Continuing the youth movement

This year continues to be the year of the young. Danilo Di Luca was unable to go with the lead group in today’s stage of the Vuelta. The stage was pretty unremarkable until end up Alto de El Morredero, a first category climb.

The stage was won by the climbing sprinter or is it a sprinting climber. Either way, ProTour leader Alejandro Valverde from Caisse d’Epargne-Illes Balears.

Today’s revelation is another in a growing youth brigade. Janez Brajkovic is not the name of a Julia Roberts movie but the leader of Discovery Channel and the Vuelta. Where is Tom Danielson. Well as I said at the start, this is a make or break tour for the Lance-appointed heir. Well it took only seven stages for Discovery’s boy wonder to break. For a climber to lose over three minutes on a first category climb is dissapointing.

At 22 Brajkovic is still a bit green for the press.

“I didn’t dream about taking the jersey before starting this race. I came here to gain some experience, that was my first goal. I also came here to help our leader Tom Danielson…my target was to do that and also to finish the tour.”

“I still think that I am a very young rider and not very experienced. The finish is two weeks away and in that time, many things can happen. We will take it day by day and see how my body will react.

“Johan is such an experienced person that I am sure he will guide me and guide the team in the right way. I trust him 100 percent.”

Now, where’s my shawl, I thought I left on the rocking chair.

Jakob Piil to T-Mobile

It looks like Director Tristan Hoffman is not just taking CSC kits and gear with him as he leaves for T-Mobile. He is taking Jakob Piil with him. Not surprising as I have been asking that question for a couple of weeks now.

“This probably has been the hardest decision I’ve made in my career so far, because I’ve really enjoyed my time with Team CSC. I’ve been with this team since the beginning and watched it grow. But if I’m to try something new in my career it has to be now.”

Riis bids Jokob bon chance as he loses a rider who has been with him pretty much since the beginning.

“We wish him the very best. Jakob has been an important rider to our team for the last seven years, and of course we thank him for that. I think that Jakob has a lot to offer T-Mobile with his vast experience and the potential he continues to have as a rider.”

I agree with Bjarne. I think Jakob is perfect for a T-Mobile that is rebuilding out of the ashes left by Ullrich and Pevenage. Jakob brings a work ethic and the ability to mentor young riders. As Bjarne looks to retool, it seems that the stars aligned.

The best article ever on road rash treatment.

I’ve read many articles on this topic and this one is the most complete I’ve seen. I had it printed out in my house and when I needed it, It was gone.  I don’t know when it was misplaced. So, I managed to find it after a bit of searching. It is worth reading and printing.

Before it gets lost forever. May 2003 VeloNews

Dealing with road rash

By Dawn M. Richardson, MD FACEP

This report filed May 14, 2003

http://velonews.competitor.com/2003/05/coaches-panel/ask-the-doctor-with-dawn-richardson_3909

La Vuelta heads north

Well, the peloton has survived the first mountain stage and the leader, wrapped in gold, led them north away from Dante‘s breath and towards Leon. Keeping with the mythical theme, the god of Thunder delivered the golden fleece wearing Di Luca and his men into the town of Leon.

If you can call 35C (95F) a cooling trend, the peloton pedaled through central Spain heading towards the next series of mountains. Thor Hushovd took what looked like a disorganized Milram sprint and won his first Vuelta stage. Unburdened by the leader’s jersey, Thor focused solely on the finish line.

“Being in the leader’s jersey makes you think more about hanging on to it than winning, but I came here to win stages and until today I hadn’t achieved that,” said the big Norwegian. “I am very motivated and now I’m very relaxed. I took advantage of Milram’s work, after they led out the sprint.”

©: AFP