Gossip dello Giorno

Gossip della Gavia

First, a happy event: The House of Petacchi welcomed Alessandro Jr. yesterday. Mom and Baby Ale are doing great. Big Ale didn't really want to ride the Giro, did he?

Also, today's Rosa, Pellizotti dedicated his jersey to his wife, who is expecting their second child in October. They're hoping for a girl, they will name Giorgia. Gazzetta, getting all the important news, eh?

Sadly, the post-race show did not have much to offer us in the gossip or polemica department. This, my friends, must change.

But fear not, for Gav has uncovered a few hints of scandal for you:

Igor Astarloa did not take the start for stage 2. He was suffering fever and stomach problems. Apparently, he became overly cold while awaiting a surprise doping control after the stage. Dangerous business those doping controls.

Rumors are a-swirling that NGC Medical, you know, that team that was supposed to ride the Giro, but didn't, has asked for an investigation from the Italian criminal authorities into the possibility that the RCS accepted bribes from Astana to enter the Giro. They are apparently also considering civil action, but are awaiting the outcome of the authority's investigations. This puts paid to the notion that NGC may have been on the money train that brought Astana to the race. Me? I doubt much will come of it. But it's a nice salacious little tidbit for a Sunday afternoon, no?

On to Signor Diluca and his not-so-pristine past. Eugene Copadacqua is known for his anti-doping exposes over at sportpro.it. It's fair to say that few, if any, doping stories escape his notice or his pen. Copa published the transcripts of the conversations between Diluca, Mazzoleni and Santuccione, a decision Diluca has decided not to forgive. At the press conference prior to the Giro start, Diluca announced that he would not answer any questions from Copa during the Giro. Ooooh, diss. Copa? He picked up his toys and left. A few others joined him, just to show what they thought of Diluca's posing.