Ag2r out of Dauphiné and Tour de Suisse?

Lampre-Merida too?

One year ago Ag2r’s Sylvain Georges stood on the podium in California, this morning he quit the Giro after an “Adverse Analytical Finding” for Heptaminol, a banned substance.

It’s curious to see the UCI announce the news after the A-sample only has been tested and, because it’s a “specified substance,” Georges could get any ban reduced.

But perhaps the most interesting thing is that under a new code the French team could be out of the Dauphiné and Tour of Switzerland, ruining its preparation for the Tour de France. And Lampre too?

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Giro Stage 11 Preview

An uphill finish but one that avoids many of the tough climbs in the region. Today’s stage will almost feel flat after yesterday, at least there are two regular climbs to roll up rather than winch up.

With the climbers having their chance yesterday and tomorrow looking like a sprint finish, here’s a chance for the breakaway raiders to win.

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Roy de la Montagne

Jérémy Roy FDJ

Last week FDJ riders Jérémy Roy, Thibaut Pinot and Alexandre Geniez went to Mont Ventoux and the Alps to check out the route of several crucial Tour de France stages.

Jérémy Roy kept a diary and you can read about the training camp below which covers the technical aspects such as bike choice for the Tour de France’s tricky mountain time trial, videos of the descents and Strava files but also more light-hearted elements such as fooling around with cyclotourists, a night spent sharing the same blanket as Thibaut Pinot, high altitude pizzas and more.

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Giro Stage 10 Preview

Giro Stage 10 preview

The first summit finish of the race. It’s not the high Alps but what this stage lacks in high altitude it makes up for in vicious vertical gain on the final climb where 20% slopes await.

Do we get a showdown amongst the GC candidates or will they sit tight? Normally a grand tour prompts conservatism but this Giro is doing the opposite and on such steep slopes it’s inevitable that the “fight for pink” sees many going into the red.

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Giro Rest Day Wrap

Enjoyed the first week? Vincenzo Nibali’s had a great time but everyone else watching as well should have found this a great start to the race. Sometimes rest days are impatient moments but this time it feels like it’s worth having a break before the race starts again tomorrow with a severe summit finish.

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Sunday Shorts

Nibali’s Aero Gains – Spanish Mussels – Oval Chainrings: Froome vs Wiggins – World Team Time Trial Championships FAQ – Uran’s Monaco move – Wiggins Descending

Vincenzo Nibali’s time trial surprised many but he’s been working hard on his time trial skills. The photo above shows him in the Montechiari velodrome and look and you can see the telemetry box under his saddle to beam data to trackside technicians. In fact La Gazzetta reports he’s surrounded himself with team of professionals.

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Giro Stage 9 Preview

Another day, another jagged profile? Stage 9 sees the race tackle more climbs as the race rides along the spine of Italy’s Apennine mountains but the climbs are more linear and predictable thanks to regular grades and reasonable descents.

A day for a breakaway as the race reaches the stunning city of Florence with its history, art and cycling heritage.

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Giro Stage 8 Preview

The decisive stage of the 2013 Giro? No, let’s not hype things up too much but after a week of light sparring, time for the first heavyweight contest.

Stage 8 will define the race for some time to come but it shouldn’t determine the race. But it’s made the race what it is because the prospect of a 55km time trial was an invitation for Bradley Wiggins to ride. Only Wiggins is now late to the party, his losses yesterday change the script for the race.

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Giro Stage 7 Preview

With the 55km maxichrono time trial tomorrow many of the big names will aim to rest today. Easier said than done given the stage profile above resembles a traumatic electrocardiogram.

But if the big names think about tomorrow, for others today is their day, a chance to escape and win. So the day promises quantity over quality, the sheer number of riders and teams trying to claim the day should offer plenty of action.

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Italy’s Unique Cycling Manufacturers

Cycling is popular in many places but few nations claim a trade surplus when it comes cycling goods. Sure there is China’s mass-production but Italy seems unique with a range of premium brands.

In fact you could go for a ride with 100% Italian products. From your helmet to your shoes and a bike with a frame complete with every component. Can any other country match this? Probably… but only just.

Why is this so? Well it seems Italy has a thriving number of small and medium sized firms that rely heavily on blending the personal touch of family ownership with modern machinery and big investment in research and development.

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