Bicycle Racing News and Opinion
August 19, 2014

Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories

Thomas Voeckler Breaks Collarbone

Europcar rider Thomas Voeckler has broken his collarbone for at least the second time in little more than one year. It's not exactly clear, but it seems the Alsatian rider was going to the start line of the first stage of the Tour du Limousin when he was hit by an Opel Corsa. The windshield of the red Opel is quite smashed. Voeckler was taken to the Limoges University Hospital for tests.

Update: It has been confirmed that Voeckler suffered a broken left collarbone and he will not be able to ride the World Championship road race in Ponferrada, Spain on September 28.

Thomas Voeckler at the 2014 Tour de France teams presentation. Photo © Sirotti

Tinkoff-Saxo Re-Signs Rogers, Recruits Basso

Here are the press releases from Tinkoff saxo about their latest signings. First Basso:

Tinkoff-Saxo is proud to officially announce that Ivan Basso will join the team in 2015. The Italian star and Tinkoff-Saxo have signed a two-year contract sharing the ambition of further bolstering the team for the next seasons. Ivan Basso will add both strength and experience to the team as one of the greatest Grand Tour riders of a generation.

“With Alberto, Peter, Rafal and now Ivan we will become the number 1 team. I have always liked Ivan; he was at lunch with me in 2007 as I would have liked him to be with my team already then. Now I’m happy to have him in our team because I know how serious and dedicated he is. I believe that he can be an important asset for conquering the Pink Jersey at Giro”, says team owner Oleg Tinkov.

Ivan Basso will become an important part of Tinkoff-Saxo’s 2015-squad bringing with him his great understanding of the sport. The 36-year old Italian is excited about making the move.

“I’ve signed a two-year contract with Tinkoff-Saxo. I’m really impressed by Oleg Tinkov’s project. It’s the best team in the world, and I’m proud to be a part of that”, confirms Ivan Basso and continues:

“I will start from scratch with the determination and desire of a new professional, but with the head and experience of a veteran”, adds Ivan Basso.

Ivan Basso time trials during stage 12 of the 2014 Giro d'Italia. Photo ©Sirotti

And here's the notice about Michael Rogers:

Tinkoff-Saxo happily announces that Michael Rogers will stay with the team. The team has signed a two-year deal with the Australian rider securing his great talent and decisive experience for the coming seasons. Michael Rogers is pleased to continue and looks forward to being a part of the team for yet another two seasons.

“I’m very excited about extending. For the last two seasons and especially in 2014, I’ve felt that we’ve been on the verge of something very special as a team – I most definitely saw that during the Tour. I’ve always been a strong advocate of teamwork, and I think that’s why I fit well into this team. We’re able to perform with a big mix of riders and I enjoy being able to assist some of the younger guys with their development”, says Michael Rogers and continues:

“It has been a memorable year so far. Together with my teammates and the sporting staff I’ve been able to maintain a high level throughout the season, which has resulted in three stage wins in the Giro and the Tour. I would love to take some more in the next seasons. I especially look forward to returning to the Tour with Alberto to finish what we’ve started”, adds Michael Rogers, who’s currently with the Tinkoff-Saxo squad in Colorado for the USA Pro Challenge.

Team manager Bjarne Riis sees the extension as an obvious choice considering the 34-year old capitaine de route’s importance to the team and personal success during 2014

“We’re all very pleased that Michael will stay with the team and it’s quite obvious why. It has been an amazing comeback and he has played an important role in raising the overall level of the team. In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever seen him stronger than he is now. He’ll definitely be important for us in the seasons to come”, says Bjarne Riis.

Michael Rogers turned pro in 2001 and quickly won three World TT Championships in a row as well as several one-week stage races thanks to his strong overall capabilities. In 2013 he made the move to Tinkoff-Saxo and soon found himself in a key position as one of the team’s most experienced and tactically gifted riders.

“He has been an essential part of our team this season and he first and foremost fits very well into the entire setup. He has the experience and strength to guide the team on the road as the extended arm of the sport director and he wins races like we’ve seen during the Grand Tours of this season. So it’s very logical that we wish to continue”, adds Bjarne Riis.

Michael Rogers winning stage 11 of this year Giro d'Italia. Photo ©Sirotti

CNN Posts Extended Lance Armstrong Overview

Had enough of Lance Armstrong? If you haven't, CNN is conducting a an extended look at the man and his legacy. The first part, posted today, is an interview with Armstrong. Tomorrow CNN will talk to some of Armstrong's victims.

Tuesday's CNN interview with Armstrong

Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories