Bike World News

Rinaldo Nocentini notched his first win of the season in Stage 1 of the Tour du Haut Var

Frank Schleck talks about cooperation and competition amongst brothers, and about becoming a father for the first time.

French newspaper LeMonde.fr is reporting today that Parisian prosecutors are investigating the Astana team for criminal offenses related to the possession of infusion sets.

In a conversation with todocicliso.com, Haimar Zubeldia confirmed that he has followed Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel to the Radio Shack cycling team and defended himself from allegations that he abandoned compatriot Alberto Contador.
He says that the move was made for sporting reasons, stating that, “Johan Bruyneel has always trusted me and is interested in me.” After running this season under his command, Zubeldia feels a great admiration for the Belgian coach. “I’ve always admired Johan Bruyneel. He has always managed large teams,” Zubeldia stated.  “Now after working a year …

Several European news outlets are reporting this morning that Astana team management have offered Alberto Contador a new contract with an annual salary of eight million euros (that’s nearly $12m USD, folks).

The Basque government has told Euskaltel-Euskadi team management that they will not tolerate any further cases of doping on the team.

Kloden, Rast and Popovych have now been confirmed for the team.

Seems that the court cases, arrests and suspensions all seem to come at the same time. Boonen will go free if he pays a fine, Vandenbrouke may be in trouble again, Di Luca claims conspiracy and more bicycle racing news.

Results for Stage 19 of the 2009 Tour de France. Mark Cavendish racks up his fifth stage win while the G.C. leaders sit in to build some strength for tomorrow’s attack on Mont Ventoux.

Franco Pellizotti added to his mountain points today, but it was Mikel Astarloza that attacked with 2 km to go to take the stage win in Stage 16 of the 2009 Tour de France. Pellizotti was part of a large group that rode off the front just 5 km into the race and led the race over both of today’s rated climbs.