Fotoreporter Sirotti
Here’s today’s Monday Musette:
1. Fabian Cancellara says he wants to join the monuments club, setting his 2011 goals as Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of Lombardy. Given his history of winning just about whatever one-day event he wants (except Worlds) it seems likely that sooner or later, he’s going to be the first non-Belgian (and the first rider since 1977, when Roger De Vlaeminck won the Ronde van Vlaanderen) to snare all 5. Still, if I’m his new team, wouldn’t you want a big win or two in the cobbled races in which Cancellara’s a proven champion? A bit of a head-scratcher for sure, I hope he knows what he’s doing.
2. It sounds like Thor Hushovd and Tyler Farrar have made an arrangement that will see Farrar pursue the green jersey at the 2011 Tour de France. Without Petacchi in the mix last year, 3rd-place Hushovd would actually have taken the green jersey ahead of Cavendish by the slimmest of margins. With Hushovd helping him pick which intermediate sprints to contest and guiding him through the morass of the final meters, things are looking bright for Farrar’s chances—though even a stage win would be a step in the right direction for the American and his team
3. And speaking of his team, were you as disappointed with the new Garmin-Cervélo kit as we were? So derivative. One has to wonder how much input Jonathan Vaughters—the man who brought us orange and argyle—had in the design process.
4. And speaking of kit, keeps your eyes open for an announcement here soon. We’ve finalized our design for our own 2011 clothing, and while we still have supporters to sign, we’re able to give you at least a sneak peak.
5. Is it just me, or is Roman Kreuziger one of your early favorites for the 2011 Giro? Kreuziger has a proven track-record in grand tours, and has proven himself more than able to peak for May and June (he’s won both Romadie and the Tour de Suisse). Look for him to provide the toughest competition for Vincenzo Nibali as he attempts to win back-to-back grand tours. You do know they’re no longer teammates, right?
6. Speaking of teammates, apparently Gert Steegmans is considering heading back to Quick Step. With new recruits Francesco Chicchi and Gerald Ciolek already in the fold, Quick Step has the makings of quite an impressive leadout for next year’s Tour de France.
7. Last but not least: weeks ago, Ciaran from Ireland contacted me via Twitter with a link to his blog—let’s just say, I wish I were as together at 18 as he seems to be! Take a visit and see what he’s up to—I especially enjoyed his post about some of his favorite local “bergsâ€. And his photos from the Koksijde World Cup are some of the best I’ve seen—well done!
That’s it for now. Look for more of our Team-By-Team Season Review—and stay tuned to Pavé all this week for the most comprehensive cyclocross previews, predictions, previews, and Power Rankings leading-up to Nationals this weekend in Bend, Oregon. (We won’t forget the international scene either.)
Share your comments below!
Sure glad I didn't email you earlier today to ask about the kit. Hate to be "that guy."
Re: Cancellara…Last year he seemed to make it know that he was interested in the hilly classics so could this have been the sticking point in his negotiations? Especially given Andy's and Frank's success in them as well.
I also have to wonder if this means he may lose a little of his bulk and consequently focus on the world's road race over the TT
Got a sneak peak at the 2011 Liquigas-Cannondale kit today being manufactured by Sugoi. In a word – WOW. Huge improvement over last year's kit (which was at the very least very distinctive and easy to spot in the peloton).