ESch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, Jan 6, 2012 (AFP) - Three-time Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck said on Friday he will kick off his season with the RadioShack team at the Tour of Oman from February 14-19. "It's the perfect race, with ideal weather conditions," said Schleck, who will then race with his brother Frank at the Paris-Nice as well as in the Tour of the Netherlands. The … [Read more...]
Chavanel, Voeckler Lead French Rainbow Jersey Bid
September 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
PARIS, Sept 14, 2011 (AFP) - Tour de France stars Thomas Voeckler and Sylvain Chavanel will spearhead France's bid for the coveted rainbow jersey at the world road race cycling championships in Copenhagen later this month. Voeckler, the national champion in 2010 and reigning national champion Chavanel will lead a nine-man team for the 266 km men's elite race that brings the curtain down on … [Read more...]
No Yellow Jersey, But French Shine On Tour
July 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment
France's wait for the heir to five-time yellow jersey champion Bernard Hinault may continue for a while yet. But when it comes to winning stages on the Tour de France, the hosts are leading the way. After 18 days of racing French riders have won six stages, equaling a modern day record that was last set in 1997 -- a year before the Festina doping scandal almost brought the event to its … [Read more...]
BLOW OFF THE SHOP RIDE — YOU’VE GOT PLANS THIS WEEKEND
July 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
If you're not excited about how this Tour de France is setting up, you've topped your max heartrate one too many times. May you rest in peace. On Saturday the Tour heads into the Alps and the real games begin. Sunday continues in the Alps, then the riders get Monday to sit around and get stiff before the hardest day of all, on Tuesday's stage 9. And you're not going to want to miss a … [Read more...]
Team Saxo Bank Tour de France Preview
June 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
On Saturday 3rd of July, the 97th edition of the Tour de France kicks off with an 8.9 kilometer long prologue in the streets of Rotterdam, Holland. But the first minor time trial will probably not be decisive for the outcome of the GC when the race ends in Paris, Sunday 25th of July. Before then, the 198 riders divided into 22 professional cycling teams will have been through six mountain … [Read more...]
Tour de France Main Climbs
June 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
PARIS, June 29, 2010 - The main climbs of the Tour de France 2010, which will start on Saturday in Rotterdam (in brackets, stage cities) The main climbs (in brackets, stage cities): Stage 7 (Redhead Station): Coast dam Vouglans: 6.5 km at 5.6% (710 m), 2nd class Col de la Croix de la Serra: 15.7 km at 4.3% (1049 m), 2nd cat. Lamoura coast: 14 km to 5% (1145 m), 2nd … [Read more...]
France Lose Coveted Team Sprint Crown To Germany
March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment
COPENHAGEN, March 24, 2010 (AFP) - World sprint champion Gregory Bauge selflessly blamed himself on Wednesday as France lost their coveted team sprint crown to Germany here at the world track cycling championships. Germany, who last won the three-lap power event at world level in 2003, clocked a winning time of 43.433sec to leave France, the champions since 2006, with the silver medal. … [Read more...]
Do You Remember 1986?
July 18, 2009 By 2 Comments
Written by: Colin Batchelor I do, that year I raced in France, (where true to form I got my arse handed to me on a plate), that year I got a new 753 road bike and a new track bike, that year I got pissed off with the British winter and went to Australia for a few months, all exciting stuff. But you know the best thing about 1986? The Tour de France. Yes, yes, I know I trumpeted my lack of … [Read more...]
Veteran Rider Jeannie Longo Sets Her Sights On Olympic Selection
June 27, 2008 By 1 Comment
SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS, France, June 26, 2008 (AFP) - French cycling legend Jeannie Longo has all but clinched a place in the Beijing Olympics at the age of 49. The five-time world champion staked her claim with an outstanding win in the time-trial at the French National Championships on Thursday. She finshed in 31 minutes 16 seconds, over a minute ahead of second-placed Edwige Pitel. … [Read more...]