Friday, June 01, 2007

On Tap...

If it seems like Memorial Day weekend was a few days ago, that's because it was. A great thing about long weekends are the short work weeks that follow.

Quite Fitting, All-Around
Sunday, June 3rd, marks the end of the 90th edition of the Giro d'Italia. And if all holds to form over the next two days, Italy's Danilo DiLuca will be kitted in pink and riding a pink Cannondale into Milan (break out the Psychedelic Furs, "Isn't He...). It will be DiLuca's first Grand Tour victory and the first by an "old school all-around" cyclist since...Bernard Hinault (Is that right? Has it been that long?).

In the world of specialized everything, it's something of a rarity to see a cyclist who is adept in the Classics and in the three week races. Add to this fact the tidbit below (from Cyclingnews) and you've definitely got the makings of a new "retro-fitted" cycling cult hero.

"It's not that I refuse it," said Di Luca, referring to his lack of an ear piece which many riders in the modern peloton cannot function without. "But after a little while it gives me troubles in my head. In fact, I've had to use my mind instead of just listening to the instructions given by the director. I'm convinced it has helped me improve to the level where I am now. I know what I have to do."

Two-time Giro champion Gilberto Simoni admitted Di Luca's tactical astuteness was a major factor in his success this year. "I wouldn't say that Di Luca is the revelation of this Giro," Simoni commented during the rest day. "But he's up there every day, that's the difference. I can see that his way of racing isn't the same. He thinks more."

In the crucial mountain stages, the 'killer' has controlled the race with a rare tactical intelligence. That might add to the ongoing debate in cycling regarding the use of ear pieces which many observers claim have ruined the excitement of races. The UCI has long been considering the possibility of banning radios among riders, a decision which may re-ignite interest in races where cycling doesn't enjoy such a passionate following as the Giro d'Italia."

Catch the finale on Versus' Cyclysm Sunday.

Thanks, I'll Do It Myself...
So those in and around the following areas who care to "do" rather than "watch" here is a listing of some races for which you can participate. In coming weeks, I'll try to add some touring and charity rides in the same areas.

For those in the DC area, look out for our own T-o-03 at the CSC Invitational this weekend as you very well could end up on the blog, and possibly (without knowing his racing schedule) 53rd Tooth at one of the races in PA.

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Friday, June 01, 2007

On Tap...

If it seems like Memorial Day weekend was a few days ago, that's because it was. A great thing about long weekends are the short work weeks that follow.

Quite Fitting, All-Around
Sunday, June 3rd, marks the end of the 90th edition of the Giro d'Italia. And if all holds to form over the next two days, Italy's Danilo DiLuca will be kitted in pink and riding a pink Cannondale into Milan (break out the Psychedelic Furs, "Isn't He...). It will be DiLuca's first Grand Tour victory and the first by an "old school all-around" cyclist since...Bernard Hinault (Is that right? Has it been that long?).

In the world of specialized everything, it's something of a rarity to see a cyclist who is adept in the Classics and in the three week races. Add to this fact the tidbit below (from Cyclingnews) and you've definitely got the makings of a new "retro-fitted" cycling cult hero.

"It's not that I refuse it," said Di Luca, referring to his lack of an ear piece which many riders in the modern peloton cannot function without. "But after a little while it gives me troubles in my head. In fact, I've had to use my mind instead of just listening to the instructions given by the director. I'm convinced it has helped me improve to the level where I am now. I know what I have to do."

Two-time Giro champion Gilberto Simoni admitted Di Luca's tactical astuteness was a major factor in his success this year. "I wouldn't say that Di Luca is the revelation of this Giro," Simoni commented during the rest day. "But he's up there every day, that's the difference. I can see that his way of racing isn't the same. He thinks more."

In the crucial mountain stages, the 'killer' has controlled the race with a rare tactical intelligence. That might add to the ongoing debate in cycling regarding the use of ear pieces which many observers claim have ruined the excitement of races. The UCI has long been considering the possibility of banning radios among riders, a decision which may re-ignite interest in races where cycling doesn't enjoy such a passionate following as the Giro d'Italia."

Catch the finale on Versus' Cyclysm Sunday.

Thanks, I'll Do It Myself...
So those in and around the following areas who care to "do" rather than "watch" here is a listing of some races for which you can participate. In coming weeks, I'll try to add some touring and charity rides in the same areas.

For those in the DC area, look out for our own T-o-03 at the CSC Invitational this weekend as you very well could end up on the blog, and possibly (without knowing his racing schedule) 53rd Tooth at one of the races in PA.

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