Valverde out of Volta a Catalunya following second stage crash

Valverde out of Volta a Catalunya:

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

Quote from Velocast episode 116, "It would be a brave man who would bet against Valverde in this race; Spanish team, Spanish team, Spanish rider...". File under "The Velocast Curse Strikes Again". We also talked about Juan Antonio Flecha who suffered yet another car related injury yesterday.

Valverde believes he can win the Tour de France

Valverde believes he can win the Tour de France:

Hopes for 'grand duels' against Gilbert in Ardennes Classics

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast says...

I'm sorry to say that Andy Schleck has more chance of winning the Tour De France than Alejandro Valverde!

Offredo: my whereabouts sanction was too severe

Offredo: my whereabouts sanction was too severe: "

Frenchman sidelined until 2013

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast Says...

The thing is, he's right. If the UCI truly believed in its biological passport, then it would be taken into consideration in whereabouts cases.

Kelly sees merit in one of proposed changes to Milan-Sanremo route

Kelly sees merit in one of proposed changes to Milan-Sanremo route: "Says finishing line closer to Poggio could boost safety and drama

(Via Velo Nation.)

Velocast Says...

On today's show we said the opposite. However, reading Kelly's comments I'm happy to say we were wrong. Making the Cipressa more difficult would only nullify the race until the Poggio as no rider could stay away on both. Strangely, I'm not yet convinced of the need for the finish line change.

Boonen concerned by wild sprinting in modern cycling

Boonen concerned by wild sprinting in modern cycling: ‘There are real cowboys… Nowadays the guys take too big risks’

(Via Velo Nation.)

Velocast Says...

That's not good to hear. Sounds like Tom has 'the fear'. Hmmmm

Albasini makes it two at Catalunya

Albasini makes it two-for-two at Catalunya:

Overall leader Michael Albasini (GreenEdge) unleashed a long sprint to win stage 2 of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya in Girona, Spain. The Swiss rider topped Dario Cataldo (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) and Rigoberto Urán (Sky) to confirm his lead in the weeklong stage race.

Race results >>

(Via Velo News.)

Velocast Says...

If GreenEdge do nothing beyond the Spring, their first season will have been a great success.

Boonen held up by Milan-San Remo crash

Boonen held up by Milan-San Remo crash: "

Out of contention on the Poggi

(Via Cycling News.)

Velocast Says...

Pity for Boonen. His early season form has been good and a good placing in San Remo would have added to his confidence