Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Chris Horner is a professional bike racer for Team Astana. He’s been blogging about his experiences in races such as the Giro D’Italia where he crashed out. Here is a closer look at Horner who seems like the ultimate seasoned pro. He knows where and when to ply his talents and what makes him money. Horner concentrates on what helps the team win overall and boasts that he is not paid to win races. For the uninitiated Chris Horner dominated the domestic racing scene in the 90s and 2000s with Saturn Cycling team. Horner won virtually every race out there and is one of the top talents. Now he is racing in Europe doing his part to help riders such as Levi Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong.

The new Astana kit design by Johan Bruyneel to show his dissatisfaction with the non-payment of salaries reminds me of this clip from Family Guy.

Columbia Highrroad gets back-to-back stage wins with Kanstantin Siutsou. This is one day after Edvald Boasson Hagen. What is the connection other than unpronounceable names and young talent?
Stage 8

Stage 7

Weird prank that involves a regular cyclist being in the middle of a bike race.

(Lance Armstrong crash)

2009 seems to be the year of the crash. Not only in the pro ranks but in the Weekend Warriors ranks of lowly Cat 3, 4 and 5. Look at top pro racers such as Lance Armstrong, Scott Nydam, Cameron Evans and David Impey crashing and sustaining injuries from severe to usually collarbone. Even twitter cycling heartthrob Liz Hatch suffered a tough crash in a training ride.

(Adam Zimmerman)

In my local scene my Maxpowercycling teammate Adam Zimmerman crashed at Tour of Battenkill. A crash that was captured in Bicycling magazine’s videos.

(watch 3 minutes into the video)

Read more about the race at NY Velocity.com

Another teammate crashed twice last week in Binghamton and now needs a new frame. This weekend at Hollenbecks Jason Van Staveren had to be airlifted from the top of Parker Rd. after a tough crash.

This is a tough and dangerous sport, but I cannot remember so many crashes happening at all levels of the sport at such a concentrated time. What could be the cause of all these mishaps? Are we racing to aggressively? Are there so many noobs out on the road with poor handling skills that cause these crashes? Is the sport of triathlon with these strong but not technically astute racers a cause for concern. I’ve ridden with many triathletes who have the speed, but not the skill to ride in a fast moving group. Riding next to some of these riders was a scary situation. I would try to keep far away from some triathletes turned road racers.

Perhaps people are getting into cycling today without learning the proper pack riding techniques. Or it could be a bunch of bad luck culminating into one concentrated time. Whatever the cause, keep it sane when riding out there and always keep the rubber side down.

Bikes are popular in Rwanda. After the horrifying genocide, the country is recovering with the help of bicycles. Take lots of large hills and very fit athletes and you get a great foundations for cyclist of the future. Just like the Astana team looks to present a better image of a little-known or maligned country, Rwanda is looking to give people around the world a new view on the African country. Though this team will be comprised of mostly Rwandan riders.

Photograph: Riccardo Gangale

Guradian.co.uk

Conan O’Brien is enjoying the LA lifestyle and is taking to the roads on his Seven cycles bike. Conan is a tall man, so his bike is equally gargantuan. Checkout the size of the head-tube, which could be the length of some folks top-tube. Conan’s hairy white legs are another story.

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Liege Bastongne Liege closes out the 2009 Spring Classics. The lightweight climber types will look to avenge the spanking delt by veteran Davide Rebellin at Fleche Wallone. Liege does not finish with a long steep climb like Amstel and Fleche so the finish is not as critical. The key will be to whittle down the lead group on the numerous climbs leading into Liege. Sprinters such as Valverde and Cunego will have an upper hand if they make it through with a lead group. Here is last year’s finish with Valverde taking the win.

Michele Bartoli’s win in 1997 as he outlasts Jalabert.

Alll of the favorites together for the final kick up the Mur de Huy. Cadel Evans does the pace making at the bottom to string out the peloton and Davide Rebellin powers up for the win. Great win by a veteran rider who was almost written off into retirement.