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News of 13/11/2009

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Parent Category: Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Category: news2009

Published on Friday, 13 November 2009 06:14

LTDL 2010 promises a great race!

 

15th Edition of Asia’s premier cycling event, Le Tour de Langkawi 2010 is back! With a new look inspiring change and a better future under the organization of the Ministry of Youth and Sport. Le Tour de Langkawi 2010 was officially launched by the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Y.B. Dato’ Razali Haji Ibrahim. The Tour which was first introduced in 1996 has reached the highest status since the first edition and for 2010; it is graded again as a Hors Class (2.HC) race by the International Cycling Union (UCI) - equivalent to the prestigious status of several major races in Europe. Organized Ministry of Youth and Sports, together with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) while the Prime Minister as the Patron of the event. Le Tour de Langkawi 2010 is scheduled to take place from 1st to 7th of March 2010, involving seven stages and covering a total distance of 1,001.8 km. The race will go through seven states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Malaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and two Federal Territories; which are Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. The route selection this time based on various factors, including technical aspects, logistics, tourism and sponsors, involves 13 venues including a new venue in the history of the LTDL organization at Parit Sulong in the state of Johor.

The seven stages are:

1 Kota Bharu – Kuala Berang (174.5km)

2 Kuala Terengganu – Chukai (182.9km)

3 Pekan, Pahang – Mersing, Johor (144km)

4 Mersing, Johor – Parit Sulong, Johor (163.5km)

5 Muar, Johor – Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan (140.3km)

6 Putrajaya, WP – Genting Highlands (103.9km)

7 Kuala Kubu Baru  – Dataran Merdeka (loop x6) (92.8km)

This new route will cause a stir because riders will have to pedal against the winds of the South China Sea, especially in Stage 2 and Stage 3, while Stage 4 will test their endurance where riders have to pedal through the longest distance under the hot sun in this Tour. As usual, the climbing route to ‘Hors status’ Genting Highlands on Stage 6 will be expected to determine which rider or team that could ultimately become the overall winner. The Tour will have a total of 20 teams competing, consisting of 17 world-class teams with three (3) ProTour teams, five (5) Pro-Continental teams, five (5) Continental teams, four (4) foreign national teams and three (3) local teams with six riders each, are expected to be take part in the racing edition-15. "Malaysia has succeeded in putting LTDL as one of the most prestigious cycling race in Asia, every year the Tour grows in recognition. In fact we can be proud of this achievement, raising the standard of event organisation to a professional world-class level and further enhance the development of sports in our country." "Organization of events such as this not only strengthens the sport, even more importantly contributes to generating income for the nation’s economy, in line with the government's intention to make Malaysia as an ideal destination for international sport events." "Under the concept of a new economic model, the government is committed to develop the sports as a vibrant, productive industry contributing to the income of the country. This is also in line with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Prime Minister’s desire to see the development of sports industry by announcing that 2011 is the Year of National Sports Industry," said Dato’ Razali Haji Ibrahim in his speech at the launching path LTDL 2010, on this day. Inspired by our former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, organizing the 15th Edition of this Tour will not escape from its original purpose, specifically to promote the name of Malaysia and promote tourism through sporting events. The Ministry of Youth and Sport agreed that the concept of promoting an attractive destination, the riders who will cover all corners of the country will also help introduce interesting places and local food offered in the country. In addition to tourist destinations, LTDL can also attract more international audiences to our unique community values of various races, backgrounds and religions living in peaceful harmony which practices the spirit of tolerance in accordance with the concept of ‘1Malaysia’. "The LTDL Organizing Committee has arranged this route covering 13 locations to help introduce our country from the angle of hospitality, cultural, racial harmony and tourism products that become our pride to the world community. The Ministry of Youth and Sport also hope like the years before, that the nation will continue to lend their support to this tour and I am confident that 2010 will LTDL received the same," Dato’ Razali Haji Ibrahim added. According to him, the extensive international media coverage will increase the country’s potential in the tourism sector and for 2010, a total 120 journalists and photographers, including 50 overseas travel writers is expected to cover the race.

 

Team NetApp: First team meeting in Lucca

 

Preparations for the new Team NetApp's 2010 racing program are in full swing. From November 3-6, the team of 14 cyclists met with management and sports directors in the Italian city of Lucca, the seat of team cosponsor SRM. The meeting focused on performance tests, team uniforms, photo and video shoots as well as first interviews for the planned website. But first and foremost, the meeting gave the newly formed team an opportunity to come together and get to know each other. In order to ensure that the cyclists could devote enough time to each other, the team's most important pieces of equipment, the bicycles, were not part of the agenda. “We are committed to keeping our cyclists motivated. We share our main sponsor's belief that virtues such as team spirit, dedication, honesty and openness can significantly contribute to success. These are the values that NetApp upholds in the corporate world and which have led the company to success. In this respect, it was a great way to start things off,” concludes Team Manager Ralph Denk. “It was a good decision for everyone to convene in one place without focusing on training. This made it possible for us to complete the tasks together. In this way, the meeting proved to be a rather efficient team-building measure.” Both sport directors Jens Heppner and Enrico Poitschke are also pleased: “The results of the performance tests were very promising, and the boys displayed a lot of dedication. We see a bright future ahead of us and are already excited for the first races.” During the team meeting they helped to prepare the predominantly young racers for their new lives as professional cyclists by setting up training plans and evaluating the performance tests. Similarly, the cyclists of the new continental Team NetApp are eagerly awaiting the coming season. Nico Keinath, the winner of the polka dot jersey at this year's Tour de L’Avenir in France, is thrilled about his new team management's concept: “The team has come up with a concrete plan to achieve its goal of making it to the ProTour in three years, which will allow it to develop accordingly throughout the next few years. This will also be beneficial for my personal development. Additionally, I like the team philosophy. We are not merely a bunch of cyclists who have been randomly thrown together. There is a good mix of young talents and experienced racers. Everyone in the team will receive as much freedom as they need as well as the support of all of their teammates. This team meeting has convinced me of that.” Which races Team NetApp will compete in at the beginning of the 2010 season will be determined in the next few weeks. During this time, the team will be introduced to the organizers of several competitions and gradually begin to compile its racing schedule.

 

Ellsworth Bicycles Gives Customers Holiday Discount for Donating Bikes to Trips for Kids

 

For the second year, Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles Inc. of Ramona, Calif., is sponsoring a Trade-In Program to help Trips for Kids (TFK) fund more mountain bike rides for disadvantaged youth around the world. Ellsworth customers who donate complete bicycles to TFK by December 31, 2009 are eligible for a $500 discount on an Ellsworth full-suspension bike or frame. "The bikes Ellsworth customers donate to Trips for Kids will be sold through our Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop, giving them another life," said Marilyn Price, founding director of TFK. "The proceeds from the Thrift Shop sales help fund the Trips for Kids chapters around the world, helping them serve more young people in their communities. We are very grateful that Ellsworth has joined with us to make the most of this season of giving." Those interested in participating in the trade-in program can donate any fully-built bikes to TFK through any authorized Ellsworth Bicycles dealer. They can redeem their trade-in credit at the dealer location to use towards the purchase of an Ellsworth Bicycles full-suspension bike or frame, including the Truth, Epiphany, Glimpse, Evolve, Moment, Rogue and Dare. Visit ellsworthbikes.com for product details. Authorized dealers will receive credit for the traded-in bikes once TFK receives them. TFK will sell the trade-in bikes at its Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop in San Rafael, Calif. The proceeds from these sales will help fund future youth mountain bike rides through TFK's 66 chapters across the United States, Canada and Israel. "Ellsworth's trade-in program was a huge success last year and drew a lot of support for Trips for Kids," said John McPartlan, Ellsworth Bicycles sales and marketing manager. "We're excited that in the first few weeks of this year's Trips for Kids holiday promotion we are experiencing such an overwhelming response from our customers. They are as eager to support Trips for Kids as we are!" More than 65,000 disadvantaged young people have participated in TFK's day-long cycling adventures that take them through nearby parks and outdoor recreation areas. In addition to vigorous outdoor activity, they also enjoy the encouragement of caring adults who teach them about the environment, the importance of healthy choices and satisfaction of accomplishing their goals.

 

Finalists for the Jayco 2009 Australian Cyclist of the Year Awards

 

Cycling Australia is pleased to announce the finalists in the Jayco 2009 Australian Cyclist of the Year Awards. The Awards will be presented at a gala celebration being staged at the Plaza Ballroom Melbourne on Sunday 22 November. The night will culminate with the announcement of the Scody 2009 People's Choice Cyclist of the Year and the presentation of the Sir Hubert 'Oppy' Opperman Medal and Trophy to the Jayco 2009 Australian Cyclist of the Year. "Australian cycling has enjoyed a stellar year both at home and on the international stage," said Mike Victor OAM, President of Cycling Australia. "Forty five Australians have been crowned World Champions in 2009 across every discpline and category. "Australia topped the medal table at the UCI Track (elite, junior and masters) and Road World Championships this year which is a clear indication of the depth of talent in our sport. "From juniors to masters, in road, track, BMX, mountainbike and Para-cycling Australians continue to make an impact and the Jayco 2009 Australian Cyclist of the Year Awards is an opportunity to recognise the hard work and effort put in by everyone involved in Australian cycling." The complete list of finalists in the respective Award categories are listed below. For more detailed infomation on each of the finalists please go to the Cycling Australia website.

The Jayco 2009 Australian Cyclist of the Year Awards finalists are:

 

Toshiba Elite Male Track Cyclist of the Year

Jack Bobridge

Leigh Howard

Cameron Meyer

 

Toshiba Elite Female Track Cyclist of the Year

Kaarle McCulloch

Anna Meares OAM

Josephine Tomic

 

Cycling Central Elite Male Road Cyclist of the Year

Allan Davis

Cadel Evans

Simon Gerrans

 

Cycling Central Elite Female Road Cyclist of the Year

Ruth Corset

Rochelle Gilmore

Chloe Hosking

 

Cycling Central Elite Male Mountain Bike Cyclist of the Year

Jared Graves

Mick Hannah

Sam Hill

 

Cycling Central Elite Female Mountain Bike Cyclist of the Year

Caroline Buchanan

Gracie Elvin

Janine Jungfels

 

Elite Male BMX Cyclist of the Year

Luke Madill

Sam Willoughby

Khalen Young

 

Elite Female BMX Cyclist of the Year

Rachel Bracken

Caroline Buchanan

Lauren Reynolds

 

Elite Male  Para-cyclist of the Year

Michael Gallagher OAM

Ryan Hughes

Craig Parsons

 

Elite Female Para-cyclist of the Year

Claire McLean

Jayme Paris

Susan Powell

 

Malaysia Airlines Elite Male Masters Cyclist of the Year

Graeme Allbon

Keith Oliver

David Willmott

 

Malaysia Airlines Elite Female Masters Cyclist of the Year

Shirley Amy

Michelle Crawford

Megan Marsh

 

Junior Male Track Cyclist of the Year

Alex Carver

Luke Durbridge

Michael Hepburn

 

Junior Female Track Cyclist of the Year

Michaela Anderson

Amy Cure

Megan Dunn

 

Junior Male Road Cyclist of the Year

Luke Durbridge

Patrick Lane

Jay McCarthy

 

Junior Female Road Cyclist of the Year

Amy Cure

Megan Dunn

Kendelle Hodges

 

Junior Male Mountain Bike Cyclist of the Year

Michael Baker

Shaun O'Connor

Rhys Willemse

 

Junior Female Mountain Bike Cyclist of the Year

Holly Baarspul

Shelley Flood

Rebecca Henderson

 

Junior Male BMX Cyclist of the Year

Michael Chasteauneuf

Anthony Dean

Sam Willoughby

 

Junior Female BMX Cyclist of the Year

Rachel Bracken

Lauren Reynolds

 

SBS Television Coach of the Year

Wade Bootes

Matt Gilmore

Iam McKenzie

 

2009 Scody People's Choice Cyclist of the Year

The finalists nominated by popular vote are:

Brendan Bailey

Caroline Buchanan

Cadel Evans

Simon Gerrans

Jared Graves

Anna Meares

Mark Renshaw

Sam Willoughby

 

Cycling Australia Media Awards - Keith Esson Regional Media Award

666 ABC Canberra - Jim Trail & Andrea Ho

Canberra Times

Ballarat Courier

 

Cycling Australia Media Awards - Best Photo

Damian Breach - Australian Mountain Bike

CJ Farquharson - womenscycling.net

Sarah Reed - Adelaide Advertiser

 

Cycling Australia Media Awards - Best Story

Mark Falahey, Mike Tomalaris & John Flynn - SBS Television

Samantha Lane - Sport & Style

Andrea Williamson, Peter Walsh & Roger Wills - 891 ABC Adelaide

 

Awards will also be presented in the following categories:

Australian Sports Commission Volunteers of the Year

Cycling Australia Event Merit Award

National Road Series Champions (Male, Female and Team)

Australian Club Premiership

Norm Gailey Trophy for Champion State

 

O'Grady cleared for release from hospital

 

Champion cyclist Stuart O'Grady will be released from a Spanish hospital after his collapse in the wake of a 'hot lap' of the Valencia MotoGP circuit on Sunday. O'Grady collapsed and suffered a seizure soon after the high speed thrill ride and believes it was probably triggered by the stress on his body from the extreme experience. However doctors have given him the all clear after a series of medical tests including an MRI scan. "When the ride finished of course I could feel my heart rate soaring, my blood pressure rising, but I didn't give it much more thought," he said. "But then I started having blotchy vision and 20 minutes later I had a seizure and collapsed. "It was possibly the extreme 'hyper tension' or maybe an old scar on my brain from one of my previous crashes but there's no use speculating or guessing, it's happened and that's that." Prior to the ride O'Grady, who rides with Team Saxo Bank, underwent medical checks and was cleared to participate. "The ride around the Valencia circuit was unbelievable," said O'Grady who rode pillion behind MotoGP legend Randy Mamola for the hot lap. "I've jumped out of planes, been in a Russian fighter jet, a V8 Supercar, the works - but the twin seater Ducati blows them all out of the water! "I have never come close to the experience of hanging on for your life. "The braking on those bikes had my feet coming off the rear pegs, and my butt way off the seat, the acceleration meant I needed my FULL strength to hang onto the machine and not get flicked out onto the track in front of 90 thousand fans," he explained. "It was something I will never forget and would do again tomorrow if my body could handle it." O'Grady has thanked Ducati for the opportunity and the medical team for looking after him and he's made it clear he's not looking for a career in MotoGP. "I think I'll stick to my 'little pushie' where we only hit 80 -100k an hour," O'Grady said. "I'll leave those MotoGP bikes to the legends that are riding them! But whilst his MotoGP career has been short he has been given a nickname courtesy of friend and fellow cyclist David Millar who was with him at Valencia. "I'm now the 'One Lap Wonder'," laughed O'Grady. "I can live with that." O'Grady is one of Australia's most decorated sporting heroes. He won the 2007 Paris-Roubaix, has won two stages of the Tour de France and has gold medals from Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships in his trophy cabinet. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) after his gold medal performance at the Athens Olympic Games. But during his almost two decade career at the top level of professional cycling O'Grady has had more than his fair share of injuries. In the past he has broken numerous bones, been treated for an abnormally high heartbeat and had surgery to repair a blocked artery. In 2007 a high speed crash during the Tour de France left him with five broken ribs, a broken shoulder and a punctured lung and earlier this year he was sidelined due to injuries sustained in a crash during the Milan - San Remo event. So from O'Grady's perspective this latest incident is nothing to be concerned about. "It takes more than one lap to get rid of me," said O'Grady.

MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: Casey Stoner invited Stuart to attend the MotoGp in Valencia but he was not the pilot for O'Grady's hot lap as has been reported by some outlets.

 

Alejandro Valverde received the prize Pedro González

 

Alejandro Valverde received yesterday night the prize Pedro González on the occasion of the XIV Days of Pro Cycling organized in Cuenca. Juan Ávila, president of the Provincial Deputation of Cuenca, accompanied by Carlos Castaño, president of the Spanish Cycling Federation and Santiago Vieco, provincial deputy for Sports and Culture, inaugurates the opening ceremony, during which Alejandro received the trophy which rewards his personal and professional path like a cyclist. Not only his first win in a three weeks race thanks to his victory in the Tour of Spain was rewarded but also the fact that he won some of the most important races of the world calendar like Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Flèche Wallonne and the Dauphiné Libéré. Later, Alejandro took part in the round table named “Alejandro Valverde won the Vuelta 2009, a race which is thinking about his future”. Key stages and moments of this race were reminded and it was also discussed about possible changes in the date and the shape of the Vuelta for the future.”