Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

The cycling season draws to a close this weekend, as the “Race of the Falling Leaves” is the last “monument” race on the calendar. There are plenty of previews available to get an idea about the beautiful course and the host of protagonsit that want to take the win. Defending champ Damiano Cunego has had a year to forget , so don’t look for a repeat. If he does race he will probably be super -domestique to a very on-form Gilberto Simoni. Simoni has been on fire recently showing great form at the Giro Dell’Emiglia. He is super motivated to win Lombardia partly as a “thanks” to Lampre as he moves over to Ferretti’s newly sponsored team.
Paolo Bettini looks like another favorite to win. He rode away from the field at Zurich a few weeks ago, but he had anger helping him stomp the pedals. Bettini had to take out his World’s frustrations to take the win. He was just narrowly beat at the GP Beghelli this past weekend, and may be tuning up for Lombardia. Look our for Alejandro Valverde. He was seen warming up his legs on some of the climbs in the Giro de Piemonte. He may show some late season form. Anyway, here are the links:

Gazzetta Dello Sport

Pez Preview

Cyclingnews