Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Tuesday, November 24, 2015

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Wanty-Groupe Gobert gets its first invitation to Qatar and Oman

ASO, the owners of the early-season middle-eastern Tours of Qatar (February 8 - 12) and Oman (February 17 - 22), sent an invitation to Wanty-Groupe Gobert to compete in these races for the first time. The two races are viewed as important preparations for spring races and usually have a good number of World Tour teams participating.

Wanty-Groupe Gobert at the 2014 world's

"This means a lot to our team, a step forward in our sixth year as procontinentale team," said team manager Hilaire Van Der Schueren. "The ASO is an important organization and they reward us for our attractive and attacking style of racing."

Alberto Contador might drop his famous "pistol shot"

In the Huffington Post-UK, Alberto Contador said he'd drop his famous 'pistol shot' celebration if it upsets fans at next year's Tour de France following the Paris attacks.

The Spanish rider, who is considered to be one of Chris Froome's most feared rivals, often performs the salute to fans when he crosses the finishing line.

Il Pistolero Contador

Speaking to The Huffington Post UK Contador said: 'The significance of the celebration is not about shooting or violence, it's just for the people to show victory, but if some people could be offended by it then I have no problem not doing it.'

He said he was with his family when he heard about the attacks. 'This is a tragedy that has no contact with sport. Cycling is another thing. We suffered something similar in Spain with the March 11 attacks and some people very close to me suffered from them personally.'

Here's the full posting

Tour of Valencia to return

A quick note. The UCI has green-lighted the return of the Tour of Valencia in 2016. The last edition was in 2008. Like so many Spanish races, the Valencia Tour was a victim of the economic crises. The UCI is scheduling it to run February 3 to February 7 as a Category 2.1 race. That high ranking means the top teams will want to be on the line when the race starts.

It's Angel and Rafa Casero who are bringing the race first run in 1929 back to life. Thanks guys!

Ruban Plaza was the winner of the 2008 edition and Alejandro Valverde triumphed in 2007.

2008 winner Ruben Plaza

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