CN is reporting that Vladamir Gusev will not be taking part in the Oly Games after his sacking by Astana. Apparently the Russian Federation decided it didn't want to risk Goose winning the thing. That or they caved under pressure form the IOC. 

Menchov will replace him in the TT and will race with lots of other Vlads (Efimkin and Karpets) in the RR.  Ivanov and whoever they can drag off the "beach" will support.

Hi all- 

First off, I love the v2.0!  I'm geeking out over all the goodies and I've just scratched the surface.  I do have a few questions though.

To wit...

The amazing number of Oakland A's fans.  What a shock to find that our dear Hons is a Barry Zito fan, along with many others.  Nikki I could understand, perhaps chris as well (I believe those are some I've noticed.).  But Hons...?  Why is he all signed up?  Now I do have some hardball blog subscriptions on SB Nation ( I'm a sucker for American League teams.).  But I'm wondering what's up with the amazing coincidence of A's fans here.  Any thoughts?

Secondly, what gives with this blank space here? 

Why is this valuable space blank indeed?  Any guesses or outright answers would be apprecieated and make them entertaining as my VDSentry has nothing for the Giro.

Peace,

egoat

CN is reporting that the Vuelta is once again considering some sort of first week "play-off" for their race.  The idea is to make the first week of the GT more "entertaining" and suggest that the Giro and TdF would follow suit.  Not only would the toss some teams after the first week, they would also allow the remaining team to bring in a completely different roster to complete the race.  WTF???  The problems with this idea just as it relates to the VD Sentry alone makes my head spin.  

Not F-ing likely Victor.  How about you just scrap the first week of the Vuelta all together and be done with it?  I mean, Espana's reluctance to get their act together regarding doping has pretty much trashed interest in the race and caused you to begin to lose your status as the 3rd GT to TdGermany.  So why not just throw in the towel rather than try to put lipstick on a pig?

This has got to be a non-starter.  The whole idea of  GT is that it is GRAND!  Like ONE BIG RACE, not two random little races.  The boys at Unipublic, or whoever owns that race now, are grasping at straws.

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The hats are in!

Some of you may know that I organize a Century here in my beloved Sauratown Mountains called the Foothills Classic.  We always try to give away some good swag and this year we've got hats!  Check them out.  

If you are going to be in the area on April 19th come ride the event.  Info here.

This guy has some great photos from recent US Pro races.  Past two ToC's, Tour of Miss. and other cycling photos.  Clicking here gets you to a good looking cycling blog. Enjoy.

CN is reporting that the 100th Rund has been canceled due to snow.  It's usually a bit of a revenge run for the sprinters who didn't win at MSR.  This year Ale Jet and last years winner JJ were not racing, so perhaps Ete missed a chance at one last win.

Just watching todays Due Mari Stage 6 (which is working great, thank you c.tv) when I had to stop part way through and write this down.  Tony is the man!  All through the highlights you can see him running the peloton, ordering people around, directing traffic.

In a, dare I say it, Hinault-like manner he was constantly near the front. In control.  Schlek the Younger scampers up to ask his wishes, disappears back into the group and returns with reinforcements.  

He started the race by co-leading a rider protest (Hinault '78) and then was just the man all day long.  When Gasparatto went on the last time up the hill, the big man controlled the climber like the pro he is, allowing him to pound away while he sat on his wheel, then powering up beside and around him as they his the top of the steep section.  "Take that beyotch..."

You want to win Flanders this year?  If your name ain't Tony Spartacus, you'd best be scared!  He is really great to watch ride and I believe, the perfect remedy to the ASO/UCI malaise.

Oh yeah, Oscarito is also in wicked form (but is an anti-patron) and is my pick for MSR.