gallery: A decade of Gent-Welvegem

Gallery: A decade of Gent-Welvegem:

From Hincapie and Cipollini to Boonen

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

Oh dear lord! Just when you thought you had expunged THAT kit from your mind, here it is again in all it's headache-indecing "glory". Nice gallery of images from Cycling News, though