bicycle.net -- cycling news, product reviews, original essays, podcasts & video

Following is the end of “rolling thunder” — a cycling novel
Subject to copyright.   
 
ROLLING THUNDER (cont’d)
 
 
 
Chapter 25
Raleigh Spriggs was the seventy six year old Chairman of the Board of Continental Tire, which was a fifty four year old company with annual revenues of over twenty billion Euros.  When Shamus scanned further articles Google suggested best [...]

Following is Part 11 of “rolling thunder”
Subject to copyright. Friends don’t let friends edit-copy-edit-paste.   
 
ROLLING THUNDER (cont’d)
 
Chapter 23
 
Saturday rolled around, and the already star-crossed Tour got underway.
 
In the rider’s village, an area carved out by plastic tape signified that the public need come no closer, riders’ strained faces seemed to relax.  After months of build-up, [...]

Following is Part 10 of “rolling thunder”
Subject to copyright. Please enjoy responsibly.   
 
ROLLING THUNDER (cont’d)
 
Chapter 20
 
Shamus lost focus on assisting the investigation once the Classics kicked off.  It wasn’t possible to race well with your mind on other things.  He felt he was losing ground with Eve, as well, since she was completely engulfed in [...]

Following is Part 9 of “rolling thunder”
Amazingly still subject to copyright.  Some things never change.  Please enjoy responsibly.   
 
ROLLING THUNDER (cont’d)
 
Chapter 17
Petre Patrovski rumbled about the luxurious hotel suite he often called home atop the Kempinski Vier Jahren, or Four Seasons, on Westendstrasse in downtown Munich, surrounded by boxes and envelopes he used to package [...]

Mario Cipollini made his return to the pro peloton last week in the Tour of California. Riding for the controversial Rock Racing team, “Super Mario” arrived in California the day before the race was to begin. He brought his own bike with him as well, instead of the De Rosa bikes the Rock team were [...]

Following is Part 8 of “rolling thunder.”
Blah, blah, blah, this story is copyrighted.  Comprend?  By the way, thank you for leaving your thoughtful comments along the way…we live on that stuff! 
 
ROLLING THUNDER (cont’d)
 

Chapter 15
“Go ahead and tell me then.” 
He’d been lying in bed when she’d called, so there was no need to sit down.  [...]

Pasadena, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2008) Michael Creed’s extraordinary ride Sunday capped an impressive performance for Rock Racing at the Amgen Tour of California.
Attacking from the start of the 93-mile (150 km) stage, Creed played an instrumental role in a pair of breakaways that stayed clear of the peloton on a rain-soaked, bone-chilling ride from Santa [...]

Hope you had a great weekend. 
Following is Part 7 of “rolling thunder.”
In case it hasn’t crossed your mind, this story was written by someone for their therapy and for your enjoyment, but not likely for their enrichment and certainly not for yours.  If you’re scheming about how to make a buck off this story, be [...]

Enjoy the Bicycle.Net podcast Stage 7 edition with our host, David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast.

Preview of Today’s Stage 7
Interviews with:

Mark Cavendish, Team High Road
Bob Stapleton, Team High Road
Freddie Rodgriguez, Rock Racing
Chris Horner, Astana
Jose Luis ‘Chechu’ Rubiera, Astana
Scott Nydam, BMC
Michael Creed, Rock Racing

Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Final Standings
Post-race Interview with Michael Creed
Press Conference [...]

 

 Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 [29:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (91)

Levi Leipheimer (USA), General Classification Leader
Astana

On winning the 2008 Amgen Tour of California:
“I think this win is more special now because of the caliber of the field.  The amount of stars that competed here is what makes this race so great.  For me, this win is unbelievable because of the amount of cycling stars that [...]

DEFENDING CHAMPION LEVI LEIPHEIMER WINS SECOND CONSECUTIVE OVERALL TITLE
 
GEORGE HINCAPIE WINS FINAL AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA STAGE
More Than 1.6 Million Fans Turned Out to Watch the Best Field Ever
Assembled on U.S. Soil Cycle Across California
 
PASADENA, CALIF., February 24, 2008 – After eight challenging days of cycling through 650-miles of scenic California highways, roadways [...]

Leipheimer Wins Amgen Tour of California Yellow Jersey For The Second Time In A Row

PASADENA, California, Feb 24, 2008 (AFP) - American Astana rider Levi Leipheimer won the Tour of California cycle race for the second straight year here on Sunday.
American George Hincapie, riding for High [...]

ENTHUSIASM FOR ASTANA CYCLING TEAM’S YELLOW JERSEY
 
 
Thousands of enthusiastic fans welcomed Levi Leipheimer and his Astana Cycling Team-mates at the end of the Amgen Tour of California in Pasadena. The team held control over the 7th and last stage of the race helping Levi Leipheimer win his second consecutive overall victory in the Tour of [...]

Late-Race Crash Sidelines Rock Racings Star Sprinters
 
Santa Clarita, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2008) A crash in the final miles of Saturdays Stage 6 of the Amgen Tour of California dashed the hopes of Rock Racings star sprinters, Mario Cipollini and Fred Rodriguez.
 
The pair tumbled to the pavement in the final 2.5 miles (4 km) of the [...]

The Amgen Tour of California came into Metro LA today with a point to point course from Santa Clarita to Pasadena. The finish line was close enough to the Beverly Hills headquarters of your Bicycle.Net crew that we were able to gather up the wives and kids.
Yes, even Velowife pulled it together and [...]

The race is on for the Amgen Leader Jersey in the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Following course assessment for safety and conditions, the route will remain as planned for the final stage of the race today from Santa Clarita to Pasadena. The riders will leave Santa Clarita at noon and are expected [...]

Stage 7: Santa Clarita to Pasadena
 
ROUTE DETAILS
Day: Sunday, Feb 24
Start: Santa Clarita
Finish: Pasadena
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Miles: 93.4
KM: 150
End ETA: 3:27-4:01 PM
Often the final day of stage races is more ceremonial than competitive, but not at the 2008 Amgen Tour of California where stage 7, sponsored by Amgen, is a challenging point-to-point affair that could produce [...]

Enjoy the Bicycle.Net podcast Stage 6 edition with our host, David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast.

Preview of Today’s Stage 6
Interviews with:

Bjarne Riis, Team CSC
Danny Pate, Team Slipstream
Rolf Aldag, Team High Road
Sean Tucker, Toyota-United

Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Press Conference Highlights with:

Jim Birrell
Luciano Andre Pagliarini
Levi Leipheimer

Standings after Stage 6
Preview of Tomorrow’s Stage 7
Music: Never [...]

 

 Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 [21:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (104)

Levi Leipheimer (USA), General Classification Leader
Astana

On today’s race:
“It’s sweet to be near the prize, but it’s never over until we cross the finish line.  I think today’s race went exactly how I imagined it.  I was confident that (David) Millar would try to do something in the end.  I tried to look for him; I [...]

ALERT: Due to the possibility of sever weather conditions, the course for tomorrow’s Stage 7 of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California from Santa Clarita to Pasadena may be modified. Race organizers suggest that fans check the official Web site, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com, to verify any changes to the start line and/or route.  The finish will remain unchanged, [...]

Pagliarini wins sixth stage in California when Cavendish penalized

Photo by: Dave Lieberman

SANTA CLARITA, California, Feb 23, 2008 (AFP) - Luciano Pagliarini won the sixth stage of the Tour of California on Saturday, after a 20-second penalty cost Mark Cavendish the victory he had apparently claimed in a sprint finish.
[...]

PRESS RELEASE
BOTT’S DOTS FATAL FOR VLADIMIR GUSEV

Vladimir Gusev (Astana Cycling Team) broke his right collar bone in the 6th stage of the Tour of California. While picking up bottles from the team car, at 26 km of the finish in Santa Clarita, his front wheel hit one of the typical Botts’ dots, the nonreflective [...]

Preview of Today’s Stage 5
Interviews with:

Rolf Aldag, Team High Road
Dominique Rollin
Jim Birrell

Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Press Conference Highlights with:

Levi Leipheimer
Pat McQuaid

Standings after Stage 5
Interview with Michael Ball
Preview of Tomorrow’s Stage 6
Music: Never Play in Deep France by Steffen Coonan

 

 Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 [38:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (96)

Stay tuned for a more detailed story and podcast tonight, but here are a few images to get you started. Here’s the Peleton rolling along early in the day.

Ever wonder if these guys get thirsty or hungry on a 135 mile stage?
Here’s Levi Leipheimer calling for room service. We deliver.

But not only [...]

2008 Stage 6 Results
2008 Stage 6 Results
Pos. No. UCI Code Rider Team Time Gap
1. 18 BRA 19780418 PAGLIARINI MENDONCA Luciano Andr SDV 04.18′31″ 00.00′00″
2. 47 ARG 19810126 HAEDO Juan Jose CSC 04.18′31″ 00.00′00″
3. 21 ITA 19740401 BETTINI Paolo QST 04.18′31″ 00.00′00″
4. 33 GER 19860919 CIOLEK Gerald* THR 04.18′31″ 00.00′00″
5. 51 ESP 19760215 FREIRE GOMEZ Oscar RAB 04.18′31″ 00.00′00″
6. 131 CAN 19821029 ROLLIN [...]

2008 Standings
2008 Overall Standings
Pos. No. UCI Code Rider Team Time Gap
1. 1 USA 19731024 LEIPHEIMER Levi AST 25.33′23″ 00.00′00″
2. 91 GBR 19770104 MILLAR David TSL 25.34′12″ 00.00′49″
3. 93 USA 19760522 VANDEVELDE Christian TSL 25.34′31″ 00.01′08″
4. 42 SUI 19810318 CANCELLARA Fabian CSC 25.34′41″ 00.01′18″
5. 45 SWE 19800920 LARSSON Gustav CSC 25.34′42″ 00.01′19″
6. 92 USA 19790112 ZABRISKIE David TSL 25.34′59″ 00.01′36″
7. 4 USA 19711023 HORNER Christopher AST 25.35′30″ 00.02′07″
8. [...]

See photos from part 1 and part 2 of Stage 5 coverage of the Amgen Tour of California.

See earlier post with more photos from today’s Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California.  Additional Stage 5 photos have just been added.

Originally, I thought the Tour of California sounded like a lovely family-friendly vacation involving, perhaps, an RV and the Redwoods while my children were galloping through fields of poppies.
There must be a big bicycle race coming to California. I can tell with almost complete accuracy when there are exciting happenings in the cycling world. [...]

Levi Leipheimer beat 2nd place David Millar by 28 seconds on a 30-minute ride. It was enough to hold off Fabian Cancellara and Robert Gesink and keep the yellow jersey.
All three riders were on the course together, 2 minutes apart at the start, virtually riding head-to-head.
Pics:

More photos here and here!

We got some great interviews today. Check out our host David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast as he recaps the day and sets you up for a big Stage Five Friday.
Review of Current Standings
Preview of Today’s Stage 4
Interviews with:
o Steven Cozza
o Wounded Warrior Project
Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Standings after Stage [...]

 

 Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 [15:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (68)

Our glorious leader VeloGuy is going to be riding in the Toyota United team car today following the riders through the time trials. His task? Change any flats that hit the Toyota guys.
Veloguy spent 7 hours riding in a media car just in front of Rollins and the breakaway yesterday. Today, [...]

As another successful Tour of California rolls through the golden state, race organizers are already considering the status of the race for 2008 and beyond. Jim Birrell, race director for the TOC, sees a bright future for the early season stage race, but also recognizes that there are some logistics to consider before initiating the [...]

Stage 5 Preview: Solvang Individual Time Trial
ROUTE DETAILS
Day: Friday, Feb 22
Start: Solvang
Finish: Solvang
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Miles: 15
KM: 24
End ETA: 2:50 PM
Amgen Tour of California defending champion Levi Leipheimer said the individual time trial is the most important stage of the entire race. At just 15 miles, the riders will crank up the speed to the [...]

Levi Leipheimer (USA), General Classification Leader
Astana

On today’s race:
“My guys have put in a hard day’s work today.  I guess we had this coming since it has been two years of beautiful weather, so it’s like having three bad days rolled into one today.  This day probably ranks in the top three worst days I’ve ever [...]

SIX-TIME CANADIAN NATIONAL ROAD CHAMPION DOMINIQUE Rollin
Rolls Away to Win Epic Stage 4 OF AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
California Resident Levi Leipheimer Retains Leader Jersey for Second Consecutive Day
 
SAN LUIS OBISPO, February 21, 2008 – Six-time Canadian National Road Champion Dominique Rollin (CAN) of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team made history today as he powered away [...]

Canadian Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) has just pulled off one of the most impressive wins we have seen in the Amgen Tour of California. In weather conditions that can only be described as epic, and horrible. Rollins rode to his victory as a solo rider who escaped from the seven rider breakaway with 20k [...]

Jackson Stewart has abandoned the Tour of California and been rushed to hospital due to hypothermia. A major concern, hypothermia can be life-threatening if not treated. As the peloton continues on to San Luis Obisbo, could there be other riders who come down with the ailment? Often, one is not aware they are hypothermic until [...]

Michael Ball, the colorful leader of Rock Racing, and the PT Barnum of American Cycling sent his three banned riders back on the road again today. They were shooting video, maybe for the rumored reality show about the team.
Our reporter caught up to their caravan, a Michael Ball’s now infamous [...]

When the pros have to reach back to Oslo in the mid 90s to think of a race as long, and wet and miserable, you know that you’ve got a race as difficult as any you’re likely to see. When the winner was asked for a finish line quote, he just gasped for air, [...]

Bryce Mead just dropped out of the Break.
VeloGuy is reporting that Jackson Stewart has just dropped out of the race and is being treated for Hypothermia.  It’ll cost him his KOM jersey.
More when we have it.
Break is down to Riders: 16, 31, 57, 102 131 147 25 156 at mile 102
VeloGuy is riding [...]

Today’s stage will feature two Herbalife Sprints and three California Travel and Tourism King of the Mountains climbs on a route that is hilly and technical down the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway that will pedal through Big Sur and past the Hearst Castle before arriving in San Luis Obispo. Leipheimer’s GC lead over CSC’s Fabian [...]

Levi Leipheimer (USA), General Classification Leader
Astana

On today’s race:
“We knew that today was going to be important.  I think this stage was the hardest stage in the three-year history of the Amgen Tour of California.  It was a day with a few tough, but really beautiful, climbs.  The Mt. Hamilton climb turned out to be really [...]

STAGE 4 TOMORROW:
Thursday, Feb. 21 – Seaside to San Luis Obispo (135.3 mi/217.8 km)
Estimated Start Time: 10 a.m.
Estimated Finish Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
OVERALL STANDINGS
STAGE LOG 
STAGE MAP 
STAGE PROFILE 
The remarkable views of Stage 4 will make it a favorite for riders and spectators alike.  Beginning in Seaside with a short neutral lap and traveling along a similar route [...]

TEAM astana’s levi leipheimer assumes the amgen leader jersey
after stage three of the 2008 amgen tour of california
Rabobank’s Robert Gesink Wins Stage 3 As Challenging Day Separates Riders
and Shakes Up Remaining General Classification Leaders
 
SAN JOSE, February 20, 2008 – After completing one of the most challenging and defining stages of the 2008 Amgen Tour [...]

We got some great interviews today. Check out our host David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast as he recaps the day and sets you up for a big Stage Four Wednesday.
Review of Current Standings
Preview of Today’s Stage 3
Interviews with:
Tony Cruz
Viatcheslav Ekimov
Sean Tucker
Bjarne Riis
Jonathan Vaughters
Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Standings after Stage [...]

 

 Tour of California - Podcast - Stage Three edition [30:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (118)

VeloGuy spent the end of the race sitting in the finishing shoot with camera in hand watching for the leaders to cross the finish line. Sitting next to him was a Rabobank team member. The Rabobank team member told our reporter that Leipheimer and Gesink agreed to work together rather than against themselves [...]

Following is Part 6 of “rolling thunder.” Thanks for being patient.
As we may have mentioned ad nauseum, this story is subject to copyright by the author. Not that we think you want your name on it, but someone may stoop that low. You never know. Anyway, please don’t use it other than as a pleasant [...]

Is California the new training ground for the classics? Our reporter is riding about one hour ahead of the peleton today on stage three of the Tour of California when what does he discover? Saunier Duval riders training on the course. The non racing riders of the Saunier Duval team are [...]

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Preview - Modesto to San José
 
ROUTE DETAILS
Day: Wed., Feb 20
Start: Modesto
Finish: San José
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Miles: 102.7
KM: 165
End ETA: 1:49-2:52 PM
The riders are certain to remember the difficulty of the significantly revamped stage 3, which [...]

Welcome to Bicycle.Net’s exclusive daily podcast from the Tour of California. Hosted by David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast.

Preview of Today’s Stage 2
Interviews with:

Jackson Stewart
Bob Stapleton
Kayle Leogrande
Fast Freddie Rodriguez

Review of Standings
Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Standings after Stage 2
Post-race Interviews
Preview of Tomorrow’s Stage 3

 

 Tour of California - Podcast - Stage Two edition [28:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (66)

Belgian Boonen wins Tour of California’s 2nd stage

SACRAMENTO, California, Feb 19, 2008 (AFP) - Belgium’s Tom Boonen, of Quick Step, rallied from the back of the leader pack Tuesday to win the second stage of the Tour of California on Tuesday.
It was the first stage win [...]

CALIFORNIA governor ARNOLD schwarzenegger awards
AMGEN leader jersey to TYLER FARRAR after
amgen tour of california stage 2 finish in SACRAMENTO
Officials Estimate 425,000 Fans Along the Course Over the First Three Days of the Race
 
SACRAMENTO, February 19, 2008 –The second stage of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California saw the emergence of a young star in Tyler [...]

Stage 2
Santa Rosa to Sacramento
February 19, 2008
Tyler Farrar (USA), General Classification Leader
Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
On today’s race:
“Today played out exactly how we hoped it would. We didn’t know what the breakaway situation would be, but we were lucky with the bonuses being late in the stage. The team was [...]

Ahead of stage one of the Tour of California, the Rock Racing team was still up in arms about the exclusion of its three GC stars, Santiago Botero, Oscar Sevilla, and Tyler Hamilton. In particular, the American Hamilton had plenty to say about his exclusion from the eight day stage race. “AEG still owes me [...]

Tour of California results stage 2

  
   SACRAMENTO, California, Feb 19, 2008 (AFP) - Leading results here on Tuesday in the second stage of the 2008 Tour of California, 187 kilometres
(116 miles) from Santa Rosa, California:
  
   2nd stage results
   1. Tom Boonen (BEL) 5hr 9:35, 2. Heinrich Haussler (GER) same time, 3.
Mario Cipollini (ITA) [...]

Rock Racings Rodriguez Scores Top 10 Finish

Santa Rosa, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2008) Freddie Rodriguez earned Rock Racing a top 10 finish Monday in Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California.

Rodriguez and Rock Racing teammate Doug Ollerenshaw were among 73 riders in the lead pack as the race entered the streets of Santa [...]

What a fantastic end to an excellent race. The day was slowed down by about 25 minutes due to the rain but the finish was fast, wild and totally excellent. Coming into the final laps, yesterday’s winner JJ Haedo got a flat and should have been out of the race. His [...]

As we come up to noon time on stage 2, Nydam is riding his own break away, down in full racing position, 15 minutes ahead of the peleton. The peleton is rolling along at a casual pace, sitting up, having lunch, some light conversation and letting Nydam have his [...]

For the third year in a row, Sausalito hosted the stage one start of the Tour of California. Also for the third year, the crowds were enormous in the quaint seaside town. As the team busses pulled into the staging area ahead of the race a few hours before start time, crowds were already on [...]

Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 Preview
Stage 2: Santa Rosa to Sacramento
 
ROUTE DETAILS
Day: Tuesday, Feb 19
Start: Santa Rosa
Finish: Sacramento
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Miles: 115.8
KM: 186
End ETA: 2:13-2:54 PM
 
The riders will face one of the toughest vertical challenges in the Amgen Tour of California only a dozen miles after departing Santa Rosa: the ascent of Trinity Grande. [...]

Fabian Cancellara (SUI), General Classification Leader
Team CSC [...]

Team csc’s juan jose “j.j.” haedo wins STAGE ONE
OF THE 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
Celebrated Local Cyclist Levi Leipheimer Was Welcomed Home to Santa Rosa By Record Crowds

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. February 18, 2008 – Record crowds were on-hand for Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California to watch the world’s best cyclists [...]

Stage One. Sausalito to Santa Rosa. Jackson Stewart fighting, Hincapie crashing, Haedo winning. Today’s race had it all. So what does tomorrow look like. Listen to David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast as he brings you Bicycle.Net’s exclusive in depth audio coverage of the Tour of California.
Here’s the [...]

 

 Bicycle.Net Tour of California Podcast - Stage 1 Edition [30:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (95)

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA STAGE 1 FROM THE BEST VIEW ON THE ROAD
Today was the first stage of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Traveling from the Sausalito to Santa Rosa and covering a total of 96.8 miles in just over 4 hours. The stage traveled through some of the best real estate in Northern [...]

Haedo Wins Amgen Tour of California 1st Stage, With Cancellara Keeping Overall Lead - And Stage Results
  SANTA ROSA, California, Feb 18, 2008 (AFP) - Argentina’s Juan Jose Haedo
won the first stage of the Tour of California on Monday as CSC teammate Fabian
Cacellara held onto the leader’s yellow jersey.
Haedo took the victory by a [...]

With so much focus on the the hardness and hyper-competitiveness of the professional cycling circuit, its nice to see that these guys out on the bikes are true sportsmen and truly nice guys.
Our creative director was working his way through Palo Alto on the day before the prologue and came upon the bad boys [...]

George Hincapie of Team HighRoad took a pretty nasty crash in the final circuits around Santa Rosa in stage one of the Tour of California. Here are Bicycle.Net’s exclusive photos.

Back on his feet:

Photos by Michael Roe

JJ Haedo wins Stage 1 - Amgen Tour of California
Cancellara will keep his yellow jersey for the day.
stay tuned for detailed commentary later tonite.

Here’s the rest of the peleton coming into the final lap in Santa Rosa.

Jackson Stewart, the King of the mountain, meets the clown of the mountain as he reaches the peak.

Here is [...]

Young and old, big and small, from close by and far away, droves of cycling enthusiasts descended on Palo Alto Sunday to view the best cyclists in the world for the Tour of California prologue. A user-friendly experience, the prologue time trial course for the Tour was great for those looking to take in the [...]

Sunday’s Prologue to the Amgen Tour of California, was a warm beautiful day, great crowds and tons of excitement. Listen here to Bicycle.Net’s podcast wrapup, with our host David Bernstein of The FredCast Cycling Podcast

Preview of Today’s Stage
Summary of the Day’s Racing Action
Interview with Phil Liggett

For more great audio, check out our [...]

 

 Bicycle.Net Tour of California Podcast - Prologue Edition [18:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (83)

STAGE 1 TOMORROW:
Monday, Feb. 18 – Sausalito to Santa Rosa
Estimated Start Time: 11 a.m.
Estimated Finish Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Stage 1 will bring the cyclists 96.8 miles from Sausalito to Santa Rosa. In previous years, Santa Rosa set the mark for one of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds of the entire race.
Best viewing spots will [...]

Fabian Cancellara (SUI), First Place, Prologue
Team CSC
 
On today’s race:
“It was like being in the Tour de France out there on the course today. The last time I raced in front of so many people was in London last year. The Amgen Tour of California is a really great race. It is good for [...]

world time trial champion fabiAn cancellara TAKES
VICTORY AT 2008 Amgen Tour of California PROLOGUE IN paLo alto
Race Kicks Off to Enthusiastic Crowd in Palo Alto

PALO ALTO, CALIF. February 17, 2008 – The 2008 Amgen Tour of California started on a high note in Palo Alto when World Champion Fabian Cancellara (SUI) [...]

Bicycle.net this year is thrilled to bring you fantastic exclusive interviews and podcasts. Here are some thoughts on what this year’s Tour of California is going to bring you.
For more great audio, check out our host David Bernstein at The FredCast cycling podcast (The Fredcast.com).

 

 Fredcast - TOC Prologue [27:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (91)

Today was the start of the Amgen Tour of California with some of the world’s best bicycle riders coming to compete in Palo Alto, California. The morning started with bitter cold, but warmed up nicely by the time the riders took to the starting ramp. The crowds were lined up over 10 deep, in [...]

Three Rock Racing riders not welcome at Tour of California
PALO ALTO, California, Feb 17, 2008 (AFP) - Tour of California organizers have rejected the entries of Rock Racing riders Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla, who have been linked with the Operation Puerto doping probe in Spain.
The trio have been the [...]

Following is Part 5 of a manuscript titled “rolling thunder.”  Coincidentally, it picks up amid the Tour of California and it’s being posted on the eve of the start of its 2008 launch.  It’s like we planned it that way.
 
 As a note to those persevering the saga, we’ll be traveling for a couple of days [...]

Amgen Tour of California - Prologue Starting Order
Prologue Profile
Stage Map
Course Log
1. 13.00′00″ 16 ESP 19790314 CAMANO ORTUZAR Iker SDV
2. [...]

Unified Rock Racing Team Votes To Ride Short-Handed
Rock Racings Michael Ball Responds To AEGs Exclusion Of Three Riders
Palo Alto, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2008) Despite only being able to field a five-rider squad three short of the standard team roster Rock Racing will compete in the Amgen Tour of California.
Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said [...]

ROCK RACING TO FIELD EIGHT RIDERS AT AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero, Oscar Sevilla and Mario Cipollini Headline Team Roster
Team Owner Michael Ball Announces Need For Riders’ Union to Protect Individual Rights
Palo Alto, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2008) – Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball announced today that he stands by his riders and [...]

RENOWNED U.S. PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CYCLING TEAMS CONFIRMED
FOR FIRST EVER AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CRITERIUM
Accomplished Field of Professional Female Riders Assembled for Santa Rosa Race
LOS ANGELES, February 15, 2008 – The most well-renowned professional women’s cycling teams in the United States will be represented in the first edition of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s [...]

Rock Racing team owner Michael Ball called a press conference at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto today to discuss, according to a team spokesman, “the Rock racing team for 2008, some of the anti-doping policies and integrity of Rock Racing, the changes needed in the sport today, specifically the need for a rider’s [...]

Leipheimer defends title at Tour of California

LOS ANGELES, Feb 15, 2008 (AFP) - American Levi Leipheimer launches his defence of the Tour of California title on Sunday as he and his Astana teammates try to rebound from the shock of their ban from the 2008 Tour de France.
[...]

Tour of California stages and top competitors
LOS ANGELES, Feb 15, 2008 (AFP) - Race route and principal competitors of the Tour of California cycle race that starts Sunday in Palo Alto:
Stages
Feb 17: prologue individual time-trial, 3.4 km at Palo Alto
Feb 18: 1st [...]

Palo Alto, Ca. - VeloGuy is in Palo Alto this week hanging out with some of the teams getting ready for the Tour of California this week. He’s learned from officials of Team High Road that they have been invited to participate this year in the Giro d’Italia and other events sponsored by [...]

As the 2008 Tour of California prepares to commence in Palo Alto on Sunday, an unprecedented field of talent will line up to contest the eight stage race. As in previous years, the field will be choc-full of talent, more so even than in the previous two editions of the race. In looking at the [...]

WOrld-Class FIELD ANNOUNCED FOR
2008 Amgen Tour oF California PROFESSIONAL Cycling road race
Race Draws Top Cyclists, Including Defending Champion Levi Leipheimer
and World Champion Paolo Bettini
 
LOS ANGELES, February 14, 2008 – Considered the best collection of talent to compete in a U.S. professional cycling stage race, the world-class roster of teams and cyclists scheduled to [...]

MADRID, Feb 14, 2008 (AFP) - The Operation Puerto blood-doping affair
involving about 60 cyclists and which erupted in May 2006, has been reopened,
Madrid prosecutors’ said on Thursday.
A raid on the Madrid laboratory of Dr Eufemiano Fuentes uncovered doping products, bags of blood and codenames which appeared to link top athletes to a highly-organised system of [...]

TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYED BY 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA BRINGS
ENHANCED LIVE RACE ACTION TO FANS AROUND THE WORLD
February 17-24 World-Class Stage Race Available Via Internet
LOS ANGELES, February 13, 2008 – This year, watching the most popular U.S. professional cycling race from the comfort of home, office or finish lines will be easier and more enjoyable than [...]

Following is Part 4 of an excerpt from a manuscript titled “rolling thunder.”
Parts 1-3 of the story are also posted at bicycle.net in the “Hub” under the page for System6.  Altogether, parts 1-4 comprise about one third of the total story, so there is still a long way to the end of the road.
Coincidentally, there [...]

Team Slipstream comes to the 2008 Tour of California needing a strong showing to solidify their invitation to European monuments such as the tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and dare we say it . . . the Tour de France. They’ll bring a strong contingent to the race this year, with new signings David Miller, Tom [...]

ROCK RACING ANNOUNCES AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA PARTNERSHIP
LOS ANGELES (February 6, 2008) – Rock Racing, founded by cyclist and Rock & Republic CEO/Creative Director Michael Ball, and AEG today announced a sponsorship agreement that names Rock Racing as the official fashion apparel sponsor of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road [...]

FEBRUARY 18TH DURING 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
Professional Women’s Cycling Event to be Held During Stage 1 of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2008 – Adding to the excitement generated throughout the last two years in Santa Rosa, the state of California and throughout the international cycling community by [...]

The AMGEN Tour of California will bring the drama and excitement of a professional bicycle stage race to the California coast. The world’s top professional teams will compete over an eight-day, 700-mile race on a route that includes the California redwoods, wine country and the Pacific Coast.
Founded in 2005, Breakaway from Cancer continues to raise [...]

2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA WILL SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND ANTI-DOPING TESTING AND PROCEDURES FOR UPCOMING RACE
Partnership with USADA, UCI, USA Cycling and AEG Created to Develop Unprecedented Approach to Anti-Doping Policies

LOS ANGELES, January 22, 2008 – The upcoming 2008 Amgen Tour of California cycling road race will adopt the most comprehensive anti-doping protocol in cycling history [...]

TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
PROFESSIONAL ROAD CYCLING RACE
Most Diverse, Accomplished Field Ever Assembled for a Race on U.S. Soil to Compete
in February 17-24 Stage Race
LOS ANGELES, January 17, 2008 – A world-class field of 17 domestic and international cycling teams set to compete in the 2008 Amgen Tour of California was announced [...]

ROUTE DETAILS
Day: Tuesday, Feb 19
Start: Santa Rosa
Finish: Sacramento
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Miles: 116
KM: 187
Finish ETA: 2:15-3:00 PM
The riders will face one of the toughest vertical challenges in the Amgen Tour of California only a dozen miles after departing Santa Rosa: the ascent of Trinity Grande. En route to the climb, the peloton will pass through several [...]

AEG Announces Route Details For 2008 Amgen Tour of California Professional Cycling Road Race
World-Class Cycling Field to Compete Across 650 Miles of California Roadway in Eight-Day Stage Race
LOS ANGELES (November 13, 2007) – Specific route details for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race were revealed today by AEG, presenter of [...]

HOST CITIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
World-Class Cycling Field Will Return to California in February to Compete Across 700 Miles of California Roadway in Eight-Day Stage Race
LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2007) – The 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race will take place February 17-24, 2008, as confirmed today by [...]

HOST CITIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
World-Class Cycling Field Will Return to California in February to Compete Across 700 Miles of California Roadway in Eight-Day Stage Race
LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2007) – The 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race will take place February 17-24, 2008, as confirmed today by [...]

PARIS, Feb 29, 2008 (AFP) - Cyclists due to compete in the Paris-Nice stage race have asked organisers to make amendments to a proposed teams’ contract, which in midweek prompted anger from the sport’s world ruling body.
The first major European stage race of the season will be held under a cloud after organisers controversially [...]