Lance Armstrong will race in the Centennial Giro d'Italia

"I never participated to a race in this country and I want to fill this gap. This is the Centennial Giro and I know how meaningful this is to Italian people".

MILAN, 13 october 2008 -The announcement is now official: Lance Armstrong accepted Rcs Sport's invitation and he will take part to the coming Giro d’Italia with more than ever the intention to play a leading role in the race. Last September he made publicly known his coming back to competition in 2009 as member of the Astana Team. He now said “yes” to the 2009 Centennial edition of the Giro. Rcs Sport Cycling race Manager, Angelo Zomegnan, recalls delighted the different stages of the happy decision: “From the time of his farewell to professional cycling in 2005, the friendly relationship between Lance Armstrong and myself never ended. This year, in the course of one of our frequent conversations, I sensed the possibility that Lance could come back into competition in a leading part. Such perception became an actual likelihood immediately after his extraordinary performance on August 9, 2008, during the Leadville, Colorado, 100 miles race, when riding a mountain bike in the Rocky Mountains, he came second, but in everybody's opinion: he was flying! Our contacts became more frequent between mid-August and mid-September, and on September 29, during a trip to Austin, Texas, where Armstrong lives, I officially invited Lance to the 2009 Giro d'Italia".
Hereafter, in Angelo Zomegnan's words, the reasons that induced Lance Armstrong to decide in favor of the Giro:
“First of all, once he decided to come back to professional cycling, Armstrong had to face the need to fill a gap: no cycling "campionissimo" ever allowed himself not to take part to the Giro d’Italia. Moreover, Lance is clearly the only one who could be able, after his victory in the Tour de France of the Centennial, to hit the legendary double with the Giro d’Italia Centennial edition due to take place in 2009, from May 9th to May 31st. Last but not least, Lance knows pretty well how much Italians love him, and this from the time he was a resident of the Como Lake, and such fondness is not to be found in any other European Country. To conclude, we would like to mention the Lance Armstrong Foundation project, or simply Livestrong, in which context Italy and the Giro could feature a particularly suitable and vivacious environment, apt to awaken public opinion in the fight against cancer." On his side Lance Armstrong would like to mention and make the following clear: "I am taking part to the Giro for several reasons. I never participated to a race in this country and I want to fill this gap. This is the Centennial Giro and I know how meaningful this is to Italian people. Moreover, Italy is the Country which hosted me when I was a young guy and I know that I have a lot of fans there. Everybody says that the Giro will be the kick-off to the Tour while I know I could come to Italy to be a winner and that the Giro will be my true three-week stage race of the year."

An exclusive interview with Lance Armstrong the day after he announced his participation in the Centenary edition of the Giro. The Texan announced: "I can't wait for the start."

"I want the pink jersey"

AUSTIN (TEXAS, USA), 14 October 2008 - Lance Armstrong's villa is the only one on the hillside surrounded entirely by walls, so it is impossible to see inside. The gates open only by appointment: ours comes at the end of a humid, sunny afternoon. On a comfy sofa, with original artworks on the walls, Lance relaxes barefoot in shorts and a shirt. He encourages us to take off our jackets. Texas, he says, isn't like Paris, Milan or New York: formality is unimportant here.
Armstrong, when did you decide to take part in the Giro? "Last week, though I'd been thinking about it for a long time. It was one of my major regrets of my career. But I'm attached to my routines. The first time I won in France I hadn't ridden the Giro first, so I didn't want to change a successful format. I'm very methodical in my private life too, changes unsettle me."

After the many doping cases which have excluded high profile riders, it's hard to trust the sport. "It's true, the trust has been lost, between riders, managers, organizers, journalists, sponsors and obviously the fans. But we're tested much more than in other sports. It's easier to find positive results with more tests. I'd like to see the same level of testing in other disciplines too. But do you think that footballers would ever accept the amount of testing we undergo?"
You're friends with Bush but you sound like an Obama supporter. "I've never said was a Democrat. I like Obama... but also McCain. I first met Bush when he was Governor of Texas. I like him, but I disagree with many of his choices. But he's a decent cyclist, a good attribute."
Is it true you're going to stand for the Governorship of Texas? "Perhaps in 2014. It's certainly something I've thought about, but it's a hard job that calls for sacrifices, just like cycling. My family's feelings on the matter will be crucial, as always."

You're a wine lover: don't tell us you prefer French wines? "I don't know them that well, but I adore Sassicaia and Tuscan wines."

Perhaps you'll get to uncork a bottle to celebrate the pink jersey? "Let's hope so. I can't wait for the day of the start."
from our correspondent Massimo Lopes Pegna

All content above, and photo, from La Gazzetta dello Sport

NJ: Riding Into the Sunset

Monday, October 13th: It was another beautiful day but cycling had to wait until late afternoon. The short stretch of River Road along the South Branch of the Raritan River in Califon, NJ, is one I like to include on my rides. From there you can can find some challenging, but relatively short, climbs. By the time I was arriving home the sun was settling behind the hills.

Photos: geese stretched out on the South Branch, the South Branch, 90's Richard Sachs, country road, sunset

NJ: 74F/23C Weekend

October 11th & 12th: This Fall weekend was one of the most beautiful I can remember. The temperatures were in the low to mid 70s F with no humidity and beautiful blue skies. The foliage is now starting to change in earnest making for delightful rides.

Saturday I decided to try a ride to see what aches and pains I had from Wednesday's crash. All in all it wasn't too bad....still sore ribs but the worst is the right shoulder which hurts if I do any rocking on out of the saddle climbs. I have to be careful with that.

I decided to try the club ride on Sunday and Mikki took at look at my shoulder and thought all I had were some stretched ligaments and bruising. More ibuprofen and icing are in order....

I'm trying to continue riding as Sunday I'm planning on doing the Covered Bridges ride in Bucks County, PA. Sixty three miles with 6,000 feet of climbing are on the menu.

Photos: back on the Malagnini, early Fall colors, a soccer game, Sunday ride group photos

Vintage Cycling Posters With Italian Themes

Vintage cycling posters attract me like a magnet. Not being a design person I find them fascinating.

The Coolest Chainstays On the Planet

And, they come from a 1974 Masi Prestige which the seller describes as, "Reportedly one of only four made, this cycle was presented at the 1974 Milan Show. Built in partnership with Faliero Masi, Alberto Masi revived the milled and reinforced chainstay design that Faliero used in the 60's on time trial cycles. This cycle is fitted with a complete Masi-modified, Campagnolo Super Record component group, including custom-milled hubs, brake capliers, brake levers, and shifters."

From another source that I respect I'm infomed that these are also referred to as "Fiera" (Fair) model(s) and that it's likely that there are more than four.

NJ: Crash!

Wednesday, October 8th: The Bedminster Flyers' Wednesday Night Ride(s) are slowly coming to an end as the days get shorter and shorter. Tonight was a beautiful evening and the small group, above, started out easy enough a 5pm.

The pace picked up fairly quickly on Lamington Road and we were all cruising at a good clip when the rider in front of me hit a pothole which I went into next. I then thought my Chesini bike was starting to disintegrate....lots of bad noises coming from the back. Next, I'm flying towards the Lamington Road pavement. BANG!

I stumbled to my feet and see Peter G. laying in the roadway (in the Colavita jersey above). obviously hurt more than I am. My shoulder and ribs hurt.

Peter later learns he cracked two ribs. I'm nursing my shoulder with drugs and compresses.

Speaking to Peter today we pieced together what we think happened. I hit the pothole, flatted, and slowed just enough for his wheel to overlap with mine; he hit the pothole and crashed into my rear wheel.

When your ride a lot going down is going to happen sooner or later. Thankfully, we escaped serious injuries.

My Chesini steel bike had damage of the type I've never seen before: from the impact with the pavement the downtube water bottle cage got torn off, one bolt was sheared in the boss and other boss was completely pulled out of the frame leaving a hole where it had been in the downtube!

Some of the components are banged up and will probably have to be replaced. Another reason to have more than one bike.

Which brings me to:

The pastor asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express Praise for answered prayers. A lady stood and walked to the podium. She said, 'I have a Praise. Two months ago, my husband, Tom, had a terrible bicycle wreck and his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was excruciating and the doctors didn't know if they could help him. You could hear an audible gasp from the men in the Congregation as they imagined the pain that poor Tom must have experienced.

She continued, 'Tom was unable to hold me or the children and every move caused him terrible pain. We prayed as the doctors performed a delicate operation. They were able to piece together the crushed remnants of Tom' s scrotum and wrap wire around it to hold it in place.' Again, the men in the Congregation were unnerved and squirmed uncomfortably as they imagined the horrible surgery performed on Tom.

She continued, 'Now, thank the Lord, Tom is out of the hospital and the doctor's say that with time, his scrotum should recover completely.'All the men sighed with relief. The pastor rose and tentatively asked if anyone else had anything to say.

A man rose and walked slowly to the podium. He said, 'I'm Tom, and I want to tell my wife the word is "Sternum".

NJ: It's Good To Have More Than 1 Bike

Tuesday, October 7th: Today was a day for taking it easy, soaking in lots of sunshine, and a brief adventure on the scenic Columbia Trail. A perfect recipe for taking out my Malagnini for a spin.

When I went shopping for my first bike in 1991 I remember the salesperson explaining the differences in the road bikes being sold. I also remember thinking, "What's this guy talking about? A bike is a bike." I was to learn that there can be significant differences between bikes.

For long rides at a steady pace I enjoy taking out my Malagnini built with Columbus SLX and coupled with Mavic 32 spoke wheels with DuraAce hubs. The ride is so smooth that you find yourself immersed in your surroundings and forgetting that you have to pedal.

Each of my bikes excels in one way or another. I focus on different materials: Columbus SLX, MAX, PS, EL-OS; Tange Prestige, etc. Between differences in materials, wheels, and geometry each bike is different and contributes to encouraging me to going out and riding. With careful purchasing you can own several fine older steel bikes for the cost of one medium priced carbon bike.

My Malagnini which is superbly balanced, and fitted with 19mm Michelin tires, handled the hard packed Columbia Trail just fine.

Photos: the South Branch of the Raritan River in Califon, horse farm, Fall colors are beginning, Columbia Trail (It was created from portions of the former Central Railroad of New Jersey High Bridge Branch ; built in 1876, the railroad branch line was used for passenger and freight traffic.)