On Friday, Team Saxo Bank's Alberto Contador took home his second victory of the past three days in the 2012 edition of the Tour de San Luis.

Yet, despite his laying claim to the 160.6 kilometer Stage 5 from La Toma to Merlo (Mirador del Sol), his American counterpart, Levi Leipheimer of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team, finished well withing shouting distance on the day and maintained his lead in the General Classification, 46" ahead of the Spaniard.

"The guys worked really hard today but they were rewarded by the first place in the GC for Levi," Sports Director Davide Bramati said. "Everybody did their job in the flat part of the race. In the climb Chavanel helped Levi mantain a good rhythm. In the final, Contador attacked, and Levi had a good reaction and he was able to stay on the wheel of Contador. After today's stage Levi has a great chance to win the race. Tomorrow we will have to suffer to defend the jersey but the guys now are really motivated and ready to fight until the end."

"It wasn't an easy stage - the wind was really strong in the first part of the race and the guys did a great job to control the race." Leipheimer says. "The last climb was hard, 7 km of uphill with high percentage. We managed to control the race very well from the beginning. In the last climb Contador attacked at about 3 km to go. At that point I took the lead and I only thought about the GC. I'm really happy about our race today. Now we have to control the race 2 more days. Tomorrow it won't be easy, the stage is long and difficult especially at the beginning but we have to do it. We are really close to the victory. It will be an extra motivation for everybody."

Stage 5 Results
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Team Saxo Bank - 4:19:59
2. Daniel Diaz (Arg) San Luis Somos Todos - 0:00:02
3. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 0:00:05

General Classification After Stage 5
1. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 17:27:52
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:46
3. Daniel Diaz (Arg) San Luis Somos Todos - 0:01:31
4. Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Christina Watches-Ofone - 0:01:36
5. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:01:50
6. Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez (Col) Androni Giocattoli - 0:02:13
7. Magno Prado Nazaret (Bra) Funvic-Pidamonhangab - 0:02:39
8. Luis Mansilla (Chi) Chile - 0:03:24
9. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 0:03:44
10. Cayetano José Sarmiento Tunarrosa (Col) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:04:43

Photos: Roberto Bettini

On Friday, World Champion Zdenek Stybar met with the press in nearby Ostende before the start of Sunday’s World Championship race held in Koksijde, Belgium.

His form
“I feel ready for the race, I’ve been training as I should have and I’ve had an excellent approach to the race until now. I’m not feeling the pressure of the race, I’m pretty relaxed. Last week I also worked a lot on a mental level to prepare for the race and this week I’ve tried to relax and finish preparing. I’m calm and confident for the race.”

His adversaries
“The Belgian team is the most fearsome. It will be hard to race against 7 Belgian athletes. At the beginning of the race there could also be some surprises and somebody could get into the first positions. Surely Belgium will be the team to beat.”

The route
"The route is difficult and only the best will win. In the last few years I’ve grown a lot on sandy routes, managing to enjoy some personal gratification. On this type of course you need technique and also a lot of strength.”

The Public
"The crowds will be incredible, they’re expecting about 40,000 people. I’ve never raced in front of so many people, it will be thrilling and inspiring. I hope the public will support not only the Belgian athletes but everyone in general.”

Victory
“Winning the World Championship 3 times in a row is a dream. Not many riders have done it. I’m highly motivated. I don’t want to dwell on this; first and foremost I want to think about running a flawless race and I hope to be in the right place at the right time.”

Start Times (Sunday, January 29, 2012):
Women: 11:00am CET (5:00am U.S. Eastern)
Men Elite: 3:00pm CET (9:00am U.S. Eastern)

Today Levi Leipheimer won the individual time trial stage in the Tour de San Luis.

On the hilly, 19.5-km route, the American rider from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team was faster than Vincenzo Nibali (Team Liquigas-Cannondale) who came in 33 seconds behind him, and Stefan Schumacher (Christina Watches), who made it with a difference of 38 seconds. Leipheimer was literally flying on the course laid out on the outskirts of San Luis, working towards his success kilometer after kilometer, managing the race to perfection.

“I really wanted to do well today,” said Leipheimer after the arrival. “After yesterday’s stage and the recon we pulled on the route this morning I knew I could compete. I really wanted to thank the team for the faith they placed in me and the guys who are here for the fantastic job they’re doing day in and day out. I think I did the best I could. We worked well and we’re enjoying the benefits. The time trial was anything but simple. The wind was also an important factor. We had to stay concentrated, especially in the final 4 kilometers, which were absolutely grueling.”

Victory in the time trial also took Leipheimer to first place in the general classification for the time being, where he is 53” in front of Schumacher and 55’’ ahead of Nibali. The former leader, Alberto Contador, came in 1’01” behind the rider from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team, putting him in fourth place in the rankings at 57’’.

“Tomorrow will be a very challenging day but I have no worries" continues Leipheimer. "I feel strong and the team is highly motivated. We’ve won 3 out of 4 stages and we’re first in the classification. Up until now everything’s been going well, our balance sheets are really positive. We’ll face tomorrow’s stage with faith in our means and determination.”

Also worth mentioning is the good performance by Sylvain Chavanel, who is regaining his groove in the time trial. The Frenchman came in 4th, just 39” behind.

On the other hand, Bert Grabsch, the time trial specialist, saw his race compromised by a flat tire at about 2 km from the arrival.

Stage 4 Results
1. Levi Leipheimer 22' 33''
2. Vincenzo Nibali at 33''
3. Stefan Schumacher 38''

General Classification After Stage 4
1. Levi Leipheimer
2. Stefan Schumacher at 53''
3. Vincenzo Nibali 55''
4. Alberto Contador 57''
5. Sylvain Chavanel 1'20''

Photos: © Roberto Bettini

Team celebrates 13th year in the women’s peloton

Chicago, Illinois – The Team Kenda presented by Geargrinder has finalized its 2012 roster, adding Laura Ralston, 2011 Collegiate National Criterium Champion and collegiate athlete at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Ralston looks to take her racing to a new level. “I am really looking forward to be racing with Team Kenda in 2012. They have established themselves as one of the most friendly development elite teams in the country, but also have a record of consistent competitive results and great riders. Finding support as a female cyclist can be tough at times, and so I think it's remarkable what Team Kenda has been able to do for so many female riders over the past 13 years."

In 2012, the team will focus on the National Criterium Championships (NCC) and National Racing Calendar (NRC) events coupled with a heavy presence at the Tour of America’s Dairyland, in which the team placed 2nd last season.

Jacqueline Denny, a returning junior rider promoted to the elite ranks, stated that she knows that racing at higher levels takes hard work, dedication and sacrifice, but hopes to bring that attitude, desire, and a joyful spirit to Kenda's elite team this upcoming race season.

Geargrinder, an eco-friendly clothing and accessories company, will be releasing another cycling-inspired product in 2012, which will be visible on Team Kenda athletes.

"After watching Paul Forsythe's management team shape Team Kenda and seeing how these women worked together and motivated each other this past season, Geargrinder is proud to be back in 2012, offering an even stronger level of support for this team of role model athletes,” said Paul C. Weaver, co-founder of Geargrinder Active Lifestyle Apparel and Accessories. "Geargrinder believes in doing what it can to secure the future of cycling, and Team Kenda has not only solid Elite and Regional teams but strong up-and-coming talent on the Junior and U-23 teams as well.

"It's important that Team Kenda have the proper resources to keep the momentum building so they can be serious contenders at the NRC and NCC races, like Tour of America's Dairyland (ToAD)," said Weaver. "Last year at ToAD, Team Kenda took the Overall Oarsman Capital Category 2 Amateur Green Jersey, and placed two racers in the Overall Pro Women Top 10...will be great to see Team Kenda atop the NCC ToAD podium next year."

“Kenda USA is proud to be the banner sponsor of Team Kenda Tire presented by Geargrinder for the 9th season. They are the one of the best and largest women’s bicycle racing teams in the country and we are confident that this is going to be their beast season yet;” stated Stefano Lumbaca, Road/Cyclocross Marketing and Product Development.

Team Kenda presented by Geargrinder Elite 2012 Roster:
Amity Elliot (Tabernash, CO)
Beth Lauer (Whitewater, WI)
Cara Gillis (Fredericton, New Brunswick – Canada)
Colleen Paine (Dahlonega, GA)
Gwen Inglis (Lakewood, CO)
Jacqueline Denny (Liberty, MO)
Jamie Dinkins (Asheville, NC)
Jane Weakley (Dayton, OH)
Jen Greenberg (Chicago, IL)
Kat Clark (Pooler, GA)
Krystal Lacy (Farmersville, OH)
Laura Rolston (Cambridge, MA)
Mitzie Goldman (Atlanta, GA)
Shailie Sanbrooks (Wellington, New Zealand)
Stacey Jensen (New York, NY)
Zayda McGuire (Portland, OR)

The Team regrets the loss of Megan Baab, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while training on December 15, 2011, near Lees McRae, where she attended college on a cycling scholarship.

Team Kenda Women’s Cycling receives support from the following: Kenda USA, Blue Competition Cycles, Plant Solutions, Verge, SRAM, Thomson, Rudy Project, Mercury Wheels, CycleOps, Terry Precision Cycling, Headsweats, Skins, Deen-Gross Eye Centers, Thule, , Sportcrafters, Cateye, Ferguson & Associates, Hoo Ha Ride Glide, and Anni Fanni.

The magic moment of the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team and of its sprinter Francesco Chicchi at the Tour de San Luis goes on. After yesterday’s magnificent photo-finish win, the 31-year-old Italian sprinter gave a repeat performance today edging out teammate Tom Boonen as both crossed the finish line with their arms up, celebrating a double podium for Omega Pharma – Quick-Step.

This is an important success that confirms Chicchi’s excellent form as well as that of the entire team, that today again worked brilliantly during the final sprint. During the first part of the race, Grabsch and Rabon dictated the pace in the leading pack of the peloton. Chavanel and Leipheimer started their action in the final 10 kilometers of the race, guiding Boonen and Chicchi up until the last kilometer.

“It was yet another phenomenal day”, a very happy Chicchi said. “I was supposed to help Boonen’s sprint in the end, seen as that was what we had decided during the morning meeting. I started the sprint with Casper and Tom right on my wheel. About 300 meters from the finish line I looked behind me and I didn’t see Tom anymore. At that point I launched my sprint and only in the last 50 meters I saw Tom near me. We both raised our hands and I stopped thinking about the sprint. It was only after passing the finish line that I understood I had won. It’s the first time I win two stages in a row during the same race, it’s a great feeling. Winter training and the serene atmosphere in the team are bringing in great results. Let me thank my team once again. The guys raced a team time-trial again today and they took Tom and I by the hand up until the very last kilometer. It’s a pleasure to race alongside athletes that are such great professionals.”

“We controlled the race perfectly once again today,” Boonen said after the end of the stage. “I was trying to get Chicchi’s wheel at the last kilometer in order to enhance my sprint, but another rider hit my front wheel making me wallow for a moment. I lost a few positions but I managed to keep good speed. I made my sprint attempt in the final meters and found myself head to head with Chicchi. We looked at each other and just by instinct we both raised our arms. We didn’t know who of us had won but it didn’t matter. We’re happy to have given the team another great day. I am in good shape and there will be more time for me to win.”

Thanks to today’s time bonuses, Chicchi can consolidate his advantage as leader of the standings while waiting for tomorrow’s mountain stage and Thursday’s time trial stage, when all the athletes atop the standings will put in their best effort.

Stage 2 Results (Fraga - Juana Kuslay 145.3 km):
1. Francesco Chicchi (ITA) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step
2. Tom Boonen (Bel) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step
3. Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealthcare
4. Fco. Jose Ventoso (Spa) Movistar
5. Jimmy Casper (Fra) Ag2R-La Mondiale

General Classification After Stage 2
1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step
2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3. Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealthcare

Photos: Courtesy Omega Pharma - Quick Step © Riccardo Scanferla

'Nuff said!

Learn to make this Ryan McFarland creation for yourself at Instructables.

Today in a photo finish Francesco Chicchi won the first stage of the Vuelta a San Luis, from San Luis to Villa Mercedes. After 189 kilometers buffeted by rain, hail and strong winds that even split the pack into several parts in the final, the rider from the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team came in just a few centimeters ahead of local idol JJ Haedo (Team Saxo Bank). The strong Italian sprinter was really hungry and on the prowl for this success, which has given his team their first road win for 2012. It was Chicchi's second personal success in Argentina, where he also won the first stage in 2010.

"It was a grueling stage," said Chicchi after the arrival. "I must thank the entire team for the great work they did and the trust they placed in me. We attacked with about 50 kilometers to go to the arrival, with team Saxo Bank taking advantage of the wind. My team mates did a splendid job and we managed to break up the group into several parts. When I lifted my head I would see athletes in front of me like Chavanel, Leipheimer and Boonen, all working for me, and my only thought was that I couldn't let them down. Having a last man like Boonen was super. Tom launched me perfectly. In the final meters I saw that Haedo was catching up to me. So I gave it everything I had and managed to just barely stay ahead of him. It's an enormous joy. I felt really well. During the winter, both in the team retreats and at home I worked really hard to regain my feelings for victory. The specific work we did has given the desired results. I'm happy that I gave the team their first 2012 success. I'm going to remember this victory for a long time. For more than a year I hadn't been able to clinch a victory. Now I hope the situation can change. Argentina is lucky for me. I also won here in 2010. Now we can look ahead to the next stages with more serenity. The team is in good shape and we are all highly motivated. In the next few days we're going to try to do some more good things."

“Today the team was perfect," said Sport Director Davide Bramati. “The guys supported Chicchi all day long, and he was really ready for this event. We decided to bet on him. We knew he could do well and even Tom put himself at Francesco's service, proving that he's a champion of altruism. The weather was horrible but fortunately all our guys arrived in the first group except for Rabon, who fell after having worked very hard. Luckily there were no serious consequences and he'll be able to take to the starting line tomorrow, too."

Stage 1 Results
1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step
2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3. Mauro Richeze (Arg) Argentina National Team

General Classification After Stage 2
1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step
2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3. Mauro Richeze (Arg) Argentina National Team

If you are a cyclists and have yet to hear about the advocacy group People for Bikes, now is the time to head over to their site and sign the pledge:

"I am for bikes. I'm for long rides and short rides. I'm for commuting to work, weekend rides, racing, riding to school, or just a quick spin around the block. I believe that no matter how I ride, biking makes me happy and is great for my health, my community and the environment we all share. That is why I am pledging my name in support of a better future for bicycling—one that is safe and fun for everyone. By uniting my voice with a million others, I believe that we can make our world a better place to ride."

The group's recent collaboration with Ryan Van Duzer and Allen Krughoff (Hardcastle Photography) is a work of satire at its finest. For those of you who are, know of, and/or work or live with a roadie, the video below is sure to make you laugh outright and aloud.

Stirling, South Australia – William Clarke's stirring solo victory Wednesday on Stage 2 of the Santos Tour Down Under will go down as one of the finest moments in the short history of the Champion System Pro Cycling Team.

Riding for Team UniSA, the exclusive Australian national team, Clarke delivered one of the most remarkable performances in the history of the WorldTour calendar event. The 26-year-old Tasmanian attacked with Martin Kohler (BMC Racing Team) from the start of the 148-kilometer race, then soloed the final 70 km to register the biggest win of his young professional career.

"This is unbelievable, really," Clarke said after crossing the finish line 62 seconds ahead of charging field that rapidly cut into his 12-minute lead in the final kilometers. "This is the biggest win of my career. It's my first win in the WorldTour. I knew my form was good."

Following the race from the Champion System team's training camp in Hong Kong, General Manager Ed Beamon said he couldn't help but believe even more fine performances from Clarke lie ahead. Earlier this month, Clarke registered a pair of top 10 finishes in the Australian road nationals, finishing fifth in the road race and eighth in the individual time trial.

"He's showing incredible form and that's a big reason why we were happy to give Will a break from the Champion System training camp to represent his country at the Santos Tour Down Under," Beamon said. "We hired him – to a large degree – because of his breakaway capability. He certainly proved that ability today. To manage such a time gap virtually on his own is more than impressive."

Because Clarke lost 1:40 on Tuesday's opening stage, he was not able to secure the race leader's jersey, which went to Kohler. But he did claim the SKODA King of the mountain jersey as well as Hindmarsh Most Aggressive Rider honors. He also leads the Jayco Sprint classification.

"I was dying in the last 10 kilometers," Clarke said. "(Team Manager) Dave Sanders was telling me to go for the GC (general classification). It's amazing that a breakaway rider can stay away for so long. It's sort of my speciality to keep going."

The six-day race continues Thursday with a 134.5 km stage that finishes in the seaside town of Victor Harbor.

The Champion System Pro Cycling Team is Asia's first pro continental squad. Presented last week in Beijing, the squad features 19 riders from 10 countries. The team will contest all the major races in Asia, as well as follow a program that includes races in Europe and North America.

Photo: Marc Gunter Photography

The Champion System Pro Cycling Team has enjoyed its first training camp on the Chinese island of Hainan in the South China Sea.

Hong Kong SAR – Veteran Belgian rider Gorik Gardeynwill lead the Champion System Pro Cycling Team in its first Classics appearance when Asia's first pro continental squad takes the start line for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Feb. 25 in Belgium.

Champion System was named as one of the 24 teams that will contest the nearly 200-kilometer race over hills and cobbles of East Flanders that starts and finishes in Ghent. The team's appearance will come on the heels of appearances in the Tours of Qatar and Oman earlier in February.

Though Champion System General Manager Ed Beamon has not yet named his roster, Gardeyn said he is anxious to help his fellow teammates – especially the Chinese and Malaysian riders – bridge a new frontier. He finished seventh in the 2007 edition of the race.

Gorik Gardeyn (left) and China's Xu Gang share a water bottle toast to celebrate the Champion System Pro Cycling Team's training camp on the Chinese island of Hainan.

“It’s the opening weekend in Belgium and it's a really important race,” Gardeyn said. “I feel fantastic. I appreciate this role. Where there is the opportunity I will take it. Also I have no problem guiding the guys.”

Beamon said an appearance in the 67th edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is a “great endorsement” for the new squad.

“We tried to build a team that would be strong in the classics-style races,” he said. “The invitation shows a special respect for the Chinese athletes. Few non-Belgian pro continental teams do the race.”

Former Malaysian national road champion Adiq Othman (left) American Chris Butler cruise during a training camp ride on the Chinese island of Hainan.

Beamon also said the team has added Tasmanian Cameron Wurf to its roster. The 2007 Oceania Games time trial champion finished fifth overall at last year's Tour of Turkey (riding for Liquigas-Cannondale).

"Cam should add a little depth to our GC (general classification) capability," Beamon said. "His time-trialing and climbing abilities will also give us a little more depth in the shorter stage races, and hillier one day events."

Wurf will join the team at its Hainan China training camp later this week.

Photos: Courtesy of Champion System Pro Cycling Team