Bike World News

In today’s cycling news, more soundbites from Lance Armstrong but Cadel Evans is the big draw in Adelaide this year; also, Skil-Shimano focusing on Tour de France, Niels Albert ready for Roubaix and more.

Niels Albert and Katie Compton won the third round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup on Sunday in Nommay, France.

In today’s cycling news, Gran Fondo takes hold in America, Valverde gets a reprieve, Doctor Mabuse back to jail, Kloden denies (and makes) payment to stop a doping investigation.

It is with a profound sense of melancholy that I write the last daily digest of road racing news on the eve of the Giro d’ Lombardia…

In today’s bicycle racing news, Zoncolan returns, Tyler Farrar takes a win, ‘cross seaon ramps up and more.

Welcome back to Bike World News and our continuing coverage of the 2009 Tour de France. Alberto Contador declares, while Lance Armstrong concedes. Cadel Evans has his “worst day ever”. Andy Schleck will fight “until the last breath” and more.

Today brings a little mountain biking and BMX news as well as a few cyclocross items.

Cycling TV will be covering the final round of the Cyclocross World Cup from Milan on Sunday, January 25th from 1200-1500 (GMT).
Sven Nys will preview the new frame Colnago built for him in advance of the World Cup at Milan and the upcoming World Championships.
Two California cyclocross series will wrap up this Sunday, January 25th. The Peak Season race is in Aptos at the high school and the SoCalCross event is at the Cornerstone RV Park …

It’s cloudy and gray, but I’m still happy because my five year old learned to ride a bike yesterday. Here’s the news:

I knew this would happen: Alberto Contador announced over the weekend that he would not defend his Giro title, but instead would focus all of his efforts on the Tour de France. This avoids a battle of egos in Italy, and since Lance is still 50-50 on the Tour, saves some drama there as well.
The Athens, GA based Jittery Joe’s team will drop its pro status and will exist …

Here’s the latest from around the web:

France has stiffened their anti-doping laws. The news laws state a one year sentence for being in possession of doping products and stiffer penalties (5 to 7 years) for trafficking. When will one of their own be found guilty?
The UCI delivered the Cyclocross World Cup trophies to Sven Nys and Daphny van den Brand via mail. No awards ceremony, AND, they have to wait until June to receive their prize money. Can you feel the love?
In a similar story, the teams that were due prize money …

Here are some news headlines from road and cyclocross racing:

Expect Cadel Evans to be gunning for a finish near the top of this weekend’s Tour of Lombardy. With Danilo DiLuca out of the picture, a finish of 6th or better will put him at the top of the Pro Tour ranks for 2007. If Vinokourov’s win in Stage 13 of the TdF is invalidated, Evans doesn’t even need to aim for 6th, as he would gain 10 points for that.
Jason McCartney, late of the Discovery Channel squad, is joining his former boss …