Valverde la primul Dauphine Libere castigat

Ultimele doua etape s-au asemanat oarecum prin desfasurarea lor, avand doi castigatori mai putin cunoscuti. La general insa s-a impus bine cunoscutul Alejandro Valverde.

Penultima etapa a turului (Morzine - La Toussuire, 233km) a cunoscut o evadare a 20 de rutieri la kilometrul 48 al cursei, pe catararea Cote de Megeve (1 120m), evadare care insa se va faramita pe masura ce etapa se indrepta catre finish. Pierre Rolland (Credit Agricole) va fi cel care va trece primul varful catararilor Cote d'Hery-sur-Ugine, la kilometrul 72 al cursei, Col de la Croix-de-Fer. Insa cel care isi va seama ca evadarea risca sa fie inghitita de pluton va fi Chris Anker Sorensen (CSC), care va pleca singur la kilometrul 213 si va trece primul linia de sosire dupa 6h15’53”.

Ultima etapa a propus un profil aproape plat in prima parte si trei catarari in cea de-a doua inainte de a se cobori in Grenoble, unde s-a incheiat mansa dupa 128 km parcursi. Evadarea din care se va cerne invingatorul va fi initiata dupa 16 km parcursi cand s-au desprins sapte rutieri. Dupa mai multe incercari de desprindere si regrupari, Yuriy Trofimov (Bouygues Telecom) va ataca pe ultima catarare - Col de Porte (1 326 m), fiind insa ajuns pe coborare de Dimitri Fofonov (Credit Agricole) si Jurgen Van de Walle (Quick Step) cu care se va bate in sprintul final. Invingator a fost Fofonov, urmt de Trofimov.

La general Vlaverde instalat in frunte dupa contra timpul din etapa a treia si nu a mai coborat de pe prima treapa, devenind unul din favoritii Marii Bucle: „Mi-ar placea mult ca Turul Franţei lucrurile sa se petreaca la fel. Contratimpul a fost exceptional si apararea mea din munti a fost foarte bine gandita. Am simtit de la inceputul prologului ca am picioare bune. Am luat tricoul de lider si nu i-am mai dat drumul pana la final. E magnific”, a declarat Valverde dupa competitie. Celelate doua locuri pe podium au ramas Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) si Levi Leipheimer (Astana).

Clasament general final

1 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 27.34.39
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 0.39
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 1.24
4 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 2.47
5 Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 3.19
6 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 4.01
7 Mikel Astarloza (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 4.25
8 Sylvester Szmyd (Pol) Lampre 4.29
9 Maxime Monfort (Bel) Cofidis 4.45
10 Matteo Carrara (Ita) Quick Step 5.13

Calendarul lunii iunie 2008 - Ciclism de sosea

1 Boucles de l'Aulne (Fra) 1.1 ME
1 Coppa della Pace - Trofeo F.lli Anelli (Ita) 1.2 ME
1 Rogaland Grand Prix (Nor) 1.2 ME
1 Riga GP (Lat) 1.2 ME
1 Paris-Roubaix Espoirs (Fra) 1.2 U23
1 CSC Invitational (USA) NE
2 Trofeo Alcide Degasperi (Ita) 1.2 ME
2 - 7 Volta Continental a Lleida (Spa) 2.2 ME
2 - 5 Le Tour du Grand Montréal (Can) 2.1 WE
3 Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic (USA) 1.1 ME
3 Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic (USA) 1.1 WE
2 - 8 Baltyk - Karkonosze Tour (Pol) 2.2 ME
4 - 8 Ringerike GP (Nor) 2.2 ME
4 - 8 Skoda-Tour de Luxembourg (Lux) 2.HC ME
6 - 8 Euskal Bizikleta (Spa) 2.HC ME
5 Commerce Bank Reading Classic (USA) 1.1 ME
5 - 8 Coupe des nations Ville Saguenay (Can) 2.Ncup ME
7 Memorial Marco Pantani (Ita) 1.1 ME
7 GP Triberg-Schwarzwald (Ger) 1.1 ME
7 Omloop Door Middag-Humsterland WE (Ned) 1.2 WE
7 Piccola Tre Valli Varesine (Ita) 1.1 MJ
8 - 15 Criterium du Dauphine Libere (Fra) ProT ME
8 Commerce Bank International Championship (USA) 1.HC ME
8 Coppa Colli Briantei Internazionale (Ita) 1.2 ME
8 Memorial Ph. Van Coningsloo (Bel) 1.2 ME
8 Tr. Citta di San Vendemiano - GP Industria e Commercio (Ita) 1.2 U23
8 GP du Canton d'Argovie (Swi) 1.HC ME
8 - 14 Romanian Cycling Tour (Rou) 2.2 ME
8 Commerce Bank Liberty Classic (USA) 1.1 WE
8 Therme kasseienomloop (Ned) 1.2 WE
8 GP Dell'Arno (Ita) 1.1 MJ
8 - 12 Tour de Pei (Can) 2.2 WE
10 - 15 Tour de Beauce (Can) 2.2 ME
10 - 14 Tour de Slovénie (Slo) 2.1 ME
10 - 15 Internationale Thüringen-Rundfahrt U23 (Ger) 2.2 U23
10 Durango-Durango Emakumeen Saria (Spa) 1.2 WE
11 Dutch Food Valley Classic (Ned) 1.HC ME
11 - 17 Circuito Montanes (Spa) 2.2 ME
11 - 15 Iurreta-Emakumeen Bira (Spa) 2.1 WE
11 - 15 Nature Valley Grand Prix (USA) NE
12 - 15 GP Internacional CTT Correios de Portugal (Por) 2.1 ME
12 - 15 Ronde de l'Oise (Fra) 2.2 ME
13 - 15 Delta Tour Zeeland (Ned) 2.1 ME
13 - 22 Giro Ciclistico d'Italia (Ita) 2.2 ME
14 - 22 Tour de Suisse (Swi) ProT ME
15 - 15 Grand Prix de France (Fra) 1.2 WE
16 - 22 Tour de Serbie (Srb) 2.2 ME
17 - 21 Ster Elektrotoer (Ned) 2.1 ME
17 - 22 Grande Boucle Féminine Internationale (Fra) 2.2 WE
18 - 21 Tour de Nez (USA) NE
19 - 22 Route du Sud (Fra) 2.1 ME
19 - 22 Boucles de la Mayenne (Fra) 2.2 ME
19 - 21 Rabo Ster Zeeuwsche Eilanden (Ned) 2.2 WE
19- 23 Mazandaran Tour (IRI) 2.1 MJ
20 Abersavenny Criterium International (GBr) 1.2 ME
20 - 22 Internationale Mainfrankentour (Ger) 2.2 U23
20 - 22 Sparkassen Münsterland Tour (Ger) 2.1 MJ
20 - 22 Giro del Trentino Alto Adige - Südtirol (Ita) 2.1 WE
21 AT&T Austin Downtown Crit (USA) NE
22 Grand Prix of Wales (GBr) 1.2 ME
21 - 4 Tour de Korea-Japan (Kor) 2.2 ME
22 GP Nordjylland (Den) 1.2 ME
22 Trofeo Buffoni (Ita) 1.1 MJ
22 Team Time Trial (Ned) ProT ME
24 - 29 American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania (USA) 2.2 ME
25 Halle-Ingooigem (Bel) 1.1 ME
25 Internationale Wielertrofee Jong Maar Moedig I.W.T. (Bel) 1.2 ME
28 Cox Charities Cycling Classic (USA) NE
29 Desafio Internacional de Ciclismo (Bra) 1.2 ME
29 Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (USA) NE

ProT = ProTour
CDM = World Cup
CN = National Championships
NE = National Event (No UCI points)
ME = Men Elite
WE = Women Elite
MU = Under 23 Men
MJ = Junior Men
WJ = Junior Women

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Calendarul lunii mai 2008 - Montain bike

2 - 4 Val di Sole Test Event, Commezzadura (Ita) 3 DHI/4X
3 Bukkzserc Cup, Bukkzserc (Hun) 2 4X
3 Dirt Sweat & Gears 12 hour, Fayetteville, Tennessee* (USA) NE XCM
3 - 4 UCI World Cup XCO 3, Madrid (Spa) CDM XCO
3 - 4 Bank BPH Grand Prix - Szczawno Zdroj & 4X Night Race (Pol) 1,2/1 XCO/4X
3 - 4 Idyllwild Spring Challenge, Idyllwild, California* (USA) NE XCO/TT
4 XCM Gran Fondo Costa degli Estruschi, Marina di Bibbona (Ita) 2 XCM
4 Dirtworks 100km Classic, St Albans, NSW (Aus) NE XCM
4 Coyote Classic at Avimor, Boise, Idaho* (USA) NE XCO
8 Czech National Cup - XCO, Teplice (Cze) 2 XCO
10 Newnham Park Festival, Newnham Park, Plympton, Plymouth (GBr) 2 XCO
10 Czech National Cup/Malevil Cup - XCM, Jablonne v Podjestedi (Cze) 3 XCM
10 - 11 UCI World Cup DHI/4X 1, Maribor (Slo) CDM DHI /4X
11 Portugal Cup XCO, Tabua (Por) 3 XCO
11 Benelux Cup - GP Van Vlaanderen, Ronse (Bel) 2 XCO
11 XCO Cup Croatia Vodice 2008, Vodice (Cro) 2 XCO
11 Otztaler Bike-Festival, Otztal-Hohe (Aut) 2 XCO
11 Gran Prix Massi-Copa Catalana BTT Internacional 2008,Flix (Tarragona) (Spa)2 XCO
11 Conca d'Oro Bike, Odolo (Ita) 2 XCM
16 - 18 Championnats d'Europe XCO, St-Wendel (Ger) CC XCO
17 Lisboa Down Town (Por) 1 DHI
17 Bank BPH Grand Prix MTB - Bielawa (Pol) 2 XCO
17 - 18 Coupe Canada Cup, Bromont, Quebec (Can) 1/2 XCO/DHI
17 - 18 NMBS #3: Santa Ynez National, Los Olivos, California* (USA) 2XCO /DHI/ DS/ ST/ SuperD
18 Nysa DHI, Jasenak, Vrelo (Cro) 2 DHI
18 Endurance 2008 - XCM, Patarat - San Jose (CRc) 2/3 XCM
18 Stumpjump 2008, Spartanburg, South Carolina* (USA) NE XCO
18 British National 4X Series, Bridgnorth Shropshire (GBr) NE 4X
19 - 23 Bullrider Stage Race, Northern Territory (Aus) NE SR
22 - 25 AlpenTour Trophy, Oberaich-Schaldming (Aut) 1 XCO
23 - 26 Mountain States Cup - Chile Challenge, Angel Fire* (USA) 2 DHI/4X/DS/XC
24 Czech National Cup - XCO, Karlovy Vary (Cze) 2 XCO
24 Dirtpark 4X Cup, Komlo (Hun) 2 4X
24 - 25 Coupe Canada Cup, Mont Tremblant, Quebec (Can) 1/2 XCO/DHI
25 Bundesliga XCO - Bike the Rock, Heubach (Ger) HC XCO
25 Swisspower Cup / Swiss National Race Series, Granichen (Swi) 1 XCO
25 Internazionali d'Italia Val d'Arda Bike, Lugagnano Val d'Arda (Ita) 1 XCO
25 J Yawatahama International Cross-Country Race, Yawatahama City, Ehime (Jpn) 3 XCO
25 IXS German Downhill Cup, Winterberg (Ger) 2 DHI/4X
25 Gran Prix Massi-Copa Catalana BTT Internacional 2008, Vall de Lord (Spa) 1 XCO
25 British NPS DH#2: Innerleithen (GBr) 2 DHI
25 Portugal Cup XCO /DHI - Ribeira de Pena (Por) 3/2 XCO/DHI
25 Rabobank Stappenbelt MTB Trophy - Apeldoorn (Ned) 2 XCO
25 Outsports Cup, Vasilitsa (Gre) 2 XCM
31 Bank BPH Grand Prix MTB - Naleczow (Pol) 2 XCO
31 NUE Series #2: Mohican 100, Ohio (USA) NE XCM
31 - 1 IXS Swiss Downhill Cup, Wiriehorn (Swi) 2 DHI
31 - 1 UCI World Cup XCO 4 & DHI/4X 2, Vallnord (And) CDM XCO/DHI/4X
31 - 7 Craft Bike Trans Germany (Ger) SR

XCO = Cross Country
XCM = Marathon Cross Country (or 12 or 24 hour race)
DHI = Down Hill
4X = Four-cross/mountain cross - Four-rider elimination on the same course
DS = Dual slalom - Two-rider elimination on parallel courses
CN = National championships
CDM = World Cup
S1 = Major stage race
S2 = Minor stage race
SR = Stage race (with no UCI points)
1 = Major single day mountain bike race
2 = Minor single day mountain bike race
NE = National Event
* = US National Mountain Bike Calendar

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Calendarul lunii mai 2008 - Ciclism de sosea

1 Subida al Naranco (Spa) 1.1 ME
1 Memorial Andrzeja Trochanowskiego (Pol) 1.2 ME
1 GP Copenhagen Classic (Den) 1.2 ME
1 meiprijs - Ereprijs Victor De Bruyne (Bel) 1.2 ME
1 Rund um den Henninger Turm (U 23) (Ger) 1.2 U23
1 Rund um den Henninger Turm Frankfurt (Ger) 1.HC ME
1 Flanders-Europ Classic - EP (Bel) 1.1 MJ
1 - 3 Volta da Ascension (Spa) 2.2 ME
1 - 4 La Coupe du President de la Ville de Grudziadz (Pol) 2.1 MJ
1 - 4 Giro della Toscana (Ita) 2.1 MJ
1 - 4 Gracia - Orlova (Cze) 2.2 WE
2 Grand Prix of Moscow (Rus) 1.2 ME
2 Grand Prix de Suisse / Souvenir Magali Pache (Swi) 1.1 WE
3 Clasico Aniversario de la Federacion Venezolana de Ciclismo (Ven) 1.2 ME
3 GLS Express Grand Prix (Den) 1.1 ME
3 GP Industria & Artigianato- Larciano (Ita) 1.1 ME
3 Majowy Wyscig Klasyczny - Lublin (Pol) 1.2 ME
3 Ronde van Overijssel (Ned) 1.2 ME
3 Memorial of Oleg Dyachenko (Rus) 1.2 ME
3 Grand Prix Bourgas (Bul) 1.2 ME
3 Majowy Wyscig Klasyczny - Lublin (Pol) 1.2 WE
3 Clasico Aniversario de la Federacion Venezolana de Ciclismo (Ven) 1.2 WE
3 - 7 Vuelta Ciclista Asturias (Spa) 2.1 ME
4 Copa Federacion Venezolana de Ciclismo, Corre por la Vida (Ven) 1.2 ME
4 Trophee des Grimpeurs - Polymultipliee (Fra) 1.1 ME
4 Giro di Toscana (Ita) 1.1 ME
4 U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic (USA) 1.2 ME
4 Circuito del Porto - Trofeo Arvedi (Ita) 1.2 ME
4 Tour de Berne U23 (Swi) 1.2 U23
4 Berner-Rundfahrt / Tour de Berne (Swi) CDM WE
6 - 11 4 Jours de Dunkerque / Tour du Nord-pas-de-Calais (Fra) 2.HC ME
7 - 11 Five rings of Moscow (Rus) 2.2 ME
7 - 11 Giro del Friuli Venezia Giulia (Ita) 2.2 ME
7 - 11 Course de la Paix Junior (Cze) 2.Ncup MJ
8 - 11 Szlakiem Grodow Piastowskich (Pol) 2.1 ME
8 - 11 Tour of Chalkidiki (Gre) 2.2 ME
8 - 11 Joe Martin Stage Race (USA) NE
9 - 9 Champ. Panamericain c.l.m. ind. / Panamerican Champ. ind. TT (Uru) CC ME
9 Trofej Sajamskih Gradova I deo (Srb) 1.1 MJ
9 - 11 Tour de Kumano (Jpn) 2.2 ME
9 - 13 President Tour of Iran (IRI) 2.2 ME
9 - 11 Tour du Haut Anjou (Fra) 2.2 U23
9 - 12 Tour de Berlin (Ger) 2.2 U23
10 - 1 Giro d'Italia (Ita) ME
10 - 100th Skandis Race Uppsala - 1909 to 2008 (Swe) 1.2 ME
10 - 11 Clasica Internacional a Alcobendas y Collado Villalba (Spa) 2.1 ME
10 - 11 Le Trophee Centre Morbihan (Fra) 2.1 MJ
11 Champ. Panamericain-en ligne / Panamerican Champ. ind. RR (Uru) CC ME
11 GP Industrie del Marmo (Ita) 1.2 ME
11 Omloop der Kempen (Ned) 1.2 ME
11 Trofej Sajamskih Gradova II deo (Srb) 1.1 MJ
12 - 18 Boucle du Coton (Bur) 2.2 ME
12 Neuseenclassics - Rund um die Braunkohle (Ger) 1.1 ME
12 Ost-Belgien Rundfahrt (Bel) 1.2 ME
13 Mayor Cup (Rus) 1.2 ME
13 - 18 Mt. Hood Cycling Classic (USA) 2.2 WE
14 - 18 Doble Sucre Potosi G.P. Cemento Fancesa (Bol) 2.2 ME
14 - 18 Volta Ciclistica internacional do Parana (Bra) 2.2 ME
14 Profronde van Fryslan (Ned) 1.1 ME
15 Grand Prix de Santa Ana (ESa) 1.1 WE
15 - 18 GP Internacional Paredes Rota dos Moveis (Por) 2.1 ME
16 - 18 Tour de Picardie (Fra) 2.1 ME
16 - 18 Int. 3-Etappen-Rundfahrt der Rad-Junioren (Ger) 2.1 MJ
16 - 18 Int. Junioren Driedaagse van Axel (Ned) 2.1 MJ
16 - 21 Vuelta Ciclista Femenina a El Salvador (ESa) 2.2 WE
16 - 25 Tour de l'Aude Cycliste Feminin (Fra) 2.1 WE
17 - 25 Olympia's Tour (Ned) 2.2 ME
17 Classic Beograd-Cacak (Srb) 1.2 ME
17 Bank of America Wilmington Gran Prix (USA) NE
18 - 25 FBD Insurance Ras (Irl) 2.2 ME
18 - 25 Tour of Japan (Jpn) 2.2 ME
18 Grand Prix Jasna Gora-Stochowa (Pol) 1.2 ME
18 Coppa Caivano (Ita) 1.2 ME
18 Raiffeisen Grand Prix Judendorf/Straßengel (Aut) 1.2 ME
19 - 25 Volta a Catalunya (Spa) ProT ME
21 - 25 Circuit de Lorraine Professionnel (Fra) 2.1 ME
21 - 28 Azerbaijan Tour (IRI) 2.2 ME
22 - 25 Ronde de l'Isard (Fra) 2.2 U23
22 - 25 Trofeo Karlsberg (Ger) 2.Ncup MJ
22 - 25 Tour de Pologne Feminin (Pol) 2.2 WE
23 Tallin GP (Est) 1.1 ME
23 GP-Hydraulika Mikolasek (Svk) 1.2 ME
23 - 25 Vuelta a Occidente (ESa) 2.2 WE
24 SEB Tartu GP (Est) 1.1 ME
24 GP Kooperativa (Svk) 1.2 ME
24 Klein-Brabant Classic Ruisbroek-Puurs (Bel) 1.1 MJ
25 Tour de Leelanau (USA) 1.2 WE
24 Kelly Cup (USA) NE
25 Velika Nagrada Ptuja (Slo) 1.2 ME
25 Clasica Internacional 'Txuma' (Spa) 1.2 ME
25 Grand Prix Palma (Svk) 1.2 ME
25 GP GD Dorigo Porte - Fer. Mazzero - M.O. C. Floriani (Ita) 1.1 MJ
25 Tour de Leelanau (USA) 1.2 ME
26 Tour of Somerville (USA) NE
27 - 1 Vuelta Ciclista a Navarra (Spa) 2.2 ME
28 - 1 Tour de Belgique - Ronde van Belgie - Tour of Belgium (Bel) 2.1 ME
28 - 1 Bayern-Rundfahrt (Ger) 2.HC ME
29 - 1 Tour de Gironde (Fra) 2.2 ME
29 - 1 Tour du Pays de Vaud (Swi) 2.1 MJ
30 - 1 Tulsa Tough Ride and Race (USA) NE
30 - 8 Tour du Marco (Mar) 2.2 ME
31 Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan (Fra) 1.1 ME
31 GP Kranj (Slo) 1.1 ME
31 La Coupe du Monde Cycliste Feminine de Montreal (Can) CDM WE

ProT = ProTour
CDM = World Cup
CN = National Championships
NE = National Event (No UCI points)
ME = Men Elite
WE = Women Elite
MU = Under 23 Men
MJ = Junior Men
WJ = Junior Women

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Liquigas a mai facut o achizitie importanta – Ivan Basso

Italianul Ivan Basso a semnat un contract pe durata a doi ani cu echipa italiana Liquigas, urmand a participa in competitiile cicliste cu tricoul verde, al echipei italiene, din primavara anului viitor.

Basso a fost suspendat pentru o perioada de 24 de luni dupa ce a recunoscut implicarea sa in scandalul de dopaj Puerto, in 2006. Perioada de suspendare se incheie pe 24 octombrie 2008, moment in care este liber sa participe in competitii ciclistice. In mai 2007 italianul s-a retras de la echipa Discovery Channel, fiind liber astfel de contract. Cei de la Liquigas, in frunte cu directorul lor, Roberto Amadio, sunt increzatori ca Basso va aduce echipa pe culmile cele mai inalte ale ciclismului profesionist.

Ciclistul italian, in varsta de 29 de ani, a castigat Turul Italiei (Il Giro) in 2005, fara probleme, in fata lui Gilberto Simoni si a obtinut doua podiumuri in Turul Frantei (Le Tour de France) in “epoca” Lance Armstrong.

Paris - Pekin pe biciclete

104 cicloturisti si tot atatea biciclete, 14 persoane insotitoare, doua orase situate pe doua continente la 12 000 de kilometri distanta unul fata de celalalt, 140 de zile si multa dragoste pentru natura si libertatea pe care bicicleta ti-o poate oferi. Acestea sunt ingredientele pentru organizarea unui tur Paris – Pekin pe biciclete. Profitand de organizarea celei de XXIX-a editii a Jocurilor Olimpice, care se vor desfasura la Beijing (8-24 august) Federatia Franceza de Cicloturism a initiat acest proiect indraznet, care a inceput deja pe 16 martie la Paris si se va incheia pe 3 august la Pekin. Si sa nu uitam ca 2008 este anul dialogului intercultural intre popoare.

Pe biciclete s-au suit 84 de francezi (dintre care 5 lideri de grup) si 21 de ciclisti din Belgia (5), Canada (4), Elvetia (2), Germania (2), Spania (2), China (2), Luxemburg (1), Anglia (1) Danemarca (1) si Statele Unite (1). Acestora li se adauga 14 persoane care se ocupa de logistica (medici, mecanici, ...). 20% dintre participanti sint femei, fiind remarcata prezenta printre ciclisti a unui nevazator care pedaleaza pe o bicicleta dubla (tandem). Caravana ciclistilor, cu varste cuprinse intre 19 si 75! de ani a traversat deja Franta, Germania, Austria, Ungaria, Serbia, Romania, Republica Moldova si se afla pe teritoriul Ucrainei, avand ulterior de traversat Rusia, Kazahstan, Kargastan si China. Pe teritoriul Romaniei cutezatorii pe biciclete au poposit timp de o saptamana cu o zi de pauza la Bucuresti, fiind insotiti de cativa ciclisti fie pe intreg parcursul, fie pe anumite portiuni. Au sosit la Turnu-Severin pe 10 aprilie si au trecut granita spre Republica Moldova pe data de 17 aprilie.

Etape s-au desfasurat dupa cum urmeaza:
- 10.04.2008: trecere Dunare (Gura Vaii) – Drobeta Turnu Severin (14 km);
- 11.04.2008: Drobeta Turnu Severin – Strehaia – Filiasi – Craiova (121 km);
- 12.04.2008: Craiova – Caracal – Daneasa – Mihaesti – Rosiorii de Vede (105 km);
- 13.04.2008: Rosiorii de Vede – Alexandria – Mihailesti – Bucuresti (130 km);
- 14.04.2008: Bucuresti (zi de pauza);
- 15.04.2008: Bucuresti – Branesti – Tamadau Mare – Lehliu – Slobozia (133 km);
- 16.04.2008: Slobozia – Insuratei – Lacul Sarat – Braila (98 km);
- 17.04.2008: Brăila – Albota de Jos (155 km).

Si cateva impresii ale ciclistilor despre Romania si romani ...

http://velo.hennebert.fr/roumanie.html

http://cyclorando.blogspot.com/2008_04_06_archive.html

http://parispekin.blogs.eurosport.fr/

Calendarul lunii aprilie 2008 - Montain bike

3 - 6 Pan American Championships, San Juan De Los Morros (Ven) CC XCO/DHI/4X
28.03 - 5.04 Absa Cape Epic, Knysna - Lourensford (RSA) SHC XCO
5 Swisspower Cup / Swiss National Race Series, Winterthur (Swi) 2 XCO
5 - 6 NMBS 2: NOVA National, Fountain Hills, Arizona* (USA) 2 XCO/ST/SuperD
6 Internazionali d'Italia Sunshine - Race Nalles, Nalles (Ita) 1 XCO
6 Open de España - Maxxis, St. Gregori (Spa) 2 XCO
6 XCO Super League, Djouce Co. Wicklow (Irl) 2 XCO
6 Coupe de France VTT Subaru Cross Country, Saint-Raphaël (Fra) 2 XCO
6 Ghost Bikes XCO, Aarhus (Den) 3 XCO
6 Monaga MTB Challenge, Bayamon (Pur) 2 XCO
12 Czech National Cup, Hradec Kralove (Cze) 2 XCO
12 - 13 Mountain States Cup #1, Fruita, Colorado*(USA) NE XCO/ST
13 Swisspower Cup / Swiss National Race Series, Muttenz (Swi) 1 XCO
13 OWC MTB Cup, Oldenzaal (Ned) 2 XCO
13 Bundesliga XCO, Münsingen (Ger) 1 XCO
13 GP Massi - Copa Catalana/Superprestigio Massi, Barcelona (Spa) 1 XCO
13 Roc Laissagais, Laissac (Fra) 2 XCM
13 Scottish Downhill Series Round 1, Innerleithen, Scotland (GBr) NE DHI
13 Int. Eisenberger Weinidyllen Trophy, Eisenberg A.D. Pinka (Aut) 2 XCO
13 Portugual Cup XCO, Aviz (Por) 3 XCO
17 - 20 The Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, California (USA) NE XCO/DHI/4X
19 NUE Series #1: Cohutta 100, Tennessee (USA) NE XCM
19 - 20 UCI World Cup XCO 1, Houffalize (Bel) CDM XCO
19 Commune de Houffalize (Bel) 1 4X
20 Escalada De Serra Do Mar, Joinville (Bra) 2 XCM
20 Gunn-Rita Marathon - Granfondo del Montello, Montebelluna (Ita) 1 XCM
20 XCO Super League, Castlewellan Forest Park (Irl) 2 XCO
20 BMC 100km Classic, Victoria (Aus) NE XCM
20 British NPS DH #1: Ae Forest (GBr) NE DH
20 British National 4X Series: Apex MX, Warndon, Worcester (GBr) NE 4X
20 Outsports Cup, Agios Athanasios (Gre) 2 XCM
20 - 21 Copa Santa Catarina de Mountain Bike, Balneario Camborio (Bra) 3 DHI
26 New Zealand National Singlespeed Championships, Rotorua (NZl) CN XCO
26 - 27 UCI World Cup XCO 2, Offenburg (Ger) CDM XCO
27 Greenbriar Challenge, Frederick, Maryland*(USA) NE XCO
27 British National 4X Series, Apex MX, Warndon, Worcester (GBr) 2 4X
27 Ghost-Bikes XCO, Aarhus, Denmark (Den) 3 XCO
27 Portugal Cup DH, Fafe (Por) 2 DHI

XCO = Cross Country
XCM = Marathon Cross Country (or 12 or 24 hour race)
DHI = Down Hill
4X = Four-cross/mountain cross - Four-rider elimination on the same course
CN = National championships
CDM = World Cup
S1 = Major stage race
S2 = Minor stage race
SR = Stage race (with no UCI points)
1 = Major single day mountain bike race
2 = Minor single day mountain bike race
NE = National Event
* = US National Mountain Bike Calendar

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Calendarul lunii aprilie 2008 - Ciclism de sosea

1 - 3 KBC-Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde (Bel) 2.HC ME
1 - 6 Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda-Memorial Adriano Rodoni (Ita) 2.1 ME
2 - 6 Tour of East Java (Ina) 2.2 ME
2 - 6 XLII Cinturon Ciclista a Mallorca (Spa) 2.2 U23
3 - 13 Vuelta Ciclista de Chile (Chi) 2.2 ME
3 - 6 Redlands Cycling Classic (USA) NE
4 Route Adelie de Vitre (Fra) 1.1 ME
4 - 5 La Boucle de l'Artois - Trophee Arras Leader (Fra) 2.2 ME
4 - 6 Le Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux - Frasnes (Bel) 2.2 ME
4 - 6 Argentinean Championships (Arg) CN ME/U23/WE
5 Hel van het Mergelland (Ned) 1.1 ME
5 GP Miguel Indurain (Spa) 1.HC ME
6 GP de la Ville de Rennes (Fra) 1.1 ME
6 Trofeo Banca Popolare di Vicenza (Ita) 1.2 U23
6 Route de l'Avenir - Souvenir Louis Caput (Fra) 1.1 MJ
6 Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres (Bel) ProT ME
6 Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres (Bel) CDM WE
7 GP de la ville de Tunis (Tun) 1.2 ME
7 Grand Prix de Dottignies (Bel) 1.2 WE
7 - 12 Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco (Spa) ProT ME
8 GP de la Banque de l'Habitat (Tun) 1.2 ME
8 - 11 Circuit Cycliste Sarthe - Pays de la Loire (Fra) 2.1 ME
9 Gent-Wevelgem (Bel) ProT ME
9 - 13 Volta Ciclistica Internacional de Campos (Bra) 2.2 ME
9 - 13 Volta ao Alentejo em Bicicleta (Por) 2.1 ME
9 - 27 International Tour of Civilizations (Tur) 2.2 ME
10 Grand Prix Pino Cerami (Bel) 1.1 ME
10 Drentse 8 van Dwingeloo (Ned) 1.1 WE
11 - 20 Tour du Maroc (Mar) 2.2 ME
11 - 13 Circuit des Ardennes (Fra) 2.2 ME
11 - 13 Wyscig Etapowy - Zamosc (Pol) 2.2 WE
12 - 13 City Of Petaling Jaya Cup (Mas) 2.2 ME
12 - 13 Venezuelan Championships (Ven) CN ME/U23/WE
12 Albert Achterhes Profronde van Drenthe (Ned) 1.1 ME
12 Tour des Flandres Espoirs (Bel) 1.Ncup ME
12 Unive Ronde van Drenthe (Ned) CDM WE
13 Paris - Roubaix (Fra) ME
13 U.S. Cycling Open (USA) 1.1 ME
13 Klasika Primavera (Spa) 1.1 ME
13 - 20 Presidential Cycling Tour (Tur) 2.1 ME
13 Paris - Roubaix Juniors (Fra) 1.Ncup MJ
13 Novilon Eurocup Ronde van Drenthe (Ned) 1.1 WE
13 Garrett Lemire Memorial Grand Prix (USA) NE
15 Asian Cycling Championships - c.l.m. ind. / ind. TT (Jpn) CC ME
15 Paris-Camembert Lepetit (Fra) 1.1 ME
15 Asian Cycling Championships - c.l.m. ind. / ind. TT (Jpn) CC MJ
15 Asian Cycling Championships - c.l.m. ind. / ind. TT (Jpn) CC WE
15 Asian Cycling Championships - c.l.m. ind. / ind. TT (Jpn) CC WJ
16 Scheldeprijs (Bel) 1.HC ME
16 La Côte Picarde (Fra) 1.Ncup ME
16 - 20 Vuelta Ciclista a Aragon (Spa) 2.1 ME
16 - 20 Tour du Loir-et-Cher 'E. Provost' (Fra) 2.2 ME
16 - 20 Tour of Hellas (Gre) 2.2 ME
16 Asian Cycling Championships - en ligne / ind. road race (Jpn) CC MJ
16 Asian Cycling Championships - en ligne / ind. road race (Jpn) CC WE
17 Asian Cycling Championships - en ligne / ind. road race (Jpn) CC ME
17 GP de Denain Porte du Hainaut (Fra) 1.1 ME
17 - 20 Rhone-Alpes Isere Tour (Fra) 2.2 ME
17 Asian Cycling Championships - en ligne / ind. road race (Jpn) CC WJ
19 Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic (Biz) 1.2 ME
19 Tour du Finistere (Fra) 1.1 ME
19 Liege - Bastogne - Liege (Bel) 1.2 U23
19 ZLM Tour (Ned) 1.Ncup ME
19 - 23 Grand Prix of Sochi (Rus) 2.2 ME
19 Ronde van Gelderland (Ned) 1.2 WE
19 Sea Otter Classic (USA) NE
20 Amstel Gold Race (Ned) ProT ME
20 - 27 Volta de Ciclismo Internacional do Estado de São Paulo (Bra) 2.2 ME
20 - 27 Tour of Hong Kong Shanghai (HKg) 2.2 ME
20 Tro-Bro Leon (Fra) 1.1 ME
20 Giro d'Oro (Ita) 1.1 ME
20 Rund um Duren (Ger) 1.2 ME
20 Beograd-Banja Luka I (Srb) 1.2 ME
20 Grand Prix Bati-Metallo (Bel) 1.1 MJ
20 Trofeo Citta di Ivrea (Ita) 1.1 MJ
20 Trofeo Ciudad de Sevilla (Spa) 1.2 WE
20 Trofeo Ciudad de Sevilla (Spa) 1.1 WJ
21 - 27 Tour de Georgia (USA) 2.HC ME
21 Beograd-Banja Luka II (BiH) 1.2 ME
22 - 25 Giro del Trentino (Ita) 2.1 ME
23 La Fleche Wallonne (Bel) HC ME
23 - 27 Lotto-Rundfahrt (Ger) 2.1 ME
23 - 27 Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Extremadura (Spa) 2.2 ME
23 La Fleche Wallonne Feminine (Bel) CDM WE
25 Gran Premio della Liberazione (Ita) 1.2 U23
25 Tour of Chongming Island Time Trial (Chn) 1.2 WE
25 - 27 Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja (Spa) 2.1 ME
25 - 1 Le Tour de Bretagne Cycliste - Trophée des Granitiers (Fra) 2.2 ME
25 GP Liberazione (Ita) 1.2 WE
25 - 27 Omloop van Borsele (Ned) 2.1 WJ
26 A Travers le Brabant Wallon (Bel) 1.2 ME
26 Grand Prix Elsy Jacobs (Lux) 1.2 WE
26 Omloop van Borsele WE (Ned) 1.2 WE
26 - 29 Tour of Chongming Island (Chn) 2.2 WE
26 - 3 Vuelta a El Salvador (ESa) 2.2 ME
26 - 4 Tour de Korea (Kor) 2.2 ME
26 - 1 Giro delle Regioni (Ita) 2.Ncup ME
27 Liege - Bastogne - Liege (Bel) ME
27 Int. Ronde van Noord-Holland (Ned) 1.1 ME
27 Paris - Mantes-en-Yvelines (Fra) 1.2 ME
27 East Midlands International Cicle Classic (GBr) 1.2 ME
27 GP Stad Roeselare (Bel) 1.2 WE
27 G.P. Ciudad de Valladodid (Spa) 1.2 WE
26 - 4 USA Crits Southeast series (USA) NE
28 - 1 Clasica primer de Mayo (Arg) 2.2 ME
28 - 4 Tour de Tunisie Cycliste International (Tun) 2.2 ME
29 - 4 Tour de Romandie (Swi) ProT ME
30 - 4 Fleche du Sud (Lux) 2.2 ME
30 - 4 Tour of the Gila (Lux) 2.2 ME
30 - 4 Tour of the Gila (USA) NE

ProT = ProTour
CDM = World Cup
CN = National Championships
NE = National Event (No UCI points)
ME = Men Elite
WE = Women Elite
MU = Under 23 Men
MJ = Junior Men
WJ = Junior Women

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Cursele lunii martie 2008 - Ciclism de sosea

1 Beverbeek Classic (Bel) 1.2 ME
1 Omloop Het Volk / Circuit Het Volk (Bel) 1.HC ME
2 Clasica de Almeria (Spa) 1.1 ME
2 Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne (Bel) 1.1 ME
2 GP di Lugano (Swi) 1.1 ME
2 Trofeo Zssdi - Unione dei Circoli Sportivi Sloveni in Italia (Ita) 1.2 ME
2 - 7 Taftan Tour (IRI) 2.2 ME
3 - 8 Giro del Capo (RSA) 2.2 ME
4 - 8 Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia - Costa Calida (Spa) 2.1 ME
5 Le Samyn (Bel) 1.1 ME
7 - 12 Tour Ivoirien de la Paix (CIv) 2.1 ME
7 - 9 Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen (Bel) 2.1 ME
7 - 9 Grand Prix Digicel (ESa) 2.2 WE
8 Monte Paschi Eroica (Ita) 1.1 ME
8 De Vlaamse Pijl (Bel) 1.2 ME
8 Milano-Torino (Ita) 1.HC ME
9 - 16 Paris - Nice (Fra) HC ME
9 - 15 Tour de Taiwan (Tpe) 2.2 ME
9 Trofej Porec - Porec Trophy (Cro) 1.2 ME
9 Trofeo Franco Balestra - Memorial Giampietro Metelli (Ita) 1.2 ME
9 Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers Souvenir Bruno Comini (Fra) 1.2 ME
12 - 18 Tirreno - Adriatico (Ita) HC ME
13 - 16 Volta ao Distrito de Santarém (Por) 2.1 ME
13 - 16 Istarsko proljece - Istrian Spring Trophy (Cro) 2.2 ME
13 Grand Prix de Santa Ana (ESa) 1.2 WE
14 - 19 Vuelta Ciclista Femenina a El Salvador (ESa) 2.2 WE
15 - 21 Tour of Libya (Lba) 2.2 ME
15 - 16 Sequoia Cycling Classic (USA) NE
16 Giro del Mendrisiotto (Swi) 1.2 ME
16 Paris-Troyes (Fra) 1.2 ME
16 Omloop van het Waasland - Kemzeke (Bel) 1.2 ME
16 Omloop Het Volk / Circuit Het Volk (Bel) 1.2 WE
19 - 19 Nokere-Koerse (Bel) 1.1 ME
20 - 23 The Paths of King Nikola (Mne) 2.2 ME
21 Classic Loire Atlantique (Fra) 1.2 ME
22 Milano - Sanremo (Ita) ME
23 Campina Ronde van het Groene Hart (Ned) 1.1 ME
23 Cholet - Pays De Loire (Fra) 1.1 ME
23 La Roue Tourangelle (Fra) 1.2 ME
23 GP San Giuseppe (Ita) 1.2 ME
23 Bernaudeau Junior (Fra) 1.1 MJ
24 Giro Belvedere di Villa di Cordignano (Ita) 1.2 U23
24 Rund um Köln (Ger) 1.HC ME
24 - 28 Vuelta a Castilla y Leon (Spa) 2.1 ME
24 - 30 Tour de Normandie (Fra) 2.2 ME
24 Trofeo Alfredo Binda - Comune di Cittiglio (Ita) CDM WE
25 GP Palio del Recioto (Ita) 1.2 U23
25 - 29 Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale (Ita) 2.1 ME
26 Dwars door Vlaanderen (Bel) 1.1 ME
26 G.P. Waregem (Bel) 1.2 U23
28 - 30 Grand Prix du Portugal (Por) 2.Ncup ME
28 - 6 Tour du Cameroun (Cmr) 2.2 ME
29 E3 Prijs Vlaanderen (Bel) 1.HC ME
29 - 30 Critérium International (Fra) 2.HC ME
29 GP Cosat Etrusca-Giro dei comuni Montescudaio-Riparbella (Ita) 1.2 WE
30 De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne (Bel) 1.1 ME
30 GP Llodio (Spa) 1.1 ME
30 GP Costa Etrusca-Giro dei comuni Castellina M.MA-Santa Luce (Ita) 1.2 WE
30 Klasyczny-Naleczow (Pol) 1.2 WE
30 - 4 Tour Cycliste International de la Pharmacie Centrale (Tun) 2.2 ME

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Cursele lunii februarie 2008

2 Super Challenge Series 1 (RSA) 1.1 ME
3 Super Challenge Series 2 (RSA) 1.1 ME
3 Grand Prix Cycliste la Marseillaise (Fra) 1.1 ME
4 Super Challenge Series 3 (RSA) 1.1 ME
5 - 17 Vuelta a Cuba (Cub) 2.2 ME
6 Super Challenge Series 4 (RSA) 1.1 ME
6 - 10 Etoile de Besseges (Fra) 2.1 ME
7 Super Challenge Series 5 (RSA) 1.1 ME
7 - 13 Tour d'Egypte (Egy) 2.2 ME
9 - 17 Le Tour de Langkawi (Mas) 2.HC ME
9 G.P. Costa degli Etruschi - Ouverture Nobili Rubinetterie (Ita) 1.1 ME
10 Trofeo Mallorca (Spa) 1.1 ME
11 Trofeo Cala Millor-Cala Bona (Spa) 1.1 ME
11 - 13 Challange Calabria (Ita) 2.1 ME
12 Trofeo Pollença (Spa) 1.1 ME
13 - 17 M&M Engineering Tour of Belize (Biz) 2.2 ME
13 Trofeo Soller (Spa) 1.1 ME
13 - 17 Tour Méditerranéen Cycliste Professionnel (Fra) 2.1 ME
14 Trofeo Calvia (Spa) 1.1 ME
15 Grand Prix of Sharm el-Sheikh (Egy) 1.2 ME
15 - 17 Giro della Provincia di Grosseto (Ita) 2.1 ME
17 - 24 Amgen Tour of California (USA) 2.HC ME
17 - 21 Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol (Spa) 2.1 ME
20 - 24 Volta ao Algarve (Por) 2.1 ME
20 - 22 Geelong Tour (Aus) 2.2 WE
21 - 24 UAQ International Race (UAE) 2.2 ME
23 - 2 Vuelta Independencia Nacional (Dom) 2.2 ME
23 Trofeo Laigueglia (Ita) 1.1 ME
23 Coppa San Geo (Ita) 1.2 ME
23 Les Boucles du Sud Ardeche - Souvenir Francis Delpech (Fra) 1.2 ME
23 Neretva Kup 1 (Cro) 1.2 ME
24 Tour du Haut Var (Fra) 1.1 ME
24 Womens World Cup - Geelong (Aus) CDM WE
26 - 1 Giro di Sardegna (Ita) 2.1 ME
26 - 1 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana (Spa) 2.1 ME
27 - 2 Women's Tour of New Zealand (NZl) 2.2 WE
28 - 9 Vuelta Ciclista Por Un Chile Lider (Chi) 2.2 ME
29 - 2 Les 3 Jours de Vaucluse (Fra) 2.2 ME

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com

Copenhaga. Un model de confort

Mai zilele trecute citeam un articol despre strategia de eliminare a locurilor de parcare de pe marginea strazilor din centrul Bucurestiului, prin constructia parcarilor subterane platite. Aceasta initiativa, menita sa descurajeze accesul auto in centru, ne duce cu gandul la Copenhaga anilor ’60. Desi astazi 36 % din locuitorii capitalei Danemarcei se deplaseaza zilnic cu bicicleta la/de la locul de munca (dorindu-se o crestere pana la 40&), lucrurile nu au stat nici aici dintotdeauna astfel. In 1962, cocheta strada Strøget este declarata artera pietonala, iar de atunci suprafata dedicata parcarilor in centrul orasului a scazut cu 2-3% pe an si taxele pentru masini au ajuns azi la 200%. Din 1995 primaria din Copenaga incurajeaza folosirea bicicletei prin crearea a 120 de puncte de inchiriere (programul “free public city-bikes”). Din astfel de parcari plasate in gara, in port, in parcuri ..etc., precum imprumuti la orice supermarket un carucior pentru cumparaturi, introduci o moneda de 20 coroane daneze (aprox. 10 RON) in slotul special si deblochezi o bicicleta frumos colorata ce te va purta prin centrul orasului (impreuna cu bicicleta vei prin si o harta). La intoarcere (nu neaparat la acelasi punct de unde ai luat-o) iti iei banii inapoi. Ce-i drept, pe timp de iarna este mai greu sa gasesti o astfel de bicicleta, ele aflandu-se intr-o inchisoare unde sunt reparate de catre detinutii ce trebuie sa participe un anumit numar de ore lucrand in folosul comunitatii.

In Bucuresti se propune un pret mult mai mare pentru parcarea in centru, decat in zonele marginase, pentru a face soferii sa evite centrul ca loc de parcare a masinii. In Copenhaga s-a gasit o solutie si mai ingenioasa ce rezolva lipsa parcarilor din centru. S-a creat o parcare la periferia orasului, unde pentru 15 euro pe luna, pe langa un loc de parcare a autovehiculului ti se ofera si o bicicleta pe care o returnezi odata cu intrarea in posesie a masinii (serviciul „Park’n Pedal”).

Existenta traseelor ciclabile ce ofera siguranta ( fie ele pe trotuar, pe partea carosabila sau intre masinile parcate si trotuar) face ca mersul pe bicicleta sa se faca uneori cu viteze destul de mare. Cu toate acestea pentru fluidizarea traficului pe arterele cele mai circulate (folosite zilnic de peste 20.000 biciclisti!) se propune „Valul Verde” (Green Wave) , sistem de coordonare a semafoarelor astfel incat, in cazul in care vei rula cu 20 km/h vei prinde culoarea verde pe intreg traseul spre' dinspre locul de munca. Astfel, intre orele 6.30 si 12.00 culoarea verde a semaforuli indica traseul dinspre periferie spre centrul orasului, iar intre 12.00 si 18.00 traseul invers.

Capitala noastra face un mic pas ( interzicerea traficului auto in centrul vechi, acum descurajarea parcarii in centrul orasului) spre un oras mai putin poluat si mai linistit. Dar oare aceste masuri vor avea acelasi impact asupra romanilor ca si asupra locuitorilor confortabilei capitale a Danemarcei?

Cursele lunii ianuarie 2008 - Ciclism de sosea

2 - 5 Tour de Vineyards (NZl) NE
2 - 6 Jayco Bay Series (Aus) NE
5 - 18 Vuelta al Tachira (Ven) 2.2 ME
6 Copa America de Ciclismo (Bra) 1.2 ME
6 Copa America de Ciclismo WE (Bra) 1.2 WE
7 - 13 Jelajah Malaysia (Mas) 2.2 ME
10 - 13 Australian Open Road Cycling Championships (Aus) CN
11 - 13 New Zealand National Championships (NZl) NE
16 - 20 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo (Tabo) (Gab) 2.1 ME
22 - 27 Tour de San Luis (Arg) 2.2 ME
22 - 27 Tour Down Under (Aus) ProT ME
26 H. H. Vice President Cup (UAE) 1.2 ME
27 - 1 Tour of Qatar (Qat) 2.1 ME
30 - 3 Tour of Wellington (NZl) 2.2 ME

sursa: www.cyclingnews.com