Take Tue (-sday)

Tornado Warning
For those of you with any ambition to win one of the Crown Jewels of the Spring Classics, The UCI in conjunction with the European Weather Service has upgraded the Tornado Watch for the month of April to a full blown Tornado Warning. The most recent sighting of Tornado Tom Boonen was on the podium of the Ronde van Vlaanderen.

Although his real nickname is "Staf," the moniker of the "Tornado" fits Boonen's style of riding. Like the cyclonic forces of nature, he is a constant threat to those in his path during the Spring season. Already a World Champion, a two-time winner of the Ronde, and the current champion of Paris-Roubaix (a race he finished third, in 2002, as a member of the US Postal Squad), the only thing that might stop this 25 year old in the near future is a spot of bad form, injury, or sheer boredom (from lack of competition).

Gentleman George
Having watched the post race interview of the Tour of Flanders, I finally saw (and heard) what could only be construed as a team member "going rogue," (for a first hand recounting of the episode read Graham Watson's and then Dirk Demol's, Assistant Sports Director of Discovery ProCycling, comments on thepaceline.com) Obviously frustrated with the days events, recanting several times how strong he felt and how great his form was, George Hincapie acted like the gentleman he has always portrayed himself to be. It was such a huge departure to see an athlete take the high road when he could have so easily lashed out and played the victim. If you still haven't figured out who the new leader of Discovery Channel cycling is, you need not look past the New Yorker who currently resides in South Carolina.

Is the Price Right?
With the departure of Lance from the professional cycling ranks, it was only inevitable that the telvevision coverage of the sport would fall off dramatically, right? With all due respects to Lee Corso, "not so fast my friend!" Cycling.tv has now reached a contractual agreement to broadcast the 2006 Paris-Roubaix LIVE. THE CATCH? The live feed will only be available to those who subscribe to their premium service. At $19.99 this may seem like a huge commitment. But given that they also have the rights to broadcast ALL but TWO of the Classics, even the most ardent yet frugal cycling fan can get now scratch their itch while still being able to run out and get the latest and greatest cycling gear.